The Sydney Morning Herald
· collected 2026-09-27 · by Bronte Gossling
Story summary
Taylor Swift will receive the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards Artist Director Honor at the 43rd annual ceremony on September 27, making it her 31st Moon Person trophy and officially breaking the tie with Beyoncé for most awards in VMA history. The event, hosted by Snoop Dogg, will also see the premiere of Swift's new music video for "Patient Zero" at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Madonna returns to perform after a 23-year hiatus and holds 11 nominations, followed closely by Taylor Swift with 11 nods herself. The ceremony will be broadcast on CBS alongside MTV. DIRECTV offers a five-day free trial to watch the VMAs live for free. This year’s show celebrates the best music videos of 2026, marking a significant milestone for both Madonna and Taylor Swift in terms of recognition and impact on the award show's legacy. Other notable performances include Sabrina Carpenter with nine nominations and Ariana Grande with eight. MTV also honors Nirvana with this year's Video Vanguard Award. The event features various categories such as Best Direction, Best Editing, and Best Choreography, among others, recognizing excellence in music video artistry and innovation. Madonna's appearance is set to open the show on September 27 at Peacock Theater. Madonna’s comeback performance is anticipated with special guests including Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter. MTV VMAs continue to celebrate iconic moments, performances, and innovations in music videos throughout the years. Swift's contribution includes a deluxe edition release titled "The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore," which debuted alongside “Patient Zero,” further cementing her creative influence on modern pop culture. DIRECTV provides a free trial for VMAs viewership starting September 27, ensuring widespread accessibility and engagement with the event. Overall, this year's MTV Video Music Awards are set to be a memorable celebration of music video artistry and fan community interactions. Madonna’s presence is marked by her historic contributions since the inaugural ceremony in 1984, signaling an era of continued innovation and cultural significance for the VMAs. Snoop Dogg, as host, brings his unique blend of entertainment, comedy, and musical prowess to the stage, promising a dynamic and engaging evening for all music lovers. The combination of Madonna’s comeback performance and Swift's historical award acceptance promises to make this year’s MTV Video Music Awards an unforgettable event in the annals of pop culture history. DirectTV's free trial offer enhances viewer accessibility, ensuring that fans can enjoy the full spectrum of performances, awards, and fan interactions live from Peacock Theater on CBS. The VMAs continue to celebrate creativity, innovation, and community engagement in music video artistry, making September 27 a highly anticipated date for music enthusiasts worldwide.
Written for “MTV Video Music Awards 2026” on 2026-10-05,
grounded in this article and the 50 other(s) covering the same event.
Fellow VMAs heavy hitter Swift is receiving the inaugural VMA Artist Director Honours, marking her 31st VMA win overall and breaking her tie with Beyoncé to become the most-awarded artist in the award show’s history (Swift is nominated in nine categories, going up against Madonna in seven of them).
framing: assertive ·
carried by 1 article(s) ·
first seen 2026-09-28
🔮 Video of the Year
- Ariana Grande, Hate That I Made You Love Me
- Bruno Mars, I Just Might
- Gener8ion, Storm starring Yung Lean
- Madonna, Confessions II — The Film
- Sabrina Carpenter, Tears
- Taylor Swift, The Fate of Ophelia
Artist of the Year
- Ariana Grande
- Bruno Mars
- Madonna
- Morgan Wallen
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Taylor Swift
Song of the Year
- BTS, Swim
- Ella Langley, Choosin’ Texas
- Huntr/X: Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami, Golden
- Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter, Bring Your Love
- Olivia Dean, Man I Need
- PinkPantheress, Stateside + Zara Larsson
- Raye, Where Is My Husband!
Best New Artist
- Bella Kay
- Cortis
- Magnus Ferrell
- Malcolm Todd
- Myles Smith
- Sienna Spiro
- Stella Lefty
Best Collaboration
- Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, Malice, Chains & Whips
- French Montana x Max B, Ever Since U Left Me
- Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter, Bring Your Love
- PinkPantheress, Stateside + Zara Larsson
- Shakira & Burna Boy, Dai Dai
- Teyana Taylor & Lucky Daye, Hard Part
Best Pop
- Ariana Grande, Hate That I Made You Love Me
- Charli xcx, SS26
- LISA feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi, Dream
- Olivia Rodrigo, Drop Dead
- Sabrina Carpenter, House Tour
- Tate McRae, Nobody’s Girl
- Taylor Swift, The Fate of Ophelia
Best Hip-Hop
- Cardi B feat. Kehlani, Safe
- Don Toliver, E85
- Drake, Janice STFU
- Megan Thee Stallion, Lover Girl
- Travis Scott, Dumbo
- Tyler, the Creator, Sugar on My Tongue
Best R&B
- Bruno Mars, I Just Might
- Chris Brown, It Depends/Obvious
- Dave & Tems, Raindance
- Justin Bieber, Yukon
- Kehlani, Folded
- Mariah the Scientist & Kali Uchis, Is It a Crime
Best Alternative
- Geese, Taxes
- MGK & Fred Durst, Fix Ur Face
- Noah Kahan, The Great Divide
- Olivia Rodrigo, The Cure
- Sombr, Homewrecker
- Tame Impala, Dracula
- Twenty One Pilots, Drag Path
Best Dance
- Bebe Rexha & Faithless, New Religion
- Harry Styles, Aperture
- Lady Gaga & Doechii, Runway
- PinkPantheress, Stateside + Zara Larsson
- Slayyyter, Dance…
- Tate McRae, Nobody’s Girl
Best Latin
- Anitta with Shakira, Choka Choka
- Bad Bunny, Nuevayol
- Fuerza Regida, Tu Sancho
- Karol G, Papasito
- Rosalía feat. Yahritza Y Su Esencia, La Perla
- Ryan Castro, Kapo & Gangsta, La Villa
- Shakira & Burna Boy, Dai Dai
Best K-Pop
- Blackpink, Jump
- BTS, Swim
- Cortis, Redred
- Katseye, Pinky Up
- Le Sserafim (feat. J-Hope of BTS), Spaghetti
- LISA feat.
The red carpet has officially been unrolled for the wildest awards show in entertainment, but the best is yet to come from the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).
asserted
best → unroll → Awards
The VMAs had earned its chaotic reputation long before the artist formerly known as Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech in 2009, and that’s in large part thanks to Madonna.
asserted
that → earn → Madonna
And on Sunday night at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre (Monday morning AEST), the Queen of Pop is gracing the stage and performing at the VMAs for the first time in 23 years.
asserted
Queen → grace → years
A quick refresher for the uninitiated: Madonna’s first performance at the VMAs was in 1984, an edgy rendition of Like A Virgin some critics dubbed obscene.
asserted
critics → dub → Virgin
She upped the edgy ante in 2003, when she performed the opening medley with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera … and locked lips with them.
asserted
she → up → them
It’s not just the Madonna show tonight – though she is nominated 13 times, the most of any artist this year.
asserted
she → ’ → artist
Fellow VMAs heavy hitter Swift is receiving the inaugural VMA Artist Director Honours, marking her 31st VMA win overall and breaking her tie with Beyoncé to become the most-awarded artist in the award show’s history (Swift is nominated in nine categories, going up against Madonna in seven of them).
asserted
Swift → receive → them
On the Australian front, it’s a little quiet this year.
asserted
it → ’ → front
Tame Impala is the only homegrown artist nominated, with Dracula getting a nod in the best alternative category.
asserted
Dracula → nominate → category
Video of the Year
- Ariana Grande, Hate That I Made You Love Me
- Bruno Mars, I Just Might
- Gener8ion, Storm starring Yung Lean
- Madonna, Confessions II — The Film
- Sabrina Carpenter, Tears
- Taylor Swift, The Fate of Ophelia
Artist of the Year
- Ariana Grande
- Bruno Mars
- Madonna
- Morgan Wallen
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Taylor Swift
Song of the Year
- BTS, Swim
- Ella Langley, Choosin’ Texas
- Huntr/X: Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami, Golden
- Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter, Bring Your Love
- Olivia Dean, Man I Need
- PinkPantheress, Stateside + Zara Larsson
- Raye, Where Is My Husband!
Best New Artist
- Bella Kay
- Cortis
- Magnus Ferrell
- Malcolm Todd
- Myles Smith
- Sienna Spiro
- Stella Lefty
Best Collaboration
- Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, Malice, Chains & Whips
- French Montana x Max B, Ever Since U Left Me
- Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter, Bring Your Love
- PinkPantheress, Stateside + Zara Larsson
- Shakira & Burna Boy, Dai Dai
- Teyana Taylor & Lucky Daye, Hard Part
Best Pop
- Ariana Grande, Hate That I Made You Love Me
- Charli xcx, SS26
- LISA feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi, Dream
- Olivia Rodrigo, Drop Dead
- Sabrina Carpenter, House Tour
- Tate McRae, Nobody’s Girl
- Taylor Swift, The Fate of Ophelia
Best Hip-Hop
- Cardi B feat. Kehlani, Safe
- Don Toliver, E85
- Drake, Janice STFU
- Megan Thee Stallion, Lover Girl
- Travis Scott, Dumbo
- Tyler, the Creator, Sugar on My Tongue
Best R&B
- Bruno Mars, I Just Might
- Chris Brown, It Depends/Obvious
- Dave & Tems, Raindance
- Justin Bieber, Yukon
- Kehlani, Folded
- Mariah the Scientist & Kali Uchis, Is It a Crime
Best Alternative
- Geese, Taxes
- MGK & Fred Durst, Fix Ur Face
- Noah Kahan, The Great Divide
- Olivia Rodrigo, The Cure
- Sombr, Homewrecker
- Tame Impala, Dracula
- Twenty One Pilots, Drag Path
Best Dance
- Bebe Rexha & Faithless, New Religion
- Harry Styles, Aperture
- Lady Gaga & Doechii, Runway
- PinkPantheress, Stateside + Zara Larsson
- Slayyyter, Dance…
- Tate McRae, Nobody’s Girl
Best Latin
- Anitta with Shakira, Choka Choka
- Bad Bunny, Nuevayol
- Fuerza Regida, Tu Sancho
- Karol G, Papasito
- Rosalía feat. Yahritza Y Su Esencia, La Perla
- Ryan Castro, Kapo & Gangsta, La Villa
- Shakira & Burna Boy, Dai Dai
Best K-Pop
- Blackpink, Jump
- BTS, Swim
- Cortis, Redred
- Katseye, Pinky Up
- Le Sserafim (feat. J-Hope of BTS), Spaghetti
- LISA feat.
uncertain
It → make → BTS
Best Country
- Ella Langley, Choosin’ Texas
- Kacey Musgraves, Dry Spell
- Lainey Wilson, Somewhere Over Laredo
- Luke Combs, Back in the Saddle
- Shaboozey, Cowgirl
- Stella Lefty, Boston
- Tucker Wetmore, Brunette
Best Direction
- Ariana Grande, Hate That I Made You Love Me
- Bruno Mars, I Just Might
- Gener8ion, Storm starring Yung Lean
- Madonna, Confessions II - The Film
- Sabrina Carpenter, House Tour
- Taylor Swift, Opalite
Best Art Direction
- Charli xcx, SS26
- Lady Gaga & Doechii, Runway
- Madonna, Confessions II — The Film
- PinkPantheress, Stateside + Zara Larsson
- Sombr, My Body Isn’t Ready
- Taylor Swift, The Fate of Ophelia
Best Cinematography
- A$AP Rocky, Punk Rocky
- Ariana Grande, Hate That I Made You Love Me
- Lisa feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi, Dream
- Madonna, Confessions II — The Film
- Shaboozey, Cowgirl
- Taylor Swift, The Fate of Ophelia
Best Editing
- Ariana Grande, Hate That I Made You Love Me
- Bruno Mars, I Just Might
- Lisa feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi, Dream
- Madonna, Confessions II - The Film
- Sabrina Carpenter, House Tour
- Taylor Swift, The Fate of Ophelia
Best Choreography
- Gener8ion, Storm starring Yung Lean
- Harry Styles, Dance No More
- Katseye, Pinky Up
- Madonna, Confessions II — The Film
- Tate McRae, Nobody’s Girl
- Taylor Swift, The Fate of Ophelia
Best Visual Effects
- Ariana Grande, Hate That I Made You Love Me
- Jisoo x Zayn, Eyes Closed
- Madonna, Confessions II — The Film
- PinkPantheress, Stateside + Zara Larsson
- Raye feat. Hans Zimmer, Click Clack Symphony
- Taylor Swift, The Fate of Ophelia
Best Group
- Blackpink
- BTS
- Cortis
- Fuerza Regida
- Geese
- Katseye
- Twenty One Pilots
Best Long Form Video
- Charli xcx, Music, Fashion, Film
- Ella Langley, Choosin’ Texas
- Gener8ion, Storm starring Yung Lean
- Madonna, Confessions II — The Film
Best Album
- Drake, Iceman
- Madonna, Confessions II
- Olivia Dean, The Art of Loving
- Olivia Rodrigo, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love
- Sabrina Carpenter, Man’s Best Friend
- Taylor Swift, The Life of a Showgirl
Song of the Summer
- Ariana Grande, Hate That I Made You Love Me
- Bruno Mars, Risk It All
- Charli xcx, Camera
- Ella Langley, Choosin’ Texas
- Katseye, Hootie Frutti
- Latto feat. Doja Cat, Okayyy
- Morgan Wallen, Been by Now
- Olivia Dean, So Easy (To Fall in Love)
- Olivia Rodrigo, Stupid Song
- Sabrina Carpenter, House Tour
- Slayyyter, Brand New Chanel$
- Sombr, Homewrecker
- Stella Lefty, Boston
- Tame Impala and Jennie, Dracula
- Taylor Swift, I Knew It, I Knew You
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights.
uncertain
I → make → stories
The Aporia
