The MTV Video Music Awards have always been one of the biggest music award ceremonies in the world. Since the VMAs launched in 1984, artists across generations have competed not just for wins, but for visibility, recognition, and influence. Earning a nomination is often as meaningful as taking home the trophy, signaling which artists are setting the visual and sonic tone of their time.
Some artists have turned VMA nominations into a career-long streak. Whether through high-concept videos, viral visuals, or consistent musical output, these performers have stayed at the top of MTV’s radar for years. The artists with the most VMA nominations include genre-defining legends like Beyoncé, Madonna, and Eminem, as well as modern-day icons such as Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Drake. Their video catalogs span decades and styles, but they share a common thread: each knows how to make music that looks as powerful as it sounds.
In recent years, streaming has become the main way fans consume music, while music videos have gradually lost cultural dominance. As a result, streaming-era artists are competing on the same visual playing field once reserved for legacy acts. As the 2025 VMAs approach, it’s the perfect time to look back at the names that have earned the most nominations in the show’s history.
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Cardi B — 30
Britney Spears — 30
Red Hot Chili Peppers — 30
Coldplay — 31
Ed Sheeran — 31
Rihanna — 31
R.E.M. – 31
Shakira — 32
Katy Perry — 32
Michael Jackson — 32
Green Day — 33
Missy Elliott — 36
Jay-Z — 36
Aerosmith — 36
Kanye West — 37
Justin Bieber — 38
U2 — 38
Janet Jackson — 38
Billie Eilish — 39
Kendrick Lamar — 41
Drake — 54
Ariana Grande — 57
Lady Gaga — 64
Eminem — 66
Taylor Swift — 71
Madonna — 71
Beyoncé — 85
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