Madonna, the queen of pop, is set to reclaim her throne at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). Surpassing Taylor Swift, Madonna has secured 11 nominations for her album “Confessions II” and its associated film, making her the most nominated artist at the upcoming ceremony. This marks the third time Madonna has achieved this feat in her career.
Taylor Swift, who holds the record for the most solo artist wins in VMA history, follows Madonna with nine nominations for her album “The Life of a Showgirl” and the music video “The Fate of Ophelia.” Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande are also in the running with seven nominations each.
Madonna previously led the VMA nominations in 1990 and 1998 with her “Vogue” and “Ray of Light” eras. Her unforgettable performance at the 1984 VMAs, where she sang “Like a Virgin” in a wedding dress and “Boy Toy” belt buckle, is still considered groundbreaking for pushing the boundaries of cable television.
In addition to video of the year and artist of the year nominations, Madonna is recognized for her song and collaboration “Bring Your Love” with fellow nominee Carpenter. The video of the year category includes competition from 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.”
The winners, determined through public voting in 13 categories, will be revealed during the live broadcast of the ceremony on September 27, airing on CBS, MTV, and streaming on Paramount+.