LifestyleThe GuardianMTV VMAs 2026: Taylor Swift and Madonna win at awards dominated by female artists
Madonna won artist of the year at the 2026 MTV VMAs with seven awards total, while Taylor Swift took video of the year and dedicated her win to the late Dolly Parton.
Madonna and Swift take home four of six prizes given out during ceremony telecast, alongside K-pop star Lisa and British newcomer Sienna Spiro
Madonna dominated the 2026 MTV VMAs with seven wins including artist of the year, while Taylor Swift took video of the year for The Fate of Ophelia.
Madonna, 68, opened the show with her first VMAs performance in 23 years, collaborating with Sabrina Carpenter and Charli xcx at the Peacock theater in Los Angeles.
Swift dedicated her win to Dolly Parton, who died last month at 80, calling her the ultimate showgirl in an emotional acceptance speech.
Taylor Swift is now the most-awarded solo artist and most-decorated music video director in VMAs history, and dedicated her win to Dolly Parton, who died last month at 80.
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