Madonna, Taylor Swift Set VMA Records with Major 2026 Wins; BTS Earns Three Awards

Madonna was the big winner at the 2026 MTV VMAs , which went down on Sunday (Sept. 27). Madonna won a total of seven awards, the most of any artist on the night. Madonna has now won 26 VMAs in competition, which puts her just behind Taylor Swift (32) and Beyoncé (29) on the all-time leaderboard.

BTS received three awards, which made them the night’s runners-up. Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande each won two awards. BTS and Grande were not present at the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles to receive their awards, though Madonna and Swift were very visible.

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Madonna opened the show in what was her first performance at the VMAs in 23 years. It was her fifth time opening the show, which set a new VMAs record. (She had been tied with Rihanna with four show-openers each.)

In addition to her two wins in competitive categories, Swift received the inaugural VMA Artist Director honors. Also, the music video for Swift’s new single, “Patient Zero,” premiered at the awards. Swift directed the video, which stars Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson.

There were two tributes to late, great artists. Kacey Musgraves performed a tribute to Dolly Parton. RAYE, SOMBR, Teddy Swims and Adam Lambert honored George Michael. In addition, Nirvana, which disbanded upon the suicide of lead singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain, received the video vanguard award.

Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the VMAs aired live from Los Angeles on Sunday on CBS, simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ (Premium) in the U.S. The show will also be available globally the next day on Paramount+ and MTV. The VMAs were produced by Gunpowder & Sky. Van Toffler served as producer.

Here are some of the records that were set at the 2026 MTV VMAs.

_Originally reported by [Billboard](https://www.billboard.com/lists/2026-vmas-records-taylor-swift-madonna/)._