Madonna Leads 2026 MTV VMA Nominations: Full Updated List

September 19, 2026

Madonna has officially claimed the top spot as the leading nominee for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, amassing an impressive 13 nominations, the Recording Academy announced on Friday, September 18. This marks a significant return to prominence for the pop icon, who last led the VMA nominations in 1998. The expanded list of contenders, revealed following the announcement of nominations in four additional social categories, solidifies the VMA landscape for the upcoming awards ceremony.

The comprehensive tally positions Madonna at the forefront, followed closely by Taylor Swift with 11 nominations and Sabrina Carpenter with nine. Ariana Grande garners eight nods, while Bruno Mars secures six, earning him the distinction of the year’s top male nominee. PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson each received five nominations, with Charli XCX, Ella Langley, GENER8ION, KATSEYE, LISA, Olivia Rodrigo, and Yung Lean trailing with four nominations apiece. This diverse slate of nominees reflects a dynamic year in music and visual artistry, setting the stage for a highly competitive awards show.

Madonna’s Resurgence and Record-Breaking Nomination Haul

The initial announcement on August 18 highlighted Madonna’s commanding presence, with 11 nominations that underscore her enduring influence. This marks the first time since 1998 that the Queen of Pop has led the VMA nominations, a year in which she secured her first Video of the Year award for "Ray of Light." Her previous leading nomination came in 1990, the same year she was recognized for "Vogue." This year’s 11 nominations represent a personal best for the legendary artist, a testament to her sustained career and artistic evolution.

Madonna’s epic 14-minute film, "Confessions II – The Film," is a formidable contender in the coveted Video of the Year category. This nomination aligns with a recent trend at the VMAs, where longer-form visual projects have gained significant traction. Taylor Swift’s 15-minute "All Too Well: The Short Film" clinched the award in 2022, and Ariana Grande’s 26-minute "Brighter Days Ahead" took home the prize last year, demonstrating a growing appreciation for ambitious narrative storytelling within music videos.

A Competitive Field: Swift, Grande, and Emerging Stars

Taylor Swift, a powerhouse in her own right with a record-breaking 30 Moon Person trophies, stands as the second most-nominated artist with nine nods. Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter are close behind, each receiving seven nominations. Bruno Mars, PinkPantheress, and Zara Larsson have five nominations each, while K-pop sensation LISA rounds out the top contenders with four nominations. Notably, seven of the eight artists with the highest number of nominations are women, highlighting a significant female presence at the forefront of contemporary music and visual artistry.

The Video of the Year category features a compelling lineup of past winners and rising stars. Alongside Grande’s "hate that i made you love me," Madonna’s "Confessions II – The Film," and Swift’s "The Fate of Ophelia," three artists are vying for their first win in this prestigious category: Bruno Mars for "I Just Might," Sabrina Carpenter for "Tears," and GENER8ION for "Storm," featuring Yung Lean.

Beyond the Top Categories: Diverse Nominees and Genre Shifts

The nominations also shed light on shifts within key categories. Ariana Grande is nominated for Artist of the Year for a record sixth time, with Taylor Swift close behind with her fifth nomination in the category. Country music’s presence is reinforced by Morgan Wallen’s second consecutive nomination, while Bruno Mars earns his third nod. Sabrina Carpenter receives her second nomination, and Madonna makes her first appearance in the Artist of the Year category. This year marks a significant departure as, for the first time since its introduction in 2017, the Artist of the Year category features no hip-hop artists. Similarly, for the first time in five years, no Latin artists were nominated in this prominent category.

The Best New Artist category showcases a fresh wave of talent, with nominees including Bella Kay, CORTIS, Magnus Ferrell, Malcolm Todd, Myles Smith, Sienna Spiro, and Stella Lefty. Spiro is generating considerable buzz, drawing comparisons to Grammy contenders in the Best New Artist race. Ella Langley, who was a finalist in this category at last year’s VMAs, also continues to be a strong contender.

Several artists are making their debut at the VMAs with multiple nominations. GENER8ION and Yung Lean each earned three nods, while CORTIS and Lefty received two nominations. Other notable first-time nominees vying for their first Moon Person include Don Toliver, Kali Uchis, Noah Kahan, Olivia Dean, and Tucker Wetmore.

Returning and Absent Categories: A Shifting VMA Landscape

The Best Dance category makes a triumphant return after a seven-year hiatus, a category where Madonna has historically been a contender but has yet to secure a win. Her nomination for "Confessions II – The Film" positions her as a strong favorite this year. The competition in this category is fierce, featuring Bebe Rexha & Faithless for "New Religion," Harry Styles for "Aperture," Lady Gaga & Doechii for "RUNWAY," PinkPantheress + Zara Larsson for "Stateside," Slayyyter for "DANCE…," and Tate McRae for "Nobody’s Girl."

Conversely, two genre categories that were featured in last year’s show – Best Rock and Best Afrobeats – were notably absent from the initial announcement of nominees. Several other categories presented in the previous year are also currently missing from the initial rollout, including Best Pop Artist, PUSH Performance of the Year, Best Album, Video for Good, Best Long-Form Video, Best Group, and Song of Summer. The inclusion of these categories in subsequent announcements or the final show remains to be seen.

While the Best Pop Artist category is not yet fully detailed, it is understood that all lead nominees for this category are women. Some male artists who might have been considered for Best Pop have been redirected to other genre categories. Bruno Mars’s "I Just Wait" and Justin Bieber’s "YUKON" are nominated in the Best R&B category, while Harry Styles’s "Aperture" is recognized in Best Dance.

Fan Engagement and Broadcast Details

Fan voting is now open for 13 categories, accessible via vote.mtv.com, with the deadline set for September 25 at 6 p.m. ET. The Best New Artist category will remain open for voting until the conclusion of the show. Fans can amplify their impact by participating in "Power Hour," a daily promotion running from August 20 through September 24, between 1-2 p.m. ET, offering double votes in all categories.

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards will broadcast live from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 27. The telecast is scheduled from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. ET and 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. PT on CBS, with a simulcast on MTV and streaming availability on Paramount+ in the U.S. Global audiences can access the show the following day on Paramount+ and MTV.

This marks the first time the VMAs have been held in the Los Angeles area since 2017, when Katy Perry hosted from The Forum in Inglewood. The broadcast on CBS represents the second consecutive year the show has aired on the network. Furthermore, the 2026 VMAs will be the first to be held in the fall, a departure from the traditional late summer schedule that has characterized previous ceremonies.

The production of the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards is being handled by Gunpowder & Sky. Van Toffler returns as producer for the second consecutive year. The executive producer team includes Jesse Ignjatovic of Den of Thieves, Barbara Bialkowski, Bruce Gillmer, Barry Barclay, and Floris Bauer. Melanie Block is serving as co-executive producer, with Gary Lanvy as co-producer.