Madonna has emerged as the top contender for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, securing 11 nominations and outpacing her younger rivals ahead of the September 27 ceremony in Los Angeles.
Taylor Swift follows with nine nominations, while Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter each earned seven. The 68-year-old Madonna, who won her first VMA in 1986 with the Video Vanguard Award, continues to demonstrate her enduring influence in the music industry.
Swift and Beyoncé currently share the record for most VMA wins with 30 each. The awards show will take place in Los Angeles, celebrating the year's most influential music videos and performances.