Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter Won VMA Collaboration Award
The music icons opened the ceremony in Los Angeles alongside winners like Lisa, who secured the best pop video trophy.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Pop
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Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter won the VMA for best collaboration for 'Bring Your Love' during the ceremony held in downtown Los Angeles. Lisa also secured a top honor, winning the VMA for best pop video for her solo effort 'Dream'.
Why it matters
Top VMA categories are determined by fan votes, reflecting the current influence and engagement levels of the artists among their global listener base. The ceremony remains a key indicator of commercial popularity in the music industry.
Winners in top categories are determined through fan votes, identifying which artists hold the most active support. The specific margin of victory for individual artists like Madonna, Sabrina Carpenter, and Lisa remains private.
The players
Madonna
Madonna is a globally renowned singer and songwriter recognized for her extensive influence on pop music and culture.
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter is a successful pop artist and performer who has gained significant recognition in the current music landscape.
Lisa
Lisa is a prominent musical artist known for her solo work and high-profile performances within the global pop music scene.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is a major music industry figure who attended the ceremony and is set to receive inaugural artistic honors.
The details
Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter opened the MTV Video Music Awards ceremony with a live performance in downtown Los Angeles. The event was broadcast across CBS and MTV while also being streamed on Paramount+.
Timeline
September 27, 2026: The MTV Video Music Awards ceremony took place.
Industry Dynamics
The introduction of the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors reflects a shifting strategy in how major award ceremonies acknowledge individual creative oversight. This trend emphasizes the role of the performer-director in shaping the modern visual landscape of the music industry.
Fans can catch the ceremony highlights and performances through the network broadcast on CBS and MTV. Viewers also have the option to access the full event content on the Paramount+ streaming platform.
The takeaway
The success of fan-voted awards highlights the vital role of digital engagement in modern pop culture popularity. Artists who actively mobilize their audiences often dominate the outcome of these high-profile industry events.
What happens next
Taylor Swift is set to receive the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors, though a specific date for this presentation has not been announced.
Further reading
For more on the latest trends in the music industry, visit our Pop section.
Live Poll
Do you believe major music award shows accurately reflect the current popular music landscape?
