LOS ANGELES—On Sunday, September 26, MTV held its annual Video Music Awards. I started to think about it. When was the last time the MTV VMAs actually held relevance? I would argue very early 00s. Since then, who cares? The ceremony is voted on by fans now. You know who’s going to win based on who is in attendance at the event, and there is no longer that ‘MOMENT’ that has people talking each year like in the past.
If there was one in the last 10 years, please tell me what that moment was because I can’t recall it. With that said, the ceremony was hosted by rapper Snoop Dogg, who didn’t really seem like he wanted to be there. You had an interesting opening with Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX and the queen of pop, Madonna. Was it nice seeing Madonna return to the stage after having what some deem a great year in music? Yes, but again, nothing epic unfolded that left me aghast.
Madonna was the big winner of the night taking home 7 trophies including Artist of the Year. I didn’t know what to expect from Madonna when she took the stage to speak to the audience. She seemed to ramble, and ramble, and ramble, and I thought for a second they might cue her off the stage, but no, MTV wouldn’t dare do that to the woman who made them staple viewing.
One of the big issues with MTV: they don’t show music videos at all on the cable channel. if they do, please tell me a day and time it airs. Hell, its inaugural “The Challenge” reality competition doesn’t even air on the network anymore; its on Paramount+. Taylor Swift won Video of the Year for a “The Fate of Ophelia,” a song that wasn’t quite popular in my opinion, but I’m no Swiftie and I truly don’t care much either. The shock and pomp of her being at the ceremony told me all I needed to know about who would be winning. NOTE: if you’re in attendance and other names are not, you’re likely winning.
The ceremony did have a nice moment with that tribute to Nirvana that received the Video Vanguard Award. Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear took the stage to accept the prize. The Best New Artist prize went to Sienna Spiro. Don’t ask me who that is because I couldn’t even tell you. Another highlight from the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards was a tribute to George Michael that included Teddy Swims, Adam Lambert and Sombr. I don’t care what anyone says, but Lambert is one hell of a swinger; that guy’s musical career should be explosive if you ask me.
Other winners of the night included BTS winning Song of the Year for “Swim,” Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter winning Best Collaboration for “Bring Your Love.” Best Pop Video went to Lisa for “Dream” feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi, Best Hip-Hop Video went to Cardi b feat. Kehlani for “Safe.” Bruno Mars was victorious in the Best R&B Video race for “I Just Might,” Olivia Rodrigo won Best Alternative for “The Cure,” while Madonna won Best Dance for “Confessions II- The Film.”
BTS also picked up Moonman for Best Group and Best K-Pop Video for “Swim.” Ariana Grande who was not in attendance at the musical event won Song of the Summer for “Hate That I Made You love Me.” Overall for a ceremony that clocked in a little over 2 hours, the 2026 MTV VMAs were quite forgettable if you ask me.
