Taylor Swift has become the most successful artist in the history of the MTV Video Music Awards, breaking a long-standing tie to claim the top prize on Sunday night.
The singer went into the Los Angeles ceremony tied with Beyoncé on 30 career wins. She secured the night’s Video of the Year award for her track “The Fate of Ophelia,” pushing her total record even higher. She also debuted a dark, gothic music video for her new song “Patient Zero,” starring actors Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson, during the show hosted by Snoop Dogg.
Swift also took home the inaugural award for artist director for her 1990s-style infomercial parody video, “Opalite.” She dedicated the honor to the late country legend, saying: “I think we were all very lucky to share this planet with Dolly Parton for a time.”
The night was largely dominated by female artists, with Madonna also taking home major awards, including Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration alongside Sabrina Carpenter for their dance track “Bring Your Love.”
Madonna used her acceptance speech to reflect on her 43-year history with the show. She also shared a funny story about how she had to directly message Carpenter to make their hit song happen, after Carpenter’s team took five days to reply to the initial request.
Carpenter, who laughed off the slight delay, clarified the situation for the crowd. “My team replies. Just so everybody knows, they do respond to people,” she said. “But I respond faster. So a direct line to me is always the best way to get in contact.”
The historic evening also saw Blackpink’s Lisa become the first Asian solo artist to win Best Pop for her song “Dream.” The 29-year-old was visibly moved, telling her fans she “wouldn’t be here without you guys.”
Other notable winners included British singers Raye and Sienna Spiro, who won Best New Artist, while BTS picked up Best Group and Nirvana was honored with the Video Vanguard award. This lineup capped off a night that celebrated both the enduring power of pop veterans and the rise of new global stars.
Promise Idoko is Junior Reporter working with moderncrux He covers global politics and international affairs. Based in Nigeria,
