Madonna is set to lead the nominations at the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) with a total of 13 nods. The ceremony, hosted by Snoop Dogg, will take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Monday evening. Taylor Swift follows closely behind with 11 nominations and is scheduled to premiere the music video for her new single, "Patient Zero," during the event.
The show will feature a diverse lineup of performances and tributes. British singer Sienna Spiro and country artist Shaboozey are among the scheduled performers. Kacey Musgraves will pay tribute to Dolly Parton, while a medley honoring George Michael, marking ten years since his passing, will be presented by Raye, Sombr, and Teddy Swims. Award presenters will include singers such as Tyla and Alex Warren, along with actors Teyana Taylor and David Corenswet.
Madonna’s history with the VMAs is notable for several memorable and sometimes controversial moments. One of the most talked-about was her 2003 performance, which featured surprise appearances by Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Missy Elliott. Though plans initially included other artists like Pink, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez, and even Kelly Osbourne—who had recently covered Madonna’s "Papa Don’t Preach"—their participation did not materialize. Designer Ron, speaking to media outlets, recalled hearing Osbourne’s name briefly mentioned as a potential collaborator.
The 2003 performance generated mixed reactions, especially the on-stage kiss between Madonna and Christina Aguilera. Beyoncé described it as "a real eye-opener," while Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks criticized it as "the most obnoxious moment in TV history." Christina Aguilera later expressed dissatisfaction with her role in the event, noting that her kiss with Madonna was not televised because the camera focused on Justin Timberlake’s reaction. Aguilera described that year’s VMAs as "vanilla," criticizing the perceived lack of edge and expressing disappointment that only she, Madonna, and Mary J. Blige reportedly had active microphones during their performances.
Over the years, Madonna has continued to use the VMAs as a platform for tributes and bold performances. She has honored icons such as Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin and participated in MTV’s 40th anniversary event in 2021. At that appearance, dressed in a black leather bodysuit, she declared the enduring relevance of the network despite skeptics.
Madonna’s VMA history dates back to the 1980s with several landmark performances that helped shape the show’s legacy. In 1984, she performed "Like a Virgin," donning a bustier and veil, an act remembered for its controversial moment when a high heel slipped, revealing part of her underwear. Despite initial management concerns that such incidents could harm her career, they ultimately contributed to her lasting appeal. Subsequent appearances included a live performance of "Express Yourself" in 1989, the iconic "Vogue" routine in 1990 featuring 18th-century French court costumes, and a gender-bending performance of "Bye Bye Baby" in 1993.
Offstage, Madonna’s interactions at the VMAs have sometimes sparked headlines. At the 1995 ceremony, a tense encounter occurred when Courtney Love, intoxicated, interrupted Madonna’s pre-show interview, leading to a strained relationship between the two artists.
The 2023 VMAs are expected to continue the tradition of combining star power with memorable moments. The show will be broadcast on MTV UK at 9 p.m. on Monday and will be available for streaming on Paramount+ starting Tuesday.