Taylor Swift won the top honour at MTV's Video Music Awards on Sunday, winning Video of the Year for her showgirl-inspired ‘The Fate of Ophelia’, which she dedicated to the late Dolly Parton.
‘Ophelia’ was the first single off Swift's 2025 ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ album. As she accepted the VMA, she praised Parton as ‘the ultimate showgirl’.
Parton, an award-winning country singer, songwriter and businesswoman, died in August at the age of 80.
Earlier, Swift was awarded the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honor. She has written and directed 18 videos over her career, including one for her new single ‘Patient Zero’, which she debuted during the ceremony.
"The main reason I love writing and directing music videos so much is because you, the fans, make it so much, so much fun," Swift said.
The VMAs were broadcast live on CBS and MTV and streamed on Paramount+. Winners in the top categories are selected by fan votes.
In other awards, Madonna was named artist of the year, while her duet with Carpenter, ‘Bring Your Love’, was crowned best collaboration.
Madonna said she enjoyed working with Carpenter because their work styles complemented one another.
"When I show up late, she shows up early," Madonna said, adding that both share the old-school habit of writing lyrics on pieces of paper. "It's been wonderful working with you, and I love this song," she said.
Lisa, a member of the group Blackpink, won the VMA for Best Pop for her solo effort ‘Dream’. She thanked her fans after accepting the award.
"I wouldn't be here without you guys," she said. "Thank you so much for your love and support."