Taylor Swift Wins Seven VMAs, Tying Beyoncé for All-Time Record, According to Reuters

By Lisa Richwine

Pop superstar Taylor Swift achieved a remarkable feat at the MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday, taking home seven trophies and tying with Beyonce for the most honors in the event’s 40-year history.

Swift claimed the prestigious title of Video of the Year for her stark, black-and-white video "Fortnight," which features Post Malone. In her acceptance speech, she explained that the video was shot in a stark psychiatric hospital, reflecting the themes she was grappling with during the creation of her album "The Tortured Poets Department."

"This video seems very sad when you watch it, but it actually was the most fun video to make," Swift shared while accepting the Moon Person statuette. She revealed that the positive energy in the studio came from her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce, who cheered her on after each take. "Everything this man touches turns to happiness and fun and magic," she said, expressing gratitude for his support during the shoot.

Swift also took a moment to thank her fans for their votes and encouraged them to participate in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Although she had endorsed Democrat Kamala Harris in a previous social media post, she did not mention any candidates directly during her acceptance speech.

By the end of the night, the 34-year-old had elevated her career total of VMAs to 30, matching Beyonce’s record. Swift’s other accolades included Artist of the Year and Song of Summer. Notably, her Video of the Year win marked her third consecutive victory in this category, following an extended version of "All Too Well" in 2022 and "Anti-Hero" in 2023, making it her fifth win overall, setting a record for a single artist.

During the ceremony, when "Fortnight" won Best Collaboration, Swift praised Post Malone as "ridiculously talented" and "unfailingly polite," humorously noting that it had taken him a long time to stop referring to her as "ma’am." Malone reciprocated the praise, calling her "one of the most kind and talented people" he knows, and expressed admiration for her direction of the video while on set.

The MTV Video Music Awards, which began airing in 1984, have a reputation for memorable moments, including iconic performances and fashion statements. This year’s event saw Chappell Roan, known for "Good Luck, Babe," named Best New Artist. In a metallic ensemble, she dedicated her award to the inspiring drag artists and her LGBTQ+ fanbase. "For all the queer kids in the Midwest watching right now, I see you… Don’t let anyone tell you can’t be exactly who you want to be," she declared.

In other notable wins, Blackpink’s Lisa took home Best K-Pop Video for her solo track "Rockstar," South African artist Tyla won the Afrobeats award for "Water," and Brazilian singer Anitta claimed Best Latin Video for "Mil Veces."

Rapper Eminem kicked off the show with "Houdini" from his album "The Death of Slim Shady," followed by a performance with country artist Jelly Roll via video for their collaboration "Somebody Save Me."

Katy Perry, honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, captivated the audience with a medley of her classics while adorned with oversized silver butterfly wings on a futuristic stage. Her husband, actor Orlando Bloom, presented her with the award, which she celebrated with a long kiss. "Thank you to MTV for believing in my weirdness from day one," she expressed gratefully.