Taylor Swift has made history as the most awarded artist in MTV Video Music Awards history.
She won three awards at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday. Her career total is now 33, the most of any artist. She began the night tied with Beyoncé at 30.
Swift, 36, won video of the year for “The Fate of Ophelia,” from her 2025 album The Life of a Showgirl. She also won the first Artist Director Award and Best Direction for “Opalite.” Swift has written and directed 18 of her roughly 60 music videos.
She dedicated the top award to country singer Dolly Parton, who died in August at 80. Swift called her “the ultimate showgirl.”
During the ceremony, Swift released the video for her new song “Patient Zero.” The video stars actors Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson.
Madonna, 68, won artist of the year, best dance and best collaboration. She shared the collaboration award with Sabrina Carpenter for “Bring Your Love.” Madonna had performed at the first VMAs in 1984. “Most of you were probably not born,” she told the audience.
Lisa of the group Blackpink, 29, became the first Asian solo artist to win best pop for her song “Dream.” British singer Sienna Spiro won best new artist, and Bruno Mars won best R&B.
Rapper Snoop Dogg hosted the show at the Peacock Theatre. CBS and MTV broadcast it live, and Paramount+ streamed it. Fan votes decided the top categories.
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Two Nigerian artists received nominations, and neither won an award, as confirmed. Burna Boy had two nominations for “Dai Dai,” his song with Colombian singer Shakira, in the best collaboration and best Latin categories. Madonna and Carpenter won best collaboration. Tems was nominated for best R&B for “Raindance,” her song with British rapper Dave.
MTV removed the best Afrobeats category this year. The category ran for three years. Nigerian singer Rema and Selena Gomez won it in 2023, and South African singer Tyla won it in 2024 and 2025.
