BLACKPINK's Lisa sweeps four MTV VMA categories; BTS nominated for Song of the Year

Lisa sweeps four VMA categories; BTS' 'Swim' marks return after four years

Ceremony set for the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on the 27th of next month; Madonna earns 11 nominations

The 'MTV Video Music Awards' (VMA), widely considered one of the four major U.S. popular music awards shows, has once again become a stage showcasing K-pop's overwhelming influence. BLACKPINK's Lisa set a new record with the most nominations of any K-pop singer, while BTS has drawn global attention with its bid to reclaim the trophy for the major 'Song of the Year' category.

Return of a 'global pop icon' targets top prize

BTS, which is launching its first full-group comeback in four years, has earned nominations at the 2026 MTV VMAs for 'Song of the Year' and 'Best K-Pop' with its new song 'Swim'. 'Golden,' the theme song from last year's animated film 'KPop Demon Hunters' that won both Grammy and Oscar honors, has also been nominated for 'Song of the Year,' setting up a rare contest between BTS songs. Launched in 1984, the VMAs are among the most prestigious music awards, standing alongside the Grammy Awards. After winning two awards in 2019, BTS is raising expectations over what new chapter it will write on this year's stage.

Lisa breaks new ground for solo artists with 'Dream'

According to Billboard's official announcement on the 18th (local time), BLACKPINK member Lisa's solo track 'Dream' swept four categories: 'Best Pop,' 'Best K-Pop,' 'Best Cinematography' and 'Best Editing.' The song 'Dream,' which sparked a sensation immediately after its release with a music video appearance by acclaimed Japanese actor Sakaguchi Kentaro, has received global recognition for its visual artistry as well as its music. After BLACKPINK's Rosé became the first K-pop artist to win 'Song of the Year' last year, Lisa is also setting her sights on a top-tier award.

Other K-pop artists are also making their mark across the board. Super rookies CORTIS have been nominated for 'Best New Artist' and 'Best K-Pop,' while global girl group KATSEYE is up for 'Best Choreography' and 'Best K-Pop.' 'Eyes Closed,' a collaboration between BLACKPINK's Jisoo and pop star ZAYN, was nominated for 'Best Visual Effects,' while LE SSERAFIM's 'Spaghetti' earned a nomination for 'Best K-Pop,' underscoring K-pop's expanding reach.

Meanwhile, Madonna, the Queen of Pop and an iconic figure at the inaugural VMAs, is making a high-profile return with 11 nominations this year. The 2026 VMAs will be held on the 27th of next month at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.