The queen of pop is poised to reclaim her throne. Dominating the nominations list for this year’s MTV Video Music Awards is Madonna, surpassing even Taylor Swift. With 11 nominations, Madonna secures the top spot for the third time in her career at the upcoming ceremony. These nods recognize her work on the chart-topping album “Confessions II” and its accompanying film.
Outshining Taylor Swift, who holds the title of the most awarded solo artist in VMA history, Madonna’s nominations are notably for artist and video of the year. On the other hand, Swift received nine nominations for her album “The Life of a Showgirl” and the music video “The Fate of Ophelia.” Following closely behind Swift are Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande, each garnering seven nominations.
Not a stranger to VMA triumphs, Madonna previously led the nominations in 1990 and 1998 during her “Vogue” and “Ray of Light” eras. However, her unforgettable moment at the inaugural 1984 ceremony, where she performed “Like a Virgin” in a wedding dress and “Boy Toy” belt buckle, remains iconic. This performance pushed the boundaries of cable television acceptability, cementing Madonna’s association with groundbreaking VMA moments.
Among Madonna’s nominations are video of the year, artist of the year, and song and collaboration of the year for “Bring Your Love,” featuring fellow nominee Carpenter. The highly anticipated video of the year category sees Madonna’s “Confessions” competing against Swift’s “Ophelia,” Grande’s “Hate That I Made You Love Me,” Carpenter’s “Tears,” Bruno Mars’s “I Just Might,” and Gener8ion and Yung Lean’s “Storm.”
Thirteen of this year’s categories are open for public voting. The winners will be revealed during the live broadcast of the ceremony on September 27, airing on CBS, MTV, and streaming on Paramount+.