Taylor Swift makes VMAs history and dedicates award to Dolly Parton

" "I think that we were all very lucky ​to share this planet with Dolly Parton for a time," Swift said. Parton, an award-winning country singer, songwriter and businesswoman, died in August ​at the age of 80.

Earlier in the ceremony, Swift was awarded the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors. ⁠The 36-year-old has written and directed 18 videos of her roughly 60 videos during her career. The most recent, for her new single.

Patient Zero, ​debuted during the ceremony. The video starred Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell as a couple in an unhealthy relationship. "The main reason I love ​writing and directing music videos so much is because you, the fans, make it so much, so much fun," Swift said.

"You actually care about what we're making. "She also won best direction for her. Opalitevideo.

The VMAs were broadcast live onCBSandMTVand streamed on. Paramount+and hosted by Snoop Dogg. Winners in the top categories ​were selected by fan votes.

Pop music legend Madonna led this year's field of winners with seven awards including artist of the year and ​best dance video for. Confessions II -- The Film. She recalled her 1984 performance of.

Like a Virginat the first VMAs, which she said was considered too provocative ‌for cable ⁠television at the time. "I think most of you were probably not yet born," the 68-year-old that she had to quickly recover during that performance from a shoe mishap.

"I dove onto the stage to try and make myself look cute and sexy," she said. "My butt cheek was hanging out. In those days, butt cheeks were not hanging out... my manager over.

"Speaking about ​the. Confessions IIalbum, Madonna said she ​spent the past 18 months "finding ⁠myself, believing in myself and really making the music I wanted to make. " "To me, that really is the definition of being an artist," she said.

Madonna kicked off the show with a high-energy performance of two of ​her recent collaborations. Sabrina Carpenter joined her for. Bring Your Love- a song later named best collaboration - and ​Charli XCX took ⁠the stage for.

Danceteria Afterhourssurrounded by dancers on a set that looked like a club restroom. In a more quiet moment, Kacey Musgraves paid tribute to Parton by singing the enduring songI Will Always Love You. Lisa, a member of the group Blackpink, won the VMA for best pop video for her ⁠solo effort.

Dream.​Sporting a black outfit with large white fringe sleeves, she spoke through tears as ​she thanked her fans, known as Lillies. "I wouldn't be here without you guys," she said. "Thank you so much for your love and support.

"English singer and songwriter Sienna Spiro, who ​combines pop, jazz and soul music, was named best new artist.