Madonna, the queen of pop, is making a grand return to reclaim her throne. This year, she has secured the top spot in nominations for the MTV Video Music Awards, surpassing even Taylor Swift. With 11 nominations for the upcoming ceremony, Madonna’s recognition is largely attributed to her successful album “Confessions II” and its accompanying film.
Outshining Taylor Swift, who holds the record for the most solo artist wins in VMA history, Madonna’s nominations include top categories such as artist and video of the year. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift received nine nominations for her album “The Life of a Showgirl” and the music video “The Fate of Ophelia.” Following Swift are Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande, each with seven nominations.
This isn’t Madonna’s first time leading the VMA nominations; she previously dominated in 1990 and 1998 with her “Vogue” and “Ray of Light” eras. However, Madonna’s most iconic VMA moment remains her groundbreaking 1984 performance, where she pushed boundaries in a wedding dress and “Boy Toy” belt buckle while singing “Like a Virgin.”
Among Madonna’s nominated works is the song “Bring Your Love,” a collaboration with fellow nominee Carpenter. The ultimate prize, video of the year, will see Madonna’s “Confessions” competing against 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.”
For this year’s awards, the public can cast their votes in 13 categories. The winners will be revealed during the live broadcast of the ceremony on September 27, airing on CBS, MTV, and streaming on Paramount+.