Taylor Swift surpasses Beyoncé as most-awarded solo artist in MTV VMAs history

She can cross this off her “Wi$h Li$t.”

Taylor Swift is officially the most-awarded solo artist in MTV Video Music Awards history.

The pop star rose to the No. 1 slot as she received the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors at the 2026 awards ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Taylor Swift made history as the most-awarded solo artist at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night (seen above). Getty Images
The pop star (seen at the 2026 MTV VMAs) accepted the award in a sparkling gown. Getty Images

“I want to say thank you to MTV for giving this platform to music videos so long ago,” she said.

Swift, wearing a silver Tamara Ralph Couture gown, told the crowd how she wrote and directed 18 of the roughly music videos she’s made.

“The main reason why I love writing and directing music videos so much is because you, the fans, make it so much fun. You make it so rewarding,” she told the crowd while holding the accolade.

After accepting the award, Swift debuted her new music video for her recent release, “Patient Zero.”

The award was presented to her by close friend Dakota Johnson, whom the pop star greeted on stage with a big hug.

Swift was previously tied with Beyoncé with a shared 30 VMA wins.

Taylor Swift (pictured in 2024) just became the most-awarded solo artist in MTV VMAs history. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTV
The pop star was previously tied with Beyoncé (pictured in 2014), both having 30 wins prior to tonight. WireImage

At this year’s VMAs, the songwriter was nominated for a total of 11 awards: Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, Best Pop, Best Direction, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Choreography, Best Visual Effects, Best Album and Song of the Summer.

Additionally, the first-ever MTV VMA Artist Director Honors was given to Swift to recognize an artist “whose directorial work has advanced the art of music video and storytelling.”

Swift also debuted her “Patient Zero” music video, which she directed, during Sunday’s ceremony.

Swift was nominated in 11 categories at the 2026 VMAs for her “Life of a Showgirl” album, while Beyoncé (pictured in 2023) didn’t have any eligible music releases. Getty Images for TAS
Both women (seen above at the 2025 Grammys) have a notable history with the VMAs. Billboard via Getty Images

While Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” album earned her much recognition at this year’s VMAs, Beyoncé’s last release was outside of the eligibility window for nominations.

Both Swift and Beyoncé have a long history with the VMAs.

Swift’s most famous VMA win was in 2009 when she took home the award for Best Female Video for “You Belong With Me,” beating the former “Destiny’s Child” member.

As the then-19-year-old was about to make a speech, Kanye West jumped on stage and interrupted her, declaring that Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” music video should have won.

Swift’s most famous VMA win was in 2009 when she beat the former “Destiny’s Child” member for Best Female Video. FilmMagic
As Swift was about to make her speech, Kanye West interrupted her and declared that Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” video should have won. WireImage

“Yo, Taylor, I’m really happy for you, I’ma let you finish, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time!” he said as the teen stood still and Beyoncé’s jaw dropped in total shock.

Later that evening, Beyoncé graciously brought Swift back on stage to finish her speech while accepting the award for Video of the Year for “Single Ladies.”

The infamous awards show moment went down in history and kicked off a years-long feud between West, 49, and Swift, 36.

The infamous moment left everyone shocked — including Beyoncé whose jaw dropped. FilmMagic
Later that night, Beyoncé brought Swift back on stage to finish her speech. FilmMagic

Last year, Swift did not attend the VMAs. She was nominated for Artist of the Year but lost to Lady Gaga.

She did, however, attend the awards show in 2024. At the time, Swift stunned in a yellow plaid ensemble by Dior, and took home seven awards.

While accepting the award for Video of the Year for “Fortnight,” she gave a sweet shout-out to her now-husband, Travis Kelce.

The last time Swift attended the VMAs was in 2024, as seen above. Getty Images for MTV
That year, she took home seven awards. Getty Images for MTV

“I would always just hear someone cheering from across the studio where we were shooting,” she recalled while holding her statuette.

“And that one person was my boyfriend, Travis. Everything this man touches turns into happiness and fun and magic, and I want to thank him for adding that to our shoot because I’ll always remember that.”

During another portion of the show, Swift was caught busting a move to Katy Perry’s Video Vanguard Award performance alongside pal Suki Waterhouse.

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