Swift, on a break from her record-breaking Eras Tour, went into the awards show with a leading 11 nominations. The 33-year-old was competing for artist of the year in a category filled for the first time with all female musicians from Beyonce to Karol G and Doja Cat.
The video for Swift's Anti-Hero, a tale of insecurities with a chorus of "It's me, hi, I'm the problem, it's me," landed the award for best pop video.Â
The us singer appeared thrilled to be handed the VMA Moon Person statuette by members of 1990s boy band NSYNC. "I had your dolls!" she said to band members including Lance Bass and Justin Timberlake. "You are pop personified. So to receive this from your golden pop hands, it's too much."
Anti-Hero also was in the running for video of the year, a trophy she took home in 2022. This time, she faces competition from Miley Cyrus's survival anthem Flowers, among others.
The VMA winners are voted on by fans, and the ceremony has become known for unexpected events such as the 2009 episode when Kanye West interrupted Swift's acceptance speech.
Performers at the ceremony, held at the Prudential Centre in Newark, New Jersey, included Demi Lovato, Lil Wayne, Olivia Rodrigo and host Nicki Minaj.
Shakira was honoured with the Video Vanguard Award for lifetime achievement. After performing a medley of her hits including Hips Don't Lie and Whenever, Wherever, the Colombian singer saluted her fans.
"Thank you so much for being my army and helping me fight all my battles," she said.
