Taylor Swift became the most-awarded artist in MTV Video Music Awards history on Sunday, moving past Beyoncé, according to multiple outlets. France 24 reported the milestone brought her career total to 31 awards.
Swift received the inaugural Artist Director Honors and the award for video of the year, according to NBC News and France 24. Arab News reported she dedicated her top award to Dolly Parton.
Despite Swift's record, Madonna was the biggest winner of the night, taking home seven prizes, according to RTÉ News.
France 24 reported that Swift said she had written and directed 18 music videos and premiered her self-directed video for "Patient Zero," starring Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson. Arab News reported the ceremony was hosted by Snoop Dogg and broadcast from Los Angeles, and also featured a performance from Madonna.
According to the New York Post, Swift had been nominated in 11 categories at this year's awards ceremony.
How each side covered it
Left
- NBC News reported Taylor Swift surpassed Beyoncé as the most decorated solo artist in MTV VMAs history.
- Coverage highlighted her wins for the inaugural Artist Director Honors and video of the year.
“Taylor Swift surpasses Beyoncé to become most decorated solo artist in MTV VMAs history” — NBC News
Center
- RTÉ News led with Madonna winning seven awards, the most of any artist at the ceremony.
- Arab News and France 24 reported Swift's record-setting 31st VMA award and dedication to Dolly Parton.
- France 24 detailed Swift's self-directed video "Patient Zero" featuring Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson.
- Arab News noted the show was hosted by Snoop Dogg and included a Madonna performance.
“Taylor Swift becomes most-awarded artist in MTV VMA history with 31 wins” — France 24
Right
- New York Post reported Swift surpassed Beyoncé as the most-awarded solo artist in VMA history.
- The outlet noted Swift had been nominated in 11 categories at the ceremony.
“Taylor Swift surpasses Beyoncé as most-awarded solo artist in MTV VMAs history” — New York Post
Questions readers ask
What happened at the 2026 MTV VMAs?
Taylor Swift became the most-awarded artist in MTV Video Music Awards history, surpassing Beyoncé, while Madonna won the most awards of the night with seven prizes, according to reports from NBC News, RTÉ News and France 24.
How many awards has Taylor Swift now won at the VMAs?
France 24 reported that Taylor Swift's win brought her career total to 31 MTV VMA awards, making her the most-awarded artist in the show's history.
Who else won big at the 2026 VMAs?
Madonna was the biggest winner of the night, taking home seven awards, according to RTÉ News. She also performed at the ceremony, according to Arab News.
What did Taylor Swift say or do at the ceremony?
According to Arab News, Swift dedicated her top award to Dolly Parton. France 24 reported she said she had written and directed 18 music videos and premiered her self-directed video "Patient Zero," starring Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson.
Who hosted the 2026 MTV VMAs?
According to Arab News, the ceremony was hosted by Snoop Dogg and broadcast from Los Angeles.
Sources · 7 outlet reports
- CNNLeft-leaningTaylor Swift surpasses Beyoncé as most-awarded VMAs artist
- NBC NewsLeft-leaningTaylor Swift surpasses Beyoncé to become most decorated solo artist in MTV VMAs history
- Arab NewsCenterTaylor Swift becomes most-awarded artist in MTV VMAs history
- France 24CenterTaylor Swift becomes most-awarded artist in MTV VMA history with 31 wins
- NewsweekCenterTaylor Swift Becomes Most-Awarded Artist In MTV VMAs History Surpassing Beyoncé
- RTÉ NewsCenterMadonna leads VMAs winners as Swift makes history
- New York PostRight-leaningTaylor Swift surpasses Beyoncé as most-awarded solo artist in MTV VMAs history