Madonna, the queen of pop, is making a triumphant return to reclaim her throne. Surpassing big names like Taylor Swift, Madonna has secured the top spot in nominations for this year’s MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) for the third time in her career.
With a total of 11 nominations for the upcoming ceremony, Madonna’s accolades stem from her hit album “Confessions II” and its corresponding film. Taylor Swift, known as the most awarded solo artist in VMA history, trails behind Madonna with nine nominations for her album “The Life of a Showgirl” and the music video “The Fate of Ophelia.” Following closely are Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande, each with seven nominations.
Madonna has a rich history with the VMAs, having previously led nominations in 1990 and 1998 during her “Vogue” and “Ray of Light” eras. However, her most iconic moment may be her performance at the inaugural 1984 ceremony, where she pushed the boundaries of cable television by singing “Like a Virgin” in a wedding dress and a “Boy Toy” belt buckle.
Among Madonna’s notable nominations this year are for Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Song and Collaboration of the Year for “Bring Your Love,” featuring fellow nominee Carpenter. In the highly anticipated Video of the Year category, “Confessions” will compete 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.”
Fans have the opportunity to vote in 13 categories this year, with winners set to be revealed at the live broadcast of the VMAs on September 27, airing on CBS, MTV, and streaming on Paramount+.