Taylor Swift has reached another milestone at the MTV Video Music Awards, becoming the ceremony’s most decorated artist after surpassing Beyoncé’s record for the most Moonman trophies.
The 36-year-old singer entered the ceremony tied with Beyoncé at 30 awards. She moved ahead after receiving the inaugural Artist Director Honours for her work in visual storytelling and direction.
Swift also took home the Video of the Year prize, dedicating the award to late country music icon Dolly Parton and reflecting on the influence of Parton’s songwriting.
“every single song she wrote, her storytelling was so vivid,” Swift said.
“She handled this fame with such grace and love and gratitude,” she added.
The pop star also used the ceremony to unveil the music video for her latest single, Patient Zero. The visual features actors Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson and follows the song’s warning to a woman about a troubled relationship.
“If he’s killing you / I got you / I was patient zero,” Swift sings.
Despite her record-breaking night, Swift did not claim every major category. The Artist of the Year award went to Madonna, who used her acceptance speech to recall an early MTV Awards experience that nearly convinced her manager that her career was finished.
“My manager said my career was over,” she said, adding that he wasn’t her manager anymore.
Madonna also returned to the VMA stage as a performer for the first time since her memorable 2003 appearance, when she kissed Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera during a performance.
The 68-year-old pop star opened the ceremony in knee-high boots and with her platinum hair loose, performing Bring Your Love with Sabrina Carpenter before joining Charli XCX for Danceteria.
Madonna and Carpenter later accepted the Best Collaboration award for their work together. During their remarks, the pair recalled how Madonna had contacted Carpenter through social media to bring her into the recording process.
Meanwhile, grunge pioneers Nirvana were honored with the Video Vanguard award, becoming the first group in more than two decades to receive the distinction.
Following a retrospective of the band’s music videos, bassist Krist Novoselic reflected on Nirvana’s lasting connection with audiences.
“Nirvana continues to resonate so deeply because people are still hungry for authenticity,” Novoselic said. “Something real, something uncompromising. Something that tells you it’s just okay to come as you are.”
Nirvana rose to international prominence with albums including Nevermind and In Utero. Frontman Kurt Cobain died by suicide in 1994.
Elsewhere at the ceremony, Thai singer LISA of Blackpink won Best Pop for Dream, featuring Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi.
Many of the night’s awards were presented away from the main stage, with the ceremony placing greater emphasis on performances, tributes and spectacle.
Kacey Musgraves led a tribute to Dolly Parton, while Teddy Swims, Sombr and Raye paid tribute to George Michael four decades after the release of his landmark album Faith.
The ceremony was hosted by rapper Snoop Dogg and broadcast on CBS and MTV.
