Swift becomes most-awarded artist in MTV VMAs history, dedicates top prize to Parton

NEW YORK, Sept 28, (AP): Taylor Swift broke records at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, as she is known to do. The pop powerhouse received the inaugural Artist Director Honors on Sunday night, becoming the most-awarded artist in VMA history. Previously, she was tied with Beyoncé for the title, with 30 VMAs each.

The new award is meant to recognize artists "whose work behind the camera has expanded the possibilities of music video and advanced the art of visual storytelling." "I got to start making music videos and being a part of music videos 20 years ago,” Swift said in her speech, adding that she's been involved in making roughly 60 music videos, 18 of which she wrote and directed.

"You, the fans, make it so much fun,” she said. She also took home the top prize of the night - video of the year - for "The Fate of Ophelia" from her album "The Life of a Showgirl.” Swift dedicated that award to the "ultimate showgirl,” the late Dolly Parton. "I think we were all very lucky to share this planet with Dolly Parton for a time," Swift said. Swift also debuted the music video for her new song, "Patient Zero,” during the award show.

She directed the visual, which stars Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson. Johnson and Swift portray mirror images of each other. "Patient Zero” is also her first single since marrying Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden in July. The two-hour show was broadcast live on CBS from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

"It's mother," were the first words uttered by Madonna as she opened the VMAs with her 2026 single "Bring Your Love" alongside collaborator Sabrina Carpenter. Later in the night, the pair won the award for best collaboration for the song. "It’s been a while since I did one of these things,” Madonna joked. "So, I’ve prepared nothing.”

When it came time for her return to the stage to accept the award for artist of the year, Madonna began with, "First of all, I would like to thank my fingers because I can always count on them.” Returning a third time to accept for best dance, she said simply, "I came alive on the dance floor. ... We’re all equal on the dance floor.”

If her aim was to bring the dance floor to the award show stage, Madonna did exactly that in her opening number - and then some, when Charli xcx emerged from a club bathroom to perform their reworked version of "Danceteria.” Around them? A trove of dancers and various famous friends, including actor Debi Mazar, Sombr and Julia Garner. The show, which was delayed 20 minutes by a tight NFL game, wasted no time getting heart rates up.