Madonna Comes Full-Circle as the Leading Nominee at 2026 MTV VMAs

From performing onstage at the very first MTV Video Music Awards in 1984 to being the leading nominee at the 2026 show , Madonna ‘s history with the VMAs runs deep.

On the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast , Katie & Keith are talking about how the M in MTV should probably stand for Madonna at this point — including Keith’s one-and-only time inside the Video Music Awards.

The year was 1998, and it was the last time Madonna was the show’s leading nominee, and she took home the video of the year trophy for “Ray of Light.” Listen to our full conversation (and hear about some of the non-Madonna nominees too) in the podcast below.

Also on the show, we’ve got chart news on how Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” notches a 19th week at No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100, tying for the longest run atop the chart among non-holiday songs.

And on the Billboard 200 albums chart, KATSEYE gets their first No.

1 with WILD .

The Billboard Pop Shop Podcast is your one-stop shop for all things pop on Billboard ‘s weekly charts.

You can always count on a lively discussion about the latest pop news, fun chart stats and stories, new music, and guest interviews with music stars and folks from the world of pop.

Casual pop fans and chart junkies can hear Billboard ‘s executive digital director, West Coast, Katie Atkinson and Billboard ’s managing director, charts and data operations, Keith Caulfield every week on the podcast, which can be streamed on Billboard.com or downloaded in Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast provider. ( Click here to listen to the previous edition of the show on Billboard.com.)