Artists with the Most Nominations in a Single Night in MTV VMAs History 

The MTV Video Music Awards have long stood as one of the most influential music award ceremonies in the world. Since the VMAs launched in 1984, artists haven’t just vied for wins—they’ve chased moments that define pop culture. While taking home a Moon Person is a major milestone, the number of nominations an artist receives in a single night can be just as revealing. It reflects who’s dominating the conversation, leading the visuals, and shaping the music industry in real time.

Over the years, only a select group of artists have managed to rack up double-digit nominations in one night—turning a single VMA ceremony into a career highlight. Whether through boundary-pushing videos, massive eras, or cultural momentum, these artists have made unforgettable statements. From Lady Gaga’s record-setting 13 nominations in 2010 to the likes of Peter Gabriel, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift reaching 11 or 12 across various years, each one carved their name into VMA history through a single night of overwhelming recognition.

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At the 2025 VMAs, Lady Gaga earned 12 nominations, followed by Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar with 10 each. Below, we take a look at the artists who’ve received the most nominations in one night throughout the show’s four-decade history.

Lady Gaga (2010)

Nominations: 13

Peter Gabriel (1987)

Nominations: 12

Cardi B (2018)

Nominations: 12

Ariana Grande (2019)

Nominations: 12

Taylor Swift (2024)

Nominations: 12

Lady Gaga (2025)

Nominations: 12

A-ha (1986)

Nominations: 11

Dire Straits (1986)

Nominations: 11

Janet Jackson (1995)

Nominations: 11

Michael Jackson (1995)

Nominations: 11

Beyoncé (2016)

Nominations: 11

Taylor Swift (2023)

Nominations: 11

Post Malone (2024)

Nominations: 11

Madonna (2026)

Nominations: 11

R.E.M. (1991)

Nominations: 10

TLC (1995)

Nominations: 10

Jamiroquai (1997)

Nominations: 10

Katy Perry (2011)

Nominations: 10

Taylor Swift (2015)

Nominations: 10

Billie Eilish (2019)

Nominations: 10

Lady Gaga (2020)

Nominations: 10

Bruno Mars (2025)

Nominations: 10

Kendrick Lamar (2025)

Nominations: 10