BTS wins Song of the Year at 2026 MTV VMAs, adding 13th trophy to haul

Group sweeps all 3 nominated categories; Lisa claims Best Pop in historic win

BTS marks return from hiatus with top honor; Madonna dominates with 7 awards

BTS performs during their world tour "Arirang" at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sept. 1 (local time). Provided by HYBE

"Arirang is an album that feels like a new beginning, which makes this award all the more meaningful."

BTS claimed the Song of the Year trophy at a major American music awards ceremony with the first album they released after a lengthy hiatus that included mandatory military service.

The group won Song of the Year at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, held Sunday at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, for SWIM, the title track of their fifth studio album Arirang. They also swept all three categories in which they were nominated — taking home Best Group and Best K-Pop alongside the top honor for a triple win.

BTS became the first Asian group to win Song of the Year in the 42-year history of the MTV VMAs, which launched in 1984. Counting both solo and group acts, they are only the second Korean artist to claim the award, following BLACKPINK's Rosé, who won last year for "APT.," her collaboration with Bruno Mars.

BTS was unable to attend the ceremony in person but released a statement through their agency. "We sincerely thank our ARMY fans for their unwavering love and support," the group said. "We were able to receive this great honor — Song of the Year — thanks to everyone who has loved our music. All seven of us will continue to show you great music and performances." Since their VMA debut in 2019, BTS has now collected 13 trophies at the ceremony.

Thai singer Lisa arrives at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday. EPA/JILL CONNELLY

Also at the ceremony, BLACKPINK's Lisa won Best Pop for "Dream," her collaboration with Japanese actor Sakaguchi Kentaro, beating out Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and others. She became the first Asian solo artist in history to win the award.

The night's biggest winner was Madonna, dubbed the "Queen of Pop." Having released her 15th studio album, Confessions II, in July, Madonna swept seven categories — including Artist of the Year, one of the ceremony's highest honors — along with Best Collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter, Best Dance, Best Album, Best Cinematography, Best Choreography and Best Long Form Video.

Taking the stage, Madonna said, "Many of you weren't even born yet, but I performed at the very first VMAs in 1984." She added that she had spent the past year and a half "learning to believe in myself and dedicating myself to the music I truly wanted to make." It was a moment that showcased the enduring vitality of an artist who has remained at the top across five decades, from the 1980s through the 2020s. Sabrina Carpenter also made her mark as a dominant pop force, sharing major trophies with Madonna on their duet "Bring Your Love."

Taylor Swift was another standout of the evening, winning Video of the Year — the ceremony's closing award — for "The Fate of Ophelia." She also claimed the newly created Artist Director Honors, bringing her all-time VMA trophy count to 32 and surpassing Beyoncé (30) to become the most decorated artist in the award show's 42-year history.

Elsewhere, legendary grunge rock band Nirvana received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, the ceremony's lifetime achievement honor, and Kacey Musgraves delivered a tribute performance celebrating Dolly Parton's lifelong dedication to country music. British singer-songwriter Sienna Spiro took home Best New Artist in one of the night's most closely contested races.

shee@heraldcorp.com