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Taylor Swift and Madonna gave pop fans a full-circle moment at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards. More than 11 years after the two stars memorably shared the stage at the 2015 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Swift and Madonna reunited at the Sept. 27 VMAs at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. This time, their interaction happened away from the main stage, with cameras capturing the two music powerhouses embracing and talking during a night when both were collecting major honors.

Madonna and Swift entered the 2026 ceremony as two of the night’s most prominent nominees, and both left with significant additions to their already historic VMA careers.

Taylor Swift and Madonna’s 2026 MTV VMAs Reunion

Madonna, 68, opened the ceremony with her first live VMAs performance in 23 years, marking her return to a stage she helped define, beginning with her famous “Like a Virgin” performance at the inaugural VMAs in 1984. Her 2026 opening number included Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX and featured music from her album Confessions II.

She also had a huge night in the awards department. Madonna won seven VMAs, including Artist of the Year and Best Dance for Confessions II: The Film.

While accepting Artist of the Year, Madonna looked back at the beginning of her MTV history. “I think most of you were probably not yet born,” she told the audience while recalling her 1984 “Like a Virgin” performance.

Madonna also reflected on her recent creative chapter, telling the audience, “I spent the last year and a half finding myself, believing in myself and really making the music that I wanted to make.” She ended with a message encouraging others to “find yourself and believe in yourself.”

Swift, 36, was having her own history-making night.

She received the first-ever MTV VMA Artist Director Honors, created to recognize artists whose work behind the camera has advanced music-video storytelling. The award celebrated Swift’s increasingly hands-on role as a filmmaker and director.

“The main reason I love writing and directing music videos so much is because you, the fans, make it so much, so much fun,” Swift said during her acceptance speech. “You actually care about what we’re making.”

Swift also won Video of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia” and Best Direction for “Opalite.” Her new “Patient Zero” video, directed by Swift and starring Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell, premiered during the ceremony.

Madonna Praised Taylor Swift Long Before Their 2026 Reunion

The connection between the two artists became public in early 2015, when Madonna praised Swift’s songwriting. “I like Taylor Swift. I think she writes some really catchy pop songs. I can’t get them out of my head,” Madonna said at the time. Swift’s response to receiving approval from one of pop’s defining artists was considerably less restrained: “Thanks, now I’m dead.”

Swift later explained that she had been nervous about meeting Madonna because of how much the singer meant to her. “Oh my God! I’ve been so scared to meet her because it means so much to me,” Swift said in 2015 after hearing Madonna’s compliments.

Their mutual admiration soon turned into an actual musical collaboration.

Taylor Swift Played Guitar for Madonna’s “Ghosttown”

At the March 2015 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Madonna performed “Ghosttown” from her Rebel Heart album with Swift accompanying her on guitar.

The collaboration was deliberately understated. Swift largely remained on guitar while Madonna handled the vocals. The pair eventually came together toward the end of the performance and embraced before leaving the stage.

Afterward, Madonna called Swift her “new favorite guitar player,” while Swift enthusiastically celebrated the collaboration on social media.

But the connection did not end with the performance.

Madonna Once Presented Taylor Swift With Song of the Year

That same night, Madonna returned to present Swift with the iHeartRadio Music Award for Song of the Year for “Shake It Off.”

“My favorite guitar player, yeah!” Madonna said as she announced Swift’s win, directly referencing the “Ghosttown” performance they had just shared.

Swift began her acceptance by thanking Madonna “for being Madonna.”

Madonna later revealed that they had even discussed another possible collaboration. In a 2015 conversation with Andy Cohen, she said they had planned to “do something together on stage,” but scheduling prevented it from happening. When pressed for details, Madonna declined because, she suggested, the idea could still happen someday.

How Madonna’s Reinvention Connects Her to Taylor Swift

Musically, Madonna and Swift emerged from dramatically different starting points. Madonna’s career was built around dance-pop, club culture, and provocative visual performance, while Swift began as a country singer-songwriter before moving decisively into pop.

But their careers intersect as both have treated musical eras as complete visual identities.

Swift has specifically identified Madonna’s ability to reinvent herself as something she admires. “One element of Madonna’s career that really takes center stage is how many times she’s reinvented herself,” Swift previously told Billboard, adding that she found Madonna’s unpredictability inspiring.

Madonna’s career has moved through dramatically different visual and musical periods, from Like a Virgin and True Blue to Ray of Light, Music, Confessions on a Dance Floor and beyond. Swift similarly built her career around distinct album eras, eventually moving from country into mainstream pop and experimenting with alternative, folk-influenced, and highly conceptual pop records.

Both artists have also placed unusual importance on music videos as extensions of their songs. That makes Swift receiving MTV’s first Artist Director Honors on the same night Madonna returned to the VMAs stage especially notable. MTV said the new honor recognizes artists whose directing has expanded music-video storytelling, an area where Madonna’s own career has long been central to pop culture.

Taylor Swift Has Continued Supporting Madonna

Their connection also survived the inevitable attempts to frame major female pop stars as competitors.

When Swift’s “Bad Blood” video and Madonna’s “Bitch I’m Madonna” arrived during the same period in 2015, Swift rejected attempts to turn the releases into a rivalry. “I hated that because Madonna and I have gotten along and been fans of each other and performed together,” Swift said while discussing comparisons between the two women.

Four years later, Swift attended Madonna’s Madame X tour in Brooklyn and publicly praised the production. “Thank you @Madonna for an outstanding show,” Swift wrote, also recognizing Madonna’s dancers, singers, musicians, designers, crew, wardrobe, and glam team before adding that “M” had “gave it EVERYTHING.”

Their 2026 reunion stands out mainly because MTV is central to both artists’ histories. Madonna’s relationship with the VMAs reaches all the way back to the first ceremony in 1984. Her performances, fashion, and music videos helped establish the VMAs as a place where pop stars could turn a television appearance into a cultural event.

Swift’s MTV history came a generation later, but she has similarly used music videos as major pieces of her creative output. 

The 2026 MTV VMAs are officially taking over Los Angeles tonight, with the star-studded ceremony set to unfold at the Peacock Theater.

Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the annual awards show will celebrate some of the biggest names, videos, albums, and performances in music over the past year.

Madonna, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Sabrina Carpenter, and Ariana Grande are among the artists leading this year’s nominations, setting the stage for a night packed with plenty of star power.

And when it comes to the performances, Madonna is kicking things off as the show’s opening act. Raye, Lisa, Sombr, Teddy Swims, Shaboozey, Gunna, and more are also slated to hit the stage throughout the night.

Before the trophies are handed out and the performances get underway, all eyes will be on the red carpet, where the stars are expected to bring their fashion A-game.

The VMAs have never exactly been known for playing it safe when it comes to style. Over the years, the ceremony has given us some of the most unforgettable red carpet moments in pop culture, from Lil Kim’s iconic purple pasty look to Lady Gaga’s infamous meat dress.

Keep scrolling to see what your favorite stars are wearing on the 2026 MTV VMAs red carpet, and stay tuned for more fashion moments from throughout the night.

The 2026 MTV VMAs have arrived, bringing some of the biggest names in music together in Los Angeles for one of the year’s biggest nights. With Snoop Dogg hosting and Madonna opening the show for the first time in 23 years, there was already plenty to look forward to going into the night. 

Madonna entered the night with 11 nominations. At the same time, Taylor Swift followed closely behind with 9 and was already set to make history as the first recipient of the new Artist Director Honors. Nirvana was also set to receive the Video Vanguard Award. See the complete winners list here.

Video of the Year

• Ariana Grande – “hate that i made you love me”
• Bruno Mars – “I Just Might”
• GENER8ION – “STORM” starring Yung Lean
• Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film”
• Sabrina Carpenter – “Tears”
• WINNER: Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia”

Best New Artist

• Bella Kay
• CORTIS
• Magnus Ferrell
• Malcolm Todd
• Myles Smith
• WINNER: Sienna Spiro
• Stella Lefty

Artist of the Year

• Ariana Grande
• Bruno Mars
• WINNER: Madonna
• Morgan Wallen
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Taylor Swift

Best Pop

• Ariana Grande – “hate that i made you love me”
• Charli xcx – “SS26”
• WINNER: LISA – “Dream” feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi
• Olivia Rodrigo – “drop dead”
• Sabrina Carpenter – “House Tour”
• Tate McRae – “Nobody’s Girl”
• Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia”

Best Collaboration

• Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, Malice – “Chains & Whips”
• French Montana x Max B – “Ever Since U Left Me”
• WINNER: Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter – “Bring Your Love”
• PinkPantheress + Zara Larsson – “Stateside”
• Shakira & Burna Boy – “Dai Dai”
• Teyana Taylor & Lucky Daye – “Hard Part”

Best Dance

• Bebe Rexha & Faithless – “New Religion”
• Harry Styles – “Aperture”
• Lady Gaga & Doechii – “RUNWAY”
• WINNER: Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film”
• PinkPantheress + Zara Larsson – “Stateside”
• Slayyyter – “DANCE…”
• Tate McRae – “Nobody’s Girl”

Song of the Year

• ​WINNER: BTS – “Swim”
• Ella Langley – “Choosin’ Texas”
• HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI – “Golden”
• Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter – “Bring Your Love”
• Olivia Dean – “Man I Need”
• PinkPantheress + Zara Larsson – “Stateside”
• RAYE – “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!”

Song of Summer

• WINNER: Ariana Grande, “Hate That I Made You Love Me” – Republic Records
• Bruno Mars, “Risk It All” – Atlantic Records
• Charli xcx, “Camera” – Atlantic Records
• Ella Langley, “Choosin’ Texas” – Columbia Records
• KATSEYE, “Hootie Frutti” – HYBE x Geffen Records
• Latto ft. Doja Cat, “Okayyy” – Steamcut / RCA Records
• Morgan Wallen, “Been By Now – Big Loud / Mercury Records
• Olivia Dean, “So Easy (To Fall in Love)” – Island
• Olivia Rodrigo, “Stupid Song” – Geffen Records
• Sabrina Carpenter, “House Tour” – Island
• Slayyyter, “Brand New Chanel$” – RECORDS/Columbia Records
• sombr, “Homewrecker” – SMB Music / Warner Records
• Stella Lefty, “Boston” – Sandlot / Atlantic Outpost
• Tame Impala & JENNIE, “Dracula” – Columbia Records
• Taylor Swift, “I Knew It, I Knew You” – Walt Disney Records / Republic Records

Best Hip-Hop

• WINNER: Cardi B feat. Kehlani – “Safe”
• Don Toliver – “E85”
• Drake – “Janice STFU”
• Megan Thee Stallion – “LOVER GIRL”
• Travis Scott – “DUMBO”
• Tyler, The Creator – “SUGAR ON MY TONGUE”

Best R&B

• Bruno Mars – “I Just Might”
• Chris Brown – “It Depends/Obvious”
• Dave & Tems – “Raindance”
• Justin Bieber – “YUKON”
• Kehlani – “Folded”
• Mariah the Scientist & Kali Uchis – “Is It a Crime”

Best Alternative

• Geese – “Taxes”
• mgk & Fred Durst – “FIX UR FACE”
• Noah Kahan – “The Great Divide”
• WINNER: Olivia Rodrigo – “the cure”
• SOMBR – “Homewrecker”
• Tame Impala – “Dracula”
• twenty one pilots – “Drag Path”

Best Latin

• Anitta with Shakira – “Choka Choka”
• WINNER: Bad Bunny – “NUEVAYoL”
• Fuerza Regida – “TU SANCHO”
• KAROL G – “Papasito”
• Rosalía ft. Yahritza Y Su Esencia – “La Perla”
• Ryan Castro, Kapo & GANGSTA – “LA VILLA”
• Shakira & Burna Boy – “Dai Dai”

Best K-Pop

• BLACKPINK – “JUMP”
• WINNERS: BTS – “SWIM”
• CORTIS – “REDRED”
• KATSEYE – “PINKY UP”
• LE SSERAFIM (feat. j-hope of BTS) – “SPAGHETTI”
• LISA – “Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi”

Best Country

• WINNER:  Ella Langley – “Choosin’ Texas”
• Kacey Musgraves – “Dry Spell”
• Lainey Wilson – “Somewhere Over Laredo”
• Luke Combs – “Back in the Saddle”
• Shaboozey – “Cowgirl”
• Stella Lefty – “Boston”
• Tucker Wetmore – “Brunette”

Best Direction

• Ariana Grande – “hate that i made you love me”
• Bruno Mars – “I Just Might”
• GENER8ION – “STORM starring Yung Lean”
• Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film”
• Sabrina Carpenter – “House Tour”
• WINNER: Taylor Swift – “Opalite”

Best Art Direction

• Charli xcx – “SS26”
• Lady Gaga & Doechii – “RUNWAY”
• Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film”
• WINNER: PinkPantheress – “Stateside + Zara Larsson”
• SOMBR – “My Body Isn’t Ready”
• Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia”

Best Cinematography

• A$AP Rocky – “PUNK ROCKY”
• Ariana Grande – “hate that i made you love me”
• LISA – “Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi”
• WINNER: Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film”
• Shaboozey – “Cowgirl”
• Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia”

Best Editing

• Ariana Grande – “hate that i made you love me”
• Bruno Mars – “I Just Might”
• LISA – “Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi”
• Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film”
• WINNER: Sabrina Carpenter – “House Tour”
• Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia”

Best Choreography

• GENER8ION – “STORM starring Yung Lean”
• Harry Styles – “Dance No More”
• KATSEYE – “PINKY UP”
• WINNER: Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film”
• Tate McRae – “Nobody’s Girl”
• Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia”

Best Visual Effects

• WINNER:  Ariana Grande – “hate that i made you love me”
• JISOO X ZAYN – “Eyes Closed”
• Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film”
• PinkPantheress – “Stateside + Zara Larsson”
• RAYE ft. Hans Zimmer – “Click Clack Symphony.”
• Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia”

It’s officially fall, and we’re stepping into a new wave of music. With the MTV Video Music Awards happening Sunday, Sept. 27, the timing couldn’t be better for a fresh batch of releases. From A-list pop moments to Latin hits and unexpected collaborations, get your playlist ready and let’s have some musical fun. 

Natanael Cano x Tito Double P x Victor Mendivil x Ovi – OLIVIA LA FLAKA 

Mexican superstar Natanael Cano makes a powerful collaboration happen with “OLIVIA LA FLAKA,” featuring Mexican artists Tito Double P and Víctor Mendívil alongside Ovi. Inspired by Olivia, Popeye the Sailor’s wife, the track plays with double entendres while diving into a world of excess. The release lands just days before Cano’s upcoming show at Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City and marks his first new song since Natanael Cano, Vol. 1, the project that brought him back to his corridos tumbados roots.

Fabiii – Distante

Venezuelan singer Fabiii is officially entering a new era with her debut EP, Todos Quieren un Vaivén. The six-track project, out today, features “Distante,” the EP’s final single, and shows off the rising artist’s unique blend of Afrobeat, R&B, funk, reggae, son cubano, and bolero. Inspired by the emotional vaivén of relationships – the push and pull, mixed signals, and uncertainty that can make letting go so difficult – Fabiii turns those complicated feelings into a project that moves freely.

Los Gemelos de Sinaloa, Fuerza Regida – Soy Un Joven 

Los Gemelos de Sinaloa kick off fall with The Gemeliza, a 13-track album packed with new music and collaborations that showcase the duo’s evolving sound. The project features four collaborations with Fuerza Regida, including “Chrome Hearts,” “Baby Momma,” “Ferrari,” and “Soy Un Joven,” along with tracks with Calle 24, Blessd, Ovy on the Drums, and El Fantasma. The release also comes at a big moment for Fuerza Regida, who earned two MTV VMAs nominations for Best Group.

DOME, Corina Smith – @BOMBA DE HUMO

Mexican singer-songwriter DOME is turning her internet-era memories into her official musical introduction with La Del Arroba. The 14-track debut album traces her evolution from internet personality to artist, with a 2016-inspired concept.  She had the help of some famous friends like Venezuelan singer Corina Smith, on their smooth and dreamy track, “@BOMBA DE HUMO.” Puerto Rican superstar Ozuna, Spanish viral sensation Omar Montes,  Venezuelan duo 3 AM, and Mexican singer-songwriter Bolela. 

Akapellah – Pedro Cash 

Venezuelan rapper Akapellah and Latin GRAMMY Award-winning producer Maffio bring a nostalgic beat and fresh flow with “Pedro Cash.” It acts as Akapellah’s response to the criticism that he changed after success, addressing the phrase, “Akapellah used to be cool.” He gives a nod to Cariaco, the Venezuelan town where he grew up, while showing that reaching a new level doesn’t mean cutting ties with the place that shaped him.

PLAYA FRÍA – KAPO

Colombian star Kapo is leaning into the messiness of heartbreak with “PLAYA FRÍA,” a Latin Afrobeat track about what happens after a relationship ends. Using the image of a cold beach to represent the distance that comes with a breakup, Kapo explores the process of reconnecting with yourself, accepting a new reality, and figuring out how to move forward. The release follows his collaboration with Wisin, “Muévelo pa Mi,” as well as recent solo tracks “REINA (KRIMINAL)” and “BOMBÓN.”

Miguel Bueno x ONIKX – Un Viaje 

Colombian singer Miguel Bueno reflects on instant attraction with “Un Viaje,” a fun and flirty Latin Afrobeat collaboration with fellow Colombian artist and producer ONIKX. The track captures the rush that can come from one look turning into something more, and comes with a music video set on the waves of Colombia.

Taylor Swift – Patient Zero

Taylor Swift has officially unleashed “Patient Zero,” the first of four new songs on The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore. Inspired by a real-life conversation involving one of Swift’s friends and her ex’s new girlfriend, the song puts Swift in the role of the woman who has already survived the relationship and is now offering a warning to the person living through it. Swift also directed its music video, starring Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell, which is set to make its world premiere at the 2026 MTV VMAs on Sept. 27.

Madonna & Charli xcx – Danceteria 

Madonna and Charli xcx are taking their club girl eras to the dance floor with “Danceteria Afterhours,” a new rework of Madonna’s “Danceteria” from Confessions II. It marks the first musical collaboration between the two artists and brings Madonna’s early New York nightlife roots together with Charli’s own electronic-pop beginnings, with Charli adding new verses that reference artists and moments that shaped her career. The collaboration arrives just days before Madonna returns to the MTV VMAs for her first performance at the show in 23 years. 

The MTV Video Music Awards are on September 27th, and this year’s ceremony is shaping up to be a major night for music, with Madonna opening the show, Snoop Dogg taking on hosting duties, and some of the biggest names in music hitting the stage.

It’ll all go down live from Los Angeles, bringing together a star-studded lineup of performers and nominees for one of music’s biggest nights.

When are the 2026 MTV VMAs?

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards will air live on Sunday, Sept. 27, from Los Angeles. The ceremony will run from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. PT.

How to watch the 2026 MTV VMAs

Viewers in the U.S. can watch the 2026 MTV VMAs live on CBS, with the ceremony also simulcast on MTV. The show will stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.

International viewers will be able to watch the ceremony on Paramount+ and MTV beginning the following day.

Madonna is opening the 2026 VMAs

The Queen of Pop is kicking off the ceremony, and the moment is about as full-circle as it gets. Madonna first performed at the very first MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 14, 1984, when she famously took the stage for “Like a Virgin.”

At 68, Madonna is also the most-nominated artist of the night, with 11 nominations. Her nods include Artist of the Year and Video of the Year, along with nominations for Best Collaboration, Art Direction, Cinematography, Editing, Dance, Direction, Choreography and Visual Effects.

Madonna has collected 20 VMA wins throughout her career and has received more than 80 nominations. She is also a past recipient of the Video Vanguard Award.

Who is performing at the 2026 MTV VMAs?

• Raye – Raye enters the VMAs with two nominations: Song of the Year for “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” and Best Visual Effects for “Click Clack Symphony” featuring Hans Zimmer.
• LISA – The BLACKPINK star has four nominations, including Best Pop, Best K-Pop, Best Cinematography and Best Editing for “Dream” featuring Kentaro Sakaguchi.
• Sienna Spiro – The rising star is nominated for Best New Artist and will also take the VMAs stage as a performer.
• Gener8ion and Yung Lean – The artists will join forces for the first-ever live performance of “Storm II.”
• Shaboozey and Gunna – The pair will perform their collaboration “High Noon.” Shaboozey has two nominations this year for Best Cinematography and Best Country for “Cowgirl.”

Kacey Musgraves will honor Dolly Parton

The 2026 VMAs will also pay tribute to the late Dolly Parton, with Grammy-winning country star Kacey Musgraves leading the tribute.

Musgraves and Parton have shared the stage before, including during the 2019 Grammy Awards celebration honoring Parton as MusiCares Person of the Year.

With Parton’s death, fans have naturally been wondering whether other artists could join Musgraves during the VMAs tribute. Miley Cyrus has not been confirmed as part of the performance, but given their history, it could make for an emotional moment. 

The VMAs will honor George Michael

George Michael’s legacy will also take center stage during the 2026 VMAs. RAYE, Sombr and Teddy Swims will join forces for a special tribute to the late music icon, celebrating his influence across pop and beyond. 

The performance comes 40 years after the release of Michael’s landmark album Faith and ahead of the worldwide release of George Michael: The Faith Tour. Michael was a four-time VMA winner and a major figure throughout MTV’s early years.

Who is receiving the Video Vanguard Award?

Nirvana will receive the MTV Video Vanguard Award for 2026 in honor of their impact on music and pop culture. The iconic band made their debut on the MTV VMAs in 1992, with the network refusing to let them play their song “Rape Me.” However, Kurt Cobain strummed and sang a few bars before going into “Lithium.”

They received awards that year for Best Alternative Video and Best New Artist categories for their track “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” In 1993, “In Bloom” won Best Alternative Video.

Taylor Swift is getting a new honor

The 2026 ceremony will also introduce a new honor: Taylor Swift will receive the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors, recognizing her work behind the camera and her contributions to visual storytelling through her music videos and short films.

Who are the Latino artists nominated at the 2026 VMAs?

Latin music has a small but powerful presence at this year’s ceremony, with Bruno Mars, Shakira, Bad Bunny, KAROL G, Anitta, Fuerza Regida, Rosalía and Ryan Castro among the Latino artists earning nominations.

Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars is the most-nominated Latino artist at this year’s VMAs, with five nominations. The singer, whose father is Puerto Rican, is nominated for Video of the Year and Artist of the Year, while “I Just Might” is also up for Video of the Year, Best R&B and Best Direction.

Shakira

Shakira has three nominations this year, including recognition for her collaborations with Burna Boy on “Dai Dai” and Anitta on “Choka Choka.”

Fuerza Regida

Fuerza Regida has a major honor. The Mexican-American group from San Bernardino is nominated outside the “Best Latin” category with overall Best Group. 

Best Latin nominees

The Best Latin category brings together some of the biggest names in Latin music:

• Anitta with Shakira — “Choka Choka”
• Bad Bunny — “NUEVAYoL”
• Fuerza Regida — “TU SANCHO”
• KAROL G — “Papasito”
• Rosalía ft. Yahritza Y Su Esencia — “La Perla”
• Ryan Castro, Kapo & GANGSTA — “LA VILLA”
• Shakira & Burna Boy — “Dai Dai”

Who has the most 2026 VMAs nominations?

• Madonna – 11 nods.
• Taylor Swift – 9  
• Ariana Grande  – 7
• Sabrina Carpenter – 7
• Bruno Mars – 5
• PinkPantheress  – 5
• Zara Larsson – 5   
• LISA – 4  

See the full nominations list here.

Presenters

• Alex Warren
• Belmont Cameli
• Charli xcx
• Ciara Miller
• David Corenswet
• Ella Bright
• Isabel May
• Jeff Probst
• Rachel Dratch
• ADVERTISEMENT
• Teyana Taylor
• Tyla
• Troye Sivan

Taylor Swift is looking back at a damaging relationship from the other side of it. The 36-year-old superstar released her new single, “Patient Zero,” on Friday, September 25, offering a sharp account of recognizing unhealthy relationship patterns, walking away, and eventually being able to help someone else going through a similar experience.

The track appears on The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore, an expanded edition of Swift’s 2025 album featuring four new songs. “Patient Zero” serves as the project’s lead single.

Swift frames the relationship as an illness. She casts herself as the first person who survived the emotional fallout and can now recognize the symptoms when another woman encounters the same man.

What Taylor Swift’s ‘Patient Zero’ Is About

Swift explained that the concept came from a conversation with friends about an experience that turned out to be surprisingly familiar.

“The story behind me writing the song ‘Patient Zero’ is that I was hanging out with a bunch of friends,” Swift said, explaining that one friend revealed she had been contacted by the new girlfriend of an ex who wanted to know whether she had experienced the same troubling behavior.

The conversation quickly became bigger than one relationship. According to Swift, the other women began responding, “‘Oh, I’ve been through that too,’” and sharing similar stories about being contacted by a former partner’s new girlfriend.

That gave Swift the idea to write from the perspective of the ex who has already made it out.

‘I Was Patient Zero’

Swift makes that concept unmistakable in the chorus, describing an apparently charming man with a much darker side. She sings about the “devil on his shoulder under his halo” before delivering the song’s central declaration: “I was patient zero.”

One of the song’s most pointed moments arrives when Swift describes herself as “someone who had him and walked away.”

By the outro, she describes having “done the healing,” reinforcing the idea that “Patient Zero” is as much about recovery as it is about the relationship itself.

Is Taylor Swift’s ‘Patient Zero’ About Joe Alwyn?

Swift does not identify the man in “Patient Zero,” and there is currently no confirmation that the song is about any specific former boyfriend.

Still, listeners have begun drawing connections between the new track and Swift’s previous relationship with Joe Alwyn, whom she dated for approximately six years before their 2023 breakup. Some of that speculation centers on the song’s medical metaphors, which recall imagery Swift previously used in “You’re Losing Me,” a breakup track widely associated with the end of that relationship.

Other listeners have suggested “Patient Zero” may intentionally combine details or themes associated with multiple relationships rather than documenting one particular romance.

‘Patient Zero’ Music Video Stars Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell

The song is also getting a major visual treatment. Swift directed the official “Patient Zero” music video, which stars Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell. The video is scheduled to make its world premiere during the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, September 27.

Academy Award-winning cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, whose credits include The Revenant, Birdman and Gravity, served as cinematographer on the project.

The premiere comes during another significant VMAs weekend for Swift. She is set to receive the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors, recognizing her work behind the camera and contribution to music-video storytelling.

The Miss Universe conflict involving Nawat Itsaragrisil has taken a significant new turn, and the Puerto Rican government is no longer watching the dispute from the sidelines. The Puerto Rico Tourism Company, a government agency deeply involved in bringing the 75th Miss Universe competition to the island, announced on September 24 that it sent a formal cease-and-desist letter to the Thai businessman.

The letter demands that Nawat stop making or spreading what the agency describes as false, inaccurate, or materially misleading factual assertions involving the Tourism Company, its officials, contracting procedures, and the handling of public money connected to Miss Universe 2026.

It is the latest escalation in a complicated Miss Universe power struggle that has expanded far beyond disagreements over franchises and contestants.

Why Puerto Rico Sent Nawat a Cease-and-Desist Letter

Nawat has spent weeks publicly questioning how money provided by Puerto Rico for Miss Universe 2026 was handled.

Earlier this month, he called on Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González Colón and Puerto Rico Tourism Company executive director Willianette Robles Cancel to investigate what he alleged were irregularities involving money paid to bring the pageant to the island.

Nawat alleged that money had been improperly diverted and questioned whether the agreements involving the event had received the appropriate corporate authorization. The agency has now taken the additional step of sending Nawat a cease-and-desist letter.

According to its September 24 statement, the government agency says some of Nawat’s public claims concerning JKN Universe LLC’s corporate structure and authority, bank accounts, public funds, and the actions of Puerto Rican officials are inconsistent with corporate documentation in the agency’s possession.

Puerto Rico Says the Miss Universe Fight Is Not Its Fight

The Tourism Company’s message was particularly clear on one issue: it does not want Puerto Rico dragged into the corporate battle surrounding Miss Universe. Willianette Robles Cancel acknowledged that the agency is aware of disputes between Nawat and people or entities connected with the Miss Universe organization.

However, she said the Tourism Company is not a party to those disagreements. “We are aware that there are controversies between Mr. Itsaragrisil and people or entities linked to the Miss Universe organization. The Tourism Company is not a party to those differences, and we will not allow a controversy between third parties to be used to question, without foundation, the integrity of our processes or the responsible management of public funds. Our responsibility is to protect public funds, the interests of Puerto Rico, and Puerto Rico’s projection as a tourist destination, acting with the corresponding transparency and rigor,” expressed CTPR Executive Director Willianette Robles Cancel.

The agency said it would not allow a dispute between private parties to be used to question, without foundation, the integrity of its procedures or its handling of public funds. It said its responsibility is to protect Puerto Rico’s public money, interests, and reputation as a tourism destination. “Puerto Rico is preparing to host an event of international scale that represents an important platform to showcase our attractions, our culture, and our tourism offerings to audiences around the world. Controversies unrelated to the Company will not divert our attention from that objective, nor should Puerto Rico be used to advance differences between private interests,” added Robles Cancel.

The agency also stressed that the cease-and-desist does not prevent Nawat from expressing opinions, making claims or going to court.

Instead, it demands that factual representations concerning the Tourism Company’s actions be accurate and complete and that disputed matters not be presented as settled facts.

Could the Miss Universe Conflict Threaten Puerto Rico 2026?

Despite the increasingly public confrontation, Puerto Rico is continuing preparations for Miss Universe 2026.

The Puerto Rico Tourism Company said on September 23 that production and coordination work for the November competition was moving forward. The agency described the 75th anniversary pageant as an important opportunity to promote Puerto Rico internationally and generate economic activity.

The Nawat Conflict Is Now Bigger Than the Contestants

Much of the recent Miss Universe controversy has focused on whether delegates from Thailand and several other Southeast Asian countries will be allowed to compete.

Nawat has insisted those contestants remain eligible and will travel to Puerto Rico, while the opposing Miss Universe side has challenged the validity of their franchise arrangements.

Before Puerto Rico announced its cease-and-desist letter, Nawat had reportedly given the Tourism Company until September 25 to respond to his questions, saying his legal team could become involved if he did not receive answers.

Puerto Rico has now responded, but certainly not in the way Nawat appeared to be seeking.

U2 is officially entering a new era, and one song on the legendary rock band’s upcoming album immediately caught fans’ attention. The Irish group has announced Carnaval De Luz, its 16th studio album and first collection of new album material in nine years. The record is scheduled for release on November 13, 2026, with Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. all returning for the new chapter.

But among the album’s intriguing song titles, one stands out: “The Mirror Maker (Rosalía).” The title initially sparked reports that Spanish superstar Rosalía had recorded a collaboration with U2. There is an important twist, however. According to subsequent reporting, Rosalía does not actually perform on the song. Instead, she inspired it.

Is Rosalía Featured on U2’s “The Mirror Maker”?

At first glance, it certainly looks that way. “The Mirror Maker (Rosalía)” appears on the official Carnaval De Luz tracklist, while another song, “Torn,” is explicitly listed as featuring Dolly Parton. U2’s official store also lists “The Mirror Maker (Rosalía)” without a “feat.” designation.

Consequence reported that a source confirmed Rosalía inspired the U2 song but is not one of the album’s featured collaborators. Spanish outlet LOS40 subsequently reported the same clarification.

Exactly how her music, image, or artistic approach influenced the track has not yet been publicly detailed.

U2’s New Album Carnaval De Luz Arrives in November

Carnaval De Luz will arrive November 13 through Island Records and marks U2’s first studio album of entirely new material in nine years.

Produced by longtime U2 collaborator Jacknife Lee, the project explores spirituality, friendship, freedom and endurance in the face of darker forces, according to the band’s announcement. U2 says the music also combines echoes of its more experimental periods with tightly constructed songwriting.

The album arrives during an especially significant moment in the band’s history.

September 2026 marks 50 years since Larry Mullen Jr. placed a handwritten notice at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin looking for musicians to form a band. That meeting eventually produced the group that became U2. Five decades later, they are still experimenting.

The Edge described the new record as a “messy, provocative, sacred collection of songs,” while Bono framed Carnaval De Luz around the idea of responding to darkness with louder music, bigger stories and brighter songs.

U2 Releases New Song “Silencio”

While listeners will have to wait to hear the full story behind “The Mirror Maker (Rosalía),” U2 has already offered another preview of the album.

The band released “Silencio” alongside the album announcement. Running just 2 minutes and 35 seconds, the song is described by U2 as an homage to the attitude of early surf punk. Ryan Tedder provided additional production on the track, while its music video was filmed in Mexico City and directed by Mexican-American duo Cliqua, Pasqual Gutiérrez and Raúl “RJ” Sanchez.

“Silencio” follows “Street of Dreams,” which was released in July as the first song from the upcoming album.

The Spanish-language touches are hard to miss. Beyond Carnaval De Luz and “Silencio,” the album includes “La Reina,” while “The Mirror Maker” carries Rosalía’s name in parentheses.

Dolly Parton Appears on U2’s New Album

There is one major guest appearance that is explicitly confirmed.

Dolly Parton appears on the album-closing track “Torn.” The song was co-written by U2, Parton, and Johnny McDaid, with Daniel Lanois contributing pedal steel guitar. It has been described as Parton’s final recorded vocal performance.

Other familiar names are involved behind the scenes. Brian Eno contributed co-writing and synthesizers to “Go (Carnaval De Luz),” “The Greatest Show on Earth,” and “Can’t Stop Us Now.” Martin Garrix has a co-writing credit on “Glorify,” while Lanois appears on “Torn.”

Those collaborators connect the new album to different periods of U2’s history while also introducing contemporary influences.

U2 Carnaval De Luz Tracklist

The announced 12-song tracklist is:

1. “Go (Carnaval De Luz)”
2. “La Reina”
3. “Street Of Dreams”
4. “The Mirror Maker (Rosalía)”
5. “Superficiality”
6. “If The World Is At War We Better Not Be”
7. “Silencio”
8. “The Greatest Show On Earth”
9. “Glorify”
10. “Midnight Sunshine”
11. “Can’t Stop Us Now”
12. “Torn” (Feat. Dolly Parton)

Rafa Nadal couldn’t stay away. The Spanish tennis icon has been retired for the past couple of years, spending time doing the things he didn’t have time for. Still, he’s picking his racket back up for a special occasion, and is joined by one of his most emblematic rivals: Andy Murray. 

In a video shared on Instagram, Nadal revealed that he would be returning to the tennis court to celebrate 10 years of his academy, the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy. The match will be celebrated on October 3rd, in his hometown of Mallorca, Spain, and will likely feature more surprises for tennis fans. 

The video shows Nadal sending Murray a voice note, inviting him to the event. He talks for a couple of minutes, sharing how he didn’t want to interrupt Murray’s golf match and telling him some details about the event. 

As soon as he sends the note, Murray sends a text back. “Hi Rafa! I’m in,” he wrote. You can check out the video in full below. 

The event was announced back in September, with a statement published on the Academy’s official website. It revealed that Nadal would be playing various exhibition matches at the school, starting at 5 PM. The release teased more figures involved in the project, sharing that Nadal would be playing alongside some of the “biggest names in the sport.”

This marks the first time Nadal will be playing in front of an audience since his retirement in November 2024 at the Davis Cup in Malaga. 

“The Rafa Nadal Academy Slam will be broadcast live on Movistar Plus, which will provide extensive coverage to ensure fans do not miss Rafa Nadal’s return to the court,” explains the website. 

Nadal and Murray’s friendship and rivalry

Nadal was a part of an exciting generation of tennis players, developing many exciting rivalries that formed into long-term friendships. Andy Murray, from the UK, was a key figure in his career, with the two playing against each other 24 times. 

Nadal has the most wins of their encounters, leading 17 – 7. Their last official match against each other was at the Mutua Madrid Open in 2016. Murray won the match  7–5, 6–4. They both retired in 2024.

The MTV VMAs are in just a few days, on September 27,  and it’s going to be an incredible night as the biggest names in music are honored for their achievements. But as the evening goes on, it won’t be just the living who are recognized. With the one and only Dolly Parton’s passing, it’s only right that the country legend be honored. 

While the MTV VMAs aren’t known for their country performances on the main show, it was revealed on Wednesday that Grammy-winning country music star Kacey Musgraves will lead the tribute in Parton’s honor. 

Musgraves and Parton have shared the stage twice and posed together on the red carpet over the years. 

They had previously shared the stage at the 2019 GRAMMYS for Parton’s Person of the Year performance that included Katy Perry, Maren Morris, Little Big Town, and her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus. 

Though it’s not confirmed, other singers will likely take the stage in her honor. Fans are of course wondering if Miley, who just released her album, Bass Persuasdes, will be the ultimate surprise. 

Considering they were at the same 2019 performance, it would be a heart-tugging, full-circle moment. 

Cyrus recently opened up about her Aunt Dolly’s passing with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, revealing that one of their last conversations was about the record. 

“The time that we talked, which was the last time we would talk, it was actually me telling her about this record because even though we are so different, that’s what made us so perfect for each other,” she said.

The singer said that even though Parton passed, she was still going to send her the vinyl. “Dolly has been the first person that when I get a vinyl printed, that’s the first person I send it to since I’ve been making vinyls,” Cyrus told Lowe.  “And this time around I’m going to send her a vinyl because I always do.”

While it would undoubtedly be emotional for Miley if she were to take the stage, she has said herself that Parton always encouraged her to work through the tears.  

Miley told Lowe that she has always struggled to keep her emotions in check while performing, and said Parton once watched her perform on Late Show with David Letterman and questioned why she was crying.

She explained that the song was about the world ending and never seeing her mother again, and Parton’s response was characteristically practical. “She was like, ‘Music is escapism. Like, let them cry. You need to, like, get through it,’” Miley recalled.

Among the first wave of announced performers are Raye, BLACKPINK’s LISA and Best New Artist nominee Sienna Spiro. Gener8ion and Yung Lean will also team up for the first-ever performance of their song “Storm II.”

Shaboozey is joining the lineup, too, with Gunna set to join him for a performance of their track “High Noon.”

Raye heads into the ceremony with two nominations. She’s up for Song of the Year for “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” and Best Visual Effects for “Click Clack Symphony” featuring Hans Zimmer.

LISA has four nominations, including Best Pop, Best K-Pop, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing for “Dream” featuring Kentaro Sakaguchi.

Meanwhile, Shaboozey earned two nominations this year: Best Cinematography and Best Country for “Cowgirl.”

Madonna is opening the show

The Queen of Pop is set to open the show, bringing her VMAs journey full circle. Madonna first took the stage at the inaugural ceremony on Sept. 14, 1984.

Now 68, the music icon is also the most-nominated artist of the night, with 11 nods. Her nominations include Artist of the Year and Video of the Year, as well as Best Collaboration, Art Direction, Cinematography, Editing, Dance, Direction, Choreography, and Visual Effects.

Madonna has earned 20 VMA wins throughout her career, including the Video Vanguard Award, and has received more than 80 nominations over the years.

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, hosted by Snoop Dogg, will air live from Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. ET (4:30 to 6:30 p.m. PT) on CBS, with a simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S. The ceremony will also be available globally on Paramount+ and MTV the following day.