Madonna led nominations for the first time in 28 years, with 13 nods to Swift's 11. She opened the show alongside Sabrina Carpenter, performing Bring Your Love from Madonna's album Confessions II, which later won Best Collaboration. Charli XCX also joined for a performance of Danceteria Afterhours. Madonna went on to win Best Dance and Artist of the Year, beating Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande among others.
"Most of you were probably not born, but I performed at the first MTV awards 43 years ago," Madonna said in her acceptance speech for Artist of the Year.
Swift, who entered the night tied with Beyoncé at 30 VMA wins, took the lead by winning the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors before the ceremony began. She then won Video of the Year for The Fate of Ophelia and premiered the video for Patient Zero, featuring Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell. Swift has now won four directing VMAs, more than any other director in history.
Snoop Dogg hosted the ceremony, arriving on stage to his 1993 track Who Am I (What's My Name)?. He praised Madonna's performance, saying, "Now, that is an icon." He also promised weed to winners, according to the show's organisers. Snoop said he initially declined to host when told the event would not be in Los Angeles, but changed his mind when organisers moved it to LA.