The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards delivered plenty of queer star power, with LGBTQ+ artists picking up major wins, owning the red carpet and taking part in one of the night’s biggest musical tributes.
Kehlani left with a Moon Person, Adam Lambert made a surprise appearance honouring George Michael, Orville Peck proudly declared he was “representing the gays”, and Troye Sivan was among the presenters.
Pabllo Vittar, Bob the Drag Queen, Monét X Change and Lauren Jauregui were also among the queer names spotted across the event.
But the biggest winner of the night was longtime LGBTQ+ icon Madonna, who collected an extraordinary seven awards.
Kehlani Wins With Cardi B
Openly queer singer Kehlani scored one of the evening’s major genre wins alongside Cardi B.
Their collaboration Safe took home Best Hip-Hop, beating a field that included Drake, Megan Thee Stallion, Travis Scott, Don Toliver and Tyler, The Creator.
Kehlani was also nominated for Best R&B with Folded, although that award went to Bruno Mars for I Just Might.
Elsewhere, Slayyyter landed nominations for Best Dance and Song of Summer, including recognition for brand new chanel$.
She did not take home a trophy, but was part of a strong queer presence surrounding this year’s ceremony.
George Michael Tribute Gets A Queer Upgrade
One of the night’s biggest LGBTQ+ moments came during a tribute to late gay music legend George Michael.
The original lineup had raised eyebrows because RAYE, Sombr and Teddy Swims were announced without any openly queer performers attached to a tribute honouring one of pop music’s most important gay artists.
MTV, however, had several surprises planned.
Openly gay country star Orville Peck introduced the segment, describing Michael as a trailblazing figure whose influence extended far beyond his music.
Sombr performed Faith and Father Figure, RAYE tackled I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me), and Teddy Swims delivered Careless Whisper.
Then Adam Lambert appeared unannounced.
The openly gay singer closed the tribute with Freedom! ’90, joined by MNEK, MEEK, Saint Harison and other performers.
Michael won four VMAs during his career and received the Video Vanguard Award in 1989.
For queer audiences, the addition of openly LGBTQ+ performers made the tribute feel considerably more connected to the legacy being celebrated.
Orville Peck Was ‘Representing The Gays’
Peck had already delivered one of the most memorable queer quotes of the night before the tribute even began.
Arriving on the red carpet in leather despite sweltering Los Angeles heat, he was asked about committing to the look.
“It was a choice, but I am committed now,” he said.
“There’s no going back, and I am happy to be representing the gays, so I feel good.”
That will do nicely.
Peck was also one of the ceremony’s presenters alongside Australian gay pop star Troye Sivan, who brought some welcome Antipodean representation to the night.
Drag Royalty Hits The Carpet
The VMAs also delivered plenty of drag visibility.
Bob the Drag Queen and Monét X Change arrived together, bringing full drag glamour to the red carpet.
Brazilian drag superstar Pabllo Vittar was also among the LGBTQ+ talent in attendance.
The presence of drag performers at one of pop culture’s most mainstream awards shows remains significant at a time when drag itself continues to be politicised and targeted in parts of the United States.
At the VMAs, however, there was no shrinking into the background.
Madonna Wins Seven Awards
And then there was Madonna.
The 68-year-old entered the night as the most nominated artist and walked away with seven awards, more than anyone else.
Her haul included Artist of the Year, Best Album, Best Collaboration, Best Dance, Best Long Form Video, Best Cinematography and Best Choreography.
She also opened the VMAs with her first performance at the ceremony in 23 years.
During an acceptance speech, Madonna reflected on her now-iconic 1984 Like a Virgin performance, recalling how a wardrobe mishap led her manager to tell her backstage that her career was over.
More than four decades later, seven new VMAs suggest that prediction may have been slightly off.
For LGBTQ+ audiences, Madonna’s relationship with queer culture has long been central to her career, from voguing and ballroom influences to decades of advocacy during and after the AIDS crisis.
Seeing her dominate the 2026 VMAs felt less like a comeback and more like another reminder that she never really left.
Major 2026 MTV VMA Winners
Video of the Year: Taylor Swift — The Fate of Ophelia
Artist of the Year: Madonna
Song of the Year: BTS — Swim
Best New Artist: Sienna Spiro
Best Collaboration: Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter — Bring Your Love
Best Pop: LISA — Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi
Best Hip-Hop: Cardi B feat. Kehlani — Safe
Best R&B: Bruno Mars — I Just Might
Best Alternative: Olivia Rodrigo — the cure
Best Dance: Madonna — Confessions II – The Film
Best Latin: Bad Bunny — NUEVAYoL
Best K-Pop: BTS — Swim
Best Country: Ella Langley — Choosin’ Texas
Best Group: BTS
Best Album: Madonna — Confessions II
Song of Summer: Ariana Grande — hate that i made you love me
Video Vanguard Award: Nirvana
Artist Director Honours: Taylor Swift
