The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards belonged to the culture on Sunday night. From the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles — with Snoop Dogg hosting the show, broadcast on CBS and MTV — the night's hip-hop and R&B honors landed where the momentum has been all year.
Best Hip-Hop: Cardi B and Kehlani's "Safe"
Cardi B and Kehlani took home the Person for Best Hip-Hop with "Safe," their Atlantic Records collaboration. The record beat out Don Toliver's "E85," Drake's "Janice STFU," Megan Thee Stallion's "LOVER GIRL," Travis Scott's "DUMBO," and Tyler, The Creator's "SUGAR ON MY TONGUE."
Best R&B: Bruno Mars' "I Just Might"
Bruno Mars won Best R&B for "I Just Might" (Atlantic Records), topping a stacked field that included Chris Brown's "It Depends/Obvious," Dave and Tems' "Raindance," Justin Bieber's "YUKON," Kehlani's "Folded," and Mariah the Scientist and Kali Uchis' "Is It a Crime."
The Night's Bigger Picture
Madonna was the night's dominant force, taking home seven awards including Artist of the Year. Taylor Swift won Video of the Year for "The Fate of Ophelia," while Bad Bunny took Best Latin for "NUEVAYoL" and BTS won Song of the Year for "SWIM." Kacey Musgraves and a lineup including Raye, Sombr, and Teddy Swims paid tribute to Dolly Parton and George Michael.
See the full winners list — and follow The Wire for more coverage.
