Taylor Swift has become the most-awarded solo artist in the history of the MTV Video Music Awards, after her seven wins at tonight’s ceremony brought her to a total of 30.
That equals the record set by Beyoncé, although that total includes the star’s wins with her former group Destiny’s Child and the supergroup she formed with her husband Jay-Z, The Carters. She has 25 as a solo artist.
The next highest total VMAs wins are by Madonna, who has 20 awards, and Lady Gaga, who has 19.
It was an eventful night for Swift, who also paid her respects to New York on the 23rd anniversary of September 11 and urged viewers to register to vote.
While accepting the award for Best Collaboration for “Fortnight” alongside Post Malone, Swift said: “Waking up this morning in New York on September 11th, I’ve just been thinking about what happened 23 years ago.
“Everyone who lost a loved one and everyone that we lost. That is the most important thing today.”
Later, while accepting the award for Video of the Year, the pop superstar thanked fans for voting for her before adding: “If you’re over 18 please register to vote for something else that is important — the Presidential election.”
She also gave her boyfriend Travis Kelce a shoutout during the acceptance speech.
“My boyfriend, Travis. Everything this man touches turns to happiness, fun, and magic, so I want to thank him for adding that to our shoot,” the Grammy winner said, taking a moment to honor her partner who couldn’t be with her at the ceremony.
The sought-after pair have been together for over a year but have yet to make their red carpet debut. Fans hoped the two might grace the cameras outside the UBS Arena in New York, especially after they were spotted at the US Open together over the weekend.
However, the NFL player and his brother Jason confessed they wouldn’t be there before Swift stepped out solo on September 11, wishing her good luck in their absence during the recent recording of New Heights.
“Hopefully Taylor can walk away with a few! She’s nominated for about 10 of those things tonight,” Travis said after his brother admitted they both would be watching from home. “Hopefully, she can walk away with some Moonmen. Those are some of the cooler trophies.
“Stay on top! Here we go! Wishing everyone the best, though,” he added.
The Midnights performer took home more than just the coveted video award. Earlier in the night, she received the “Artist of the Year” award, “Best Collaboration,” “Best Pop,” and “Best Direction.”
Here is a full list of all the winners from the 2024 MTV VMAs.