NEW YORK — The MTV Video Music Awards return Wednesday night with a whole lot of Taylor Swift. Will she become the most awarded musician in VMA history?
The pop star leads the nominations with 12 — eight for her “Fortnight” music video, two social categories and nods in the pop and artist of the year categories. She is followed by her “Fortnight” colleague Post Malone, who has 11. He is nominated along with Swift 10 times and earned his 11th nom for his country hit “I Had Some Help,” featuring Morgan Wallen.
It’s unclear if Swift will attend the show, but if she does, winning would give her a prominent stage to voice support for Kamala Harris’ presidential bid. Swift endorsed the vice president on Tuesday nightmoments after Harris’ debate with former President Donald Trump ended.
If past years are any indication, Swift can deliver several speeches.
She took home nine VMAs last year, bringing her total to an impressive 23. That puts her just behind Beyoncé, who has 30, and just ahead of Madonna, who has 20 awards. Lady Gaga, is 19.
Seven Swift wins would tie Beyoncé’s record, and if she wins eight, she could become the most awarded musician in VMA history.
That is, if Beyoncé doesn’t take home some of her own trophies. She is up for song of the year (“Texas Hold ‘Em”) and two social categories.
The VMAs, which begin at 7pm Central and will be held at the UBS Arena on New York’s Long Island — will be hosted by Megan Thee Stallion. It is the first time she has hosted an award show. She will also perform. For the past two years, Nicki Minaj has hosted: She came solo in 2023, in 2022 she was joined by Lil Wayne and Jack Harlow.
Kathy Perry will accept the Video Vanguard Award and also perform. Past recipients include Shakira, Beyoncé, Minaj, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna and Missy Elliott.
Other scheduled performers include Eminem, who will open the show, as well as Benson Boone, Sabrina Carpenter, Megan Thee Stallion, Chappell Roan, GloRilla, Halsey, Lenny Kravitz, LISA, Rauw Alejandro, Karol G, LL COOL J, Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello and Anitta, who is joined by Fat Joe, DJ Khaled and Tiago PZK.
The VMAs will air on MTV and simulcast on BET, BET Her, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV, MTV2, Nick at Nite, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land, VH1 and in Spanish on Univision.