LONG ISLAND, N.Y. — For the next two weeks, Taylor Swift will be in celebration mode, having made a significant mark at the MTV Video Music Awards. The artist took home seven awards on Wednesday, which included the prestigious video of the year.

This achievement positions her as the artist with the highest number of career VMA wins among solo performers, as well as the most video of the year accolades.

During her acceptance speech for the video of the year, she expressed gratitude towards her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, the tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. “After each take, I’d hear someone cheering and saying ‘whoo’ from across the studio,” she mentioned. “That person turned out to be my boyfriend Travis. Everything he does brings joy, fun, and magic.”

Kelce did not appear at the VMAs, likely focusing on practice with the Chiefs ahead of their game on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals in Kansas City.

Swift also expressed her appreciation for her fans who voted for her and urged everyone to participate in the upcoming presidential election. “If you’re over 18, please take the time to register and vote because there’s something significant coming up,” she stated, just a day after publicly supporting Vice President Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign.

Looking stunning on the red carpet, Swift wore a plaid corset paired with a skirt by Dior, along with thigh-high boots and elbow-length fingerless gloves.

Later, she changed into a glittering custom mini dress from Monse featuring a spaceship design on the front, likely referencing her song “Down Bad” from “The Tortured Poets Department.” She noted that the lyrics involve themes of love bombing, likening it to alien abduction.

Swift’s every move seems to be scrutinized by her fanbase.

Did the dress, featuring black leather shoulder straps and buckles, hint at the UFO theme from the “TTPD” set during her Eras Tour? Additionally, was it just a coincidence that this dress was designed by the same designer who created an outfit for Michelle Obama at the Democratic National Convention?

(If you admired the UFO dress, there’s a similar version featuring a tapestry print instead of sequins available on the Monse website for $990.) It’s described as an “alien UFO print, inspired by iconic 1950s sci-fi movies.” However, be prepared to wait; it won’t ship until January 2025.

Swift extended thanks to everyone involved in her video, including Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles, who made cameo appearances: “Creating this video, from directing to writing, has been the most incredible experience, thanks to all the talented individuals involved — especially my brilliant cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, who consistently champions female directors.” She also acknowledged Ethan Tobman, her exceptional production designer from the Eras Tour.

The lead single from her 11th studio album, “Fortnight (ft. Post Malone),” secured four awards, including best direction and best collaboration.

Upon announcing the collaboration award, the audience erupted in cheers. Swift joined Post Malone on stage, and presenter Flava Flav joyfully celebrated alongside her.

“Waking up this morning in New York on Sept. 11, I remember everyone we lost, and that’s what really matters today,” she said.

Following that, she praised Post Malone. “There’s a clear reason why he is beloved in the music world,” she remarked. “He is tremendously talented, incredibly versatile, and so down-to-earth. I’ve been trying to get him to stop calling me ma’am for ages.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he responded. “Taylor is one of the kindest and most talented individuals I’ve ever met.”

He shared how she directed the “Fortnight” music video while remarkably tethered to an operating board during a particular scene.

“It was quite impressive,” he added.

With her victories on Wednesday, Swift has now achieved an unprecedented total of 30 VMAs in her career, exceeding Beyoncé’s 25 wins as a solo artist.

On Wednesday night at the UBS Arena, Swift had a total of 12 nominations:

• WON: Song of the summer for “Fortnight”
• VMAs Most Iconic Performance: “You Belong With Me”
• WON: Video of the year for “Fortnight”
• WON: Artist of the year
• Song of the year: “Fortnight”
• WON: Best collaboration for “Fortnight”
• WON: Best pop
• WON: Best direction for “Fortnight”
• Best cinematography: “Fortnight”
• Best visual effects: “Fortnight”
• Best art direction for “Fortnight”
• WON: Best editing for “Fortnight”

Taylor Swift’s VMA Journey: Achievements and Performances

Taylor Swift has an impressive history with the VMAs, starting in 2008 when she received a nomination for “Our Song.” In 2009, she took home her first moon man for the “You Belong With Me” music video. Over the years, she has won awards for her videos including “I Knew You Were Trouble,” “Blank Space,” “Bad Blood (featuring Kendrick Lamar),” “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever (featuring Zayn),” “You Need to Calm Down,” “ME! (featuring Brendon Urie),” “All Too Well: The Short Film,” and “Anti-Hero.”

Swift’s initial victory was surrounded by controversy when Kanye West interrupted her acceptance speech, declaring, “Yo, Taylor, I’m really happy for you, I’mma let you finish, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time!” Following this, Swift performed “You Belong With Me” at Radio City Music Hall.

In 2010, she performed “Innocent,” a song she revealed was inspired by West in an interview with New York Magazine. Two years later, wearing a red and white ensemble, she performed “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” In 2014, while delighting the audience with “Shake It Off,” she humorously declined to jump off a second-story platform, saying, “I don’t care if it’s the VMAs, I’m not jumping off there. People are getting bit by snakes; it’s dangerous.” The following year, Swift joined Nicki Minaj for a mashup performance that included “The Night Is Still Young” and “Bad Blood,” signaling a truce in her feud with West, as she later presented him with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

The next year, West and then-wife Kim Kardashian created drama for Swift. West’s song “Famous” featured the controversial line, “I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex. Why? I made that b**** famous.” Swift disputed the claim that she had approved those lyrics, while Kardashian shared edited videos on Snapchat suggesting Swift was being dishonest. Eventually, it was revealed that the videos were manipulated, and Swift was vindicated.

In 2017, Swift debuted her music video for “Look What You Made Me Do,” filled with hidden references for fans. Two years later, she hit the stage again, performing “You Need to Calm Down” and “Lover.”

In 2022, celebrating 13 years since her first VMA win, she announced her album “Midnights” and dazzled in a stunning bejeweled gown by Oscar de la Renta.

Last year, she captivated on the red carpet in a black Versace gown adorned with gold buttons and a thigh-high slit. The broadcast frequently captured her enjoying herself while dancing with friend and “Karma” collaborator Ice Spice. NSYNC reunited to present her with the award for Best Pop Video, honoring the “Anti-Hero” superstar.

Follow Bryan West, the YSL News Network’s dedicated Taylor Swift reporter, on Instagram, TikTok, and X at @BryanWestTV.