Madonna Takes Top 2026 VMAs Nominee Spot From Taylor Swift With 11 Nods

American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress Madonna has overtaken Taylor Swift and become the top nominee at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards.

The nominations were announced on August 18, and Madonna receiving 11 nominations for this year’s VMAs. With 19 Moon Person wins to her name, and has received VMA nominations across every decade of her career.

She is also nominated for Video of the Year this year. Artist of the Year and Song of the Year. Beyond the main categories, her further nominees consist of Best Collaboration, Dance, Direction, Art Direction, Cinematography, Editing, Choreography and Visual Effects.

If Madonna takes home a win this year, she could join Beyoncé and Taylor Swift at the top of the all-time VMA winners’ list.

This year, with nine nominations, Taylor Swift comes in second behind Madonna.The singer has won 30 Moon Person awards throughout her career and is also nominated for Video of the Year and Artist of the Year.

Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter ranked next with seven nominations apiece, while Bruno Mars, PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson earned five each.

BLACKPINK’s Lisa selected up four nominees, followed by Shakira, Tate McRae, GENER8ION and Yung Lean with three separately.

The VMAs will return to Los Angeles on September 27, at the Peacock Theater, and the ceremony returning to the city for the first time since 2017.