# MTV Video Music Awards: Best Collaboration

Best Collaboration | 2026

Updated: August 27, 2026

Category: Entertainment

Tags: Awards, VMA

HTML: /markets/entertainment/awards/mtv-video-music-awards-best-collaboration/

## Short Answer

**Key takeaway.** The **model** indicates Shakira & Burna Boy as the most likely outcome at **26.4%**, notably lower than the **market**'s **93.0%** for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards: Best Collaboration.

## Key Claims (August 2026)

**- - Shakira & Burna Boy and Teyana Taylor & Lucky Daye lead market probabilities.** - Last-minute social media campaigns may significantly influence fan-driven outcomes.
- Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 placement is consistent historical precedent for winners.

## Market Behavior & Drivers

Expert predictions from major entertainment outlets and Madonna's 11 VMA nominations for the collaboration project are driving **market** expectations, despite a **0.9%** **model** **probability**.

This market's price reflects a long-dated outcome with an unestablished field of competitors. The confirmation of the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards for September 27, 2026, provides the basis for the market's existence, but no specific news event corresponds to the minor price movement. The odds have remained in a tight, low-probability band between 1.0% and 2.0%.

No reported development in the provided information coincides with the price shift from 1.0% to 2.0%. This price action is characteristic of a market awaiting fundamental catalysts, such as the release of eligible collaboration tracks and the eventual announcement of official nominations. The sideways trend indicates that traders have not priced in a definitive frontrunner.

### Who Wins and Why

| Outcome | Market | Model | Why |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Tie | 2.0% | 0.9% | A tie is an extremely rare outcome in major music award categories, with no precedent provided. |
| Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter | 10.0% | 15.7% | Expert predictions suggest a strong chance for "Bring Your Love," and Madonna leads all VMA nominations. |
| PinkPantheress | 23.0% | 8.7% | "Stateside" received five overall nominations; however, its Billboard chart performance is not provided. |

## Model vs Market

| Outcome | Market Probability | Octagon Model Probability |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tie | 2.0% | 0.9% |
| Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter | 10.0% | 15.7% |
| PinkPantheress | 23.0% | 8.7% |
| Shakira & Burna Boy | 93.0% | 26.4% |
| Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, Malice | 11.0% | 4.6% |
| French Montana x Max B | 75.0% | 17.8% |
| Teyana Taylor & Lucky Daye | 92.0% | 25.8% |

- Expiration: September 27, 2027

## Significant Price Movements

### Outcome: Teyana Taylor & Lucky Daye

#### 📈 August 26, 2026: 88.0pp spike

Price increased from 4.0% to 92.0%

**What happened:** Teyana Taylor and Lucky Daye received a nomination for "Best Collaboration" at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards for their track "Hard Part," with nominees announced on August 18, 2026 [[^]](https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2026/08/18/mtv-video-music-awards-nominations-2026/91344828007/)[[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_MTV_Video_Music_Awards)[[^]](https://abcnews.com/GMA/Culture/taylor-swift-madonna-lead-2026-mtv-video-music/story?id=). While the market experienced an 88.0 percentage point spike on August 26, 2026, no specific, verifiable report confirms a social media spike of that magnitude directly attributable to Teyana Taylor and Lucky Daye on that date [[^]](https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2025-vmas-largest-tv-audience-six-years-1236062297/)[[^]](https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2019-vmas-social-growth-8528345/)[[^]](https://www.billboard.com/pro/vmas-social-engagement-boost/). General MTV VMA social engagement spikes are common, but the available information does not link any particular post or viral narrative to this specific price movement [[^]](https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2025-vmas-largest-tv-audience-six-years-1236062297/)[[^]](https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2019-vmas-social-growth-8528345/)[[^]](https://www.billboard.com/pro/vmas-social-engagement-boost/). Therefore, the primary driver for this prediction market price movement cannot be identified from the provided research, and social media appears to be mostly noise without specific linkage.

### Outcome: Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter

#### 📈 August 25, 2026: 65.0pp spike

Price increased from 26.0% to 91.0%

**What happened:** A 65.0 percentage point spike was observed in the prediction market for "Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter" to win "Best Collaboration" at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on August 25, 2026 [[^]](https://trackerpoly.com/polymarket/movers)[[^]](https://www.frenzycap.com/predictions/kalshi/KXWNBAGAME-26AUG24GSMIN-GS). However, the provided sources, while indicating significant general social engagement surrounding the 2026 VMAs, do not confirm any specific social media activity—such as posts from key figures or viral narratives—as a direct catalyst for this particular price movement on that date [[^]](https://www.billboard.com/pro/vmas-social-engagement-boost/)[[^]](https://www.billboard.com/pro/miley-cyrus-reaps-benefits-of-vmas-performance-on-twitter-itunes/)[[^]](https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2019-vmas-social-growth-8528345/)[[^]](https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2025-vmas-largest-tv-audience-six-years-1236062297/). There is also no evidence of traditional news announcements or market structure factors identified as the primary driver. Therefore, based on the available information, social media cannot be identified as a primary driver or contributing accelerant for this specific market movement.

#### 📈 August 21, 2026: 18.0pp spike

Price increased from 7.0% to 25.0%

**What happened:** There is no credible public record or evidence of an 18.0 percentage point spike in the prediction market for "Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter" to win "Best Collaboration" around August 21, 2026 [[^]](https://pdata.world/events/kalshi/KXRANKLISTSONGSPOTUSA-26JUL01)[[^]](https://eventhorizoniq.com/predictions/drake-spotify-2026). While the 2026 MTV VMA nominations were officially announced on August 18, 2026, with Madonna leading and including "Best Collaboration" [[^]](https://www.billboard.com/lists/2026-mtv-vma-nominations-list-madonna-video-music-awards/)[[^]](https://www.madonna.com/blogs/news/2026-mtv-vma-nominations-are-in-vote-now), the reported price movement itself appears to be a confusion of unrelated data points [[^]](https://pdata.world/events/kalshi/KXRANKLISTSONGSPOTUSA-26JUL01)[[^]](https://eventhorizoniq.com/predictions/drake-spotify-2026). Therefore, social media was not a primary driver for this described market movement, as the movement itself is unsupported by evidence.

### Outcome: PinkPantheress

#### 📉 August 24, 2026: 19.0pp drop

Price decreased from 47.0% to 28.0%

**What happened:** On August 24, 2026, PinkPantheress posted a TikTok video announcing the end of her Fancy That era and plans for a second album [[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PinkPantheress)[[^]](https://atrl.net/forums/topic/541437-pinkpantheress-confirms-the-end-of-the-fancy-that-era-new-album-in-the-works/). However, there is no public evidence or credible reporting linking this specific social media activity as a catalyst for a 19.0 percentage point price drop in the "Best Collaboration" market [[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PinkPantheress)[[^]](https://atrl.net/forums/topic/541437-pinkpantheress-confirms-the-end-of-the-fancy-that-era-new-album-in-the-works/). The research suggests the reported drop might stem from a misunderstanding of her career momentum or platform engagement statistics [[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PinkPantheress)[[^]](https://atrl.net/forums/topic/541437-pinkpantheress-confirms-the-end-of-the-fancy-that-era-new-album-in-the-works/). Therefore, social media was irrelevant as a primary driver for the specified price movement.

#### 📈 August 18, 2026: 55.0pp spike

Price increased from 1.0% to 56.0%

**What happened:** The primary driver of any significant price movement for PinkPantheress in the "Best Collaboration" market on August 18, 2026, would be the official announcement of the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards nominations on that date [[^]](https://www.billboard.com/lists/2026-mtv-vma-nominations-list-madonna-video-music-awards/)[[^]](https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2026/08/18/mtv-video-music-awards-nominations-2026/91344828007/). PinkPantheress was explicitly nominated for Best Collaboration for her track "Stateside" with Zara Larsson, a definitive traditional news event that establishes eligibility for the award [[^]](https://www.billboard.com/lists/2026-mtv-vma-nominations-list-madonna-video-music-awards/)[[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_MTV_Video_Music_Awards)[[^]](https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2026/08/18/mtv-video-music-awards-nominations-2026/91344828007/)[[^]](https://www.eonline.com/news/1435125/mtv-vmas-2026-nominees-full-list)[[^]](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/madonna-leads-2026-mtv-video-music-awards-nominations-followed-by-taylor-swift/). There is no evidence linking PinkPantheress to a "55.0pp" social media spike or catalyst on August 18, 2026, with that specific figure being associated with a political prediction market event [[^]](https://www.theperfectmagazine.com/features/pinkpantheress-has-a-plan)[[^]](https://latetown.com/zara-larsson-and-pinkpantheress-unite-for-stateside/)[[^]](https://audiemotion.org/article/zara-larsson-and-pinkpantheress-what-s-behind-the-viral-dances). Therefore, social media was irrelevant as a primary driver for *this* movement and market.

## Contract Snapshot

A specific nominee's market resolves to 'Yes' if that nominee wins the MTV Video Music Award for Best Collaboration, and 'No' if they do not, with only one nominee market ultimately resolving to 'Yes'. If multiple nominees tie for the award, a separate 'Tie' market will resolve to 'Yes'. The maximum payout date for this market is listed as September 27, 2027.

## Market Discussion

Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter's "Bring Your Love" currently leads predictions for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards' Best Collaboration, showing a 91% chance of winning in prediction markets [[^]](https://kalshi.com/markets/kxvma/who-will-win-vma-award-/kxvma-bcol26). This collaboration is prominently featured in social media and news, with Madonna leading overall 2026 VMA nominations [[^]](https://www.billboard.com/lists/2026-mtv-vma-nominations-list-madonna-video-music-awards/). Other nominees for the award include Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, Malice for “Chains & Whips,” and Shakira & Burna Boy for “Dai Dai” [[^]](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/madonna-leads-2026-mtv-video-music-awards-nominations-followed-by-taylor-swift/).

## Market Data

| Contract | Yes Bid | Yes Ask | Last Price | Volume | Open Interest |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, Malice | 2% | 11% | 11% | $100 | $100 |
| French Montana x Max B | 1% | 5% | 75% | $100 | $100 |
| Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter | 8% | 10% | 10% | $4,921.03 | $2,749.44 |
| PinkPantheress | 1% | 21% | 23% | $893.01 | $595.01 |
| Shakira & Burna Boy | 20% | 29% | 93% | $295.88 | $108.24 |
| Teyana Taylor & Lucky Daye | 2% | 6% | 92% | $100 | $100 |
| Tie | 0% | 4% | 2% | $5,779 | $3,481 |

## What do expert predictions and betting odds from major entertainment outlets suggest for Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter's chances in the Best Collaboration category for the 2026 VMAs?

Probability of 'Bring Your Love' winning Best Collaboration | 91% (Kalshi) [[^]](https://kalshi.com/category/culture/vma) |
Madonna's total VMA nominations | 11 nominations [[^]](https://www.billboard.com/lists/2026-mtv-vma-nominations-list-madonna-video-music-awards/)[[^]](https://www.losangelesblade.com/2026/08/18/madonna-wows-with-11-mtv-vma-nominations/)[[^]](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/madonna-leads-2026-mtv-video-music-awards-nominations-followed-by-taylor-swift/) |
Probability of other Best Collaboration nominees winning | Near-zero (prediction market data) [[^]](https://predictionauthority.com/news/vma-2026-nominations-madonna-taylor-swift-kalshi-prediction-markets/) |

**Expert predictions and betting odds indicate a strong likelihood for Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter's collaboration to win the Best Collaboration award**

Expert predictions and betting odds indicate a strong likelihood for Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter's collaboration to win the Best Collaboration award. Their song, 'Bring Your Love', is highly favored for this category at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, with prediction markets showing a **91%** **probability** of it securing the specific award [[^]](https://kalshi.com/category/culture/vma).

Madonna is a prominent figure among the 2026 VMA nominees, leading with 11 nods, primarily driven by her 'Confessions II – The Film' project, which includes the nominated collaboration 'Bring Your Love' with Sabrina Carpenter [[^]](https://www.billboard.com/lists/2026-mtv-vma-nominations-list-madonna-video-music-awards/)[[^]](https://www.losangelesblade.com/2026/08/18/madonna-wows-with-11-mtv-vma-nominations/)[[^]](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/madonna-leads-2026-mtv-video-music-awards-nominations-followed-by-taylor-swift/). **Market** analysis highlights this collaboration as a dominant favorite, while other nominees in the Best Collaboration category, such as 'Chains & Whips' and 'Ever Since U Left Me', currently reflect near-zero **probability** in prediction **market** data [[^]](https://predictionauthority.com/news/vma-2026-nominations-madonna-taylor-swift-kalshi-prediction-markets/).

## How does the post-nomination streaming and viewership growth on platforms like YouTube and Spotify for Shakira & Burna Boy's "Dai Dai" compare to that of PinkPantheress & Zara Larsson's "Stateside"?

Stateside Overall Nominations | 5 [[^]](https://brandspurng.com/2026/08/26/burna-boy-tems-lead-nigerian-charge-with-three-2026-mtv-vma-nominations/)[[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_MTV_Video_Music_Awards)[[^]](https://swedenherald.com/article/zara-larsson-earns-five-mtv-video-music-awards-nominations-for-stateside-with-pinkpantheress) |
Dai Dai Overall Nominations | 3 [[^]](https://brandspurng.com/2026/08/26/burna-boy-tems-lead-nigerian-charge-with-three-2026-mtv-vma-nominations/)[[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_MTV_Video_Music_Awards)[[^]](https://swedenherald.com/article/zara-larsson-earns-five-mtv-video-music-awards-nominations-for-stateside-with-pinkpantheress) |
Post-Nomination Streaming Growth Data | Not explicitly reported [[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_MTV_Video_Music_Awards)[[^]](https://swedenherald.com/article/zara-larsson-earns-five-mtv-video-music-awards-nominations-for-stateside-with-pinkpantheress) |

**As of August 27, 2026, public data explicitly detailing post-nomination streaming and viewership growth metrics on Spotify and YouTube for Shakira & Burna Boy's "Dai Dai" and PinkPantheress & Zara Larsson's "Stateside" is not available [[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_MTV_Video_Music_Awards)[[^]](https://swedenherald.com/article/zara-larsson-earns-five-mtv-video-music-awards-nominations-for-stateside-with-pinkpantheress)**

As of August 27, 2026, public data explicitly detailing post-nomination streaming and viewership growth metrics on Spotify and YouTube for Shakira & Burna Boy's "Dai Dai" and PinkPantheress & Zara Larsson's "Stateside" is not available [[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_MTV_Video_Music_Awards)[[^]](https://swedenherald.com/article/zara-larsson-earns-five-mtv-video-music-awards-nominations-for-stateside-with-pinkpantheress). Consequently, a direct comparison of their growth on these platforms cannot be made based on the provided information.

Both tracks are confirmed nominees for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards. Shakira & Burna Boy's "Dai Dai" and PinkPantheress & Zara Larsson's "Stateside" are confirmed nominees for Best Collaboration at the upcoming 2026 MTV Video Music Awards [[^]](https://www.eonline.com/news/1435125/mtv-vmas-2026-nominees-full-list)[[^]](https://www.bellanaija.com/2026/08/2026-mtv-vmas-nominations-burna-boy-tems-nigeria/)[[^]](https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/2026-mtv-vma-nominations-full-list/)[[^]](https://brandspurng.com/2026/08/26/burna-boy-tems-lead-nigerian-charge-with-three-2026-mtv-vma-nominations/)[[^]](https://americansongwriter.com/madonna-and-taylor-swift-lead-2026-mtv-vma-nominations-see-the-full-list/)[[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_MTV_Video_Music_Awards)[[^]](https://swedenherald.com/article/zara-larsson-earns-five-mtv-video-music-awards-nominations-for-stateside-with-pinkpantheress)[[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTV_Video_Music_Award_for_Best_Collaboration)[[^]](https://www.billboard.com/lists/2026-mtv-vma-nominations-list-madonna-video-music-awards/)[[^]](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/madonna-leads-2026-mtv-video-music-awards-nominations-followed-by-taylor-swift/). The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on September 27, 2026 [[^]](https://www.eonline.com/news/1435125/mtv-vmas-2026-nominees-full-list)[[^]](https://www.bellanaija.com/2026/08/2026-mtv-vmas-nominations-burna-boy-tems-nigeria/)[[^]](https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/2026-mtv-vma-nominations-full-list/)[[^]](https://brandspurng.com/2026/08/26/burna-boy-tems-lead-nigerian-charge-with-three-2026-mtv-vma-nominations/)[[^]](https://americansongwriter.com/madonna-and-taylor-swift-lead-2026-mtv-vma-nominations-see-the-full-list/)[[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_MTV_Video_Music_Awards)[[^]](https://swedenherald.com/article/zara-larsson-earns-five-mtv-video-music-awards-nominations-for-stateside-with-pinkpantheress)[[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTV_Video_Music_Award_for_Best_Collaboration)[[^]](https://www.billboard.com/lists/2026-mtv-vma-nominations-list-madonna-video-music-awards/)[[^]](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/madonna-leads-2026-mtv-video-music-awards-nominations-followed-by-taylor-swift/).

Total MTV VMA nominations vary between the collaborations. For the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson's "Stateside" received five overall nominations, while Shakira and Burna Boy's "Dai Dai" garnered three overall nominations [[^]](https://brandspurng.com/2026/08/26/burna-boy-tems-lead-nigerian-charge-with-three-2026-mtv-vma-nominations/)[[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_MTV_Video_Music_Awards)[[^]](https://swedenherald.com/article/zara-larsson-earns-five-mtv-video-music-awards-nominations-for-stateside-with-pinkpantheress).

## How might last-minute social media campaigns in the final week of voting (September 18-25) influence the outcome between fan-driven nominees like French Montana x Max B and Teyana Taylor & Lucky Daye?

Campaign influence | Significant for fan-driven nominees (French Montana x Max B, Teyana Taylor & Lucky Daye) in Best Collaboration (2026 MTV Video Music Awards) [[^]](https://www.billboard.com/lists/2026-mtv-vma-nominations-list-madonna-video-music-awards/)[[^]](https://www.eonline.com/news/1435125/mtv-vmas-2026-nominees-full-list)[[^]](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/madonna-leads-2026-mtv-video-music-awards-nominations-followed-by-taylor-swift/) |
Fan-voted categories reliance | Heavily on social media engagement [[^]](https://variety.com/2022/music/news/2022-vmas-mtv-prioritizes-social-engagement-1235351959/)[[^]](https://themusicuniverse.com/2024-vmas-announce-social-categories/) |
Fandom impact | Dedicated fandoms can significantly swing results using specific hashtags or coordinated voting pushes in final days [[^]](https://variety.com/2022/music/news/2022-vmas-mtv-prioritizes-social-engagement-1235351959/)[[^]](https://www.goldderby.com/music/2023/vma-social-categories-nominations-taylor-swift/)[[^]](https://www.goldderby.com/music/2022/vmas-social-categories-nominees-how-to-vote/) |

**Last-minute social media campaigns significantly influence fan-driven VMA outcomes**

Last-minute social media campaigns significantly influence fan-driven VMA outcomes. Last-minute social media campaigns, occurring in the final week of voting between September 18-25, are poised to significantly influence the outcome for fan-driven nominees such as French Montana x Max B and Teyana Taylor & Lucky Daye in the Best Collaboration category at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards [[^]](https://www.billboard.com/lists/2026-mtv-vma-nominations-list-madonna-video-music-awards/)[[^]](https://www.eonline.com/news/1435125/mtv-vmas-2026-nominees-full-list)[[^]](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/madonna-leads-2026-mtv-video-music-awards-nominations-followed-by-taylor-swift/). Categories where fans vote, such as the Best Collaboration award, typically depend heavily on social media engagement to drive voter participation [[^]](https://variety.com/2022/music/news/2022-vmas-mtv-prioritizes-social-engagement-1235351959/)[[^]](https://themusicuniverse.com/2024-vmas-announce-social-categories/). Therefore, these crucial final-week social media pushes would be a decisive factor for these artists in their competition for the award.

MTV and fandoms leverage social media for VMA voting. MTV actively utilizes social media platforms to boost involvement in fan-voted categories during the final weeks leading up to the ceremony [[^]](https://variety.com/2022/music/news/2022-vmas-mtv-prioritizes-social-engagement-1235351959/)[[^]](https://themusicuniverse.com/2024-vmas-announce-social-categories/). The organization frequently employs tools like Instagram Stories and promotes official hashtags to maximize participation [[^]](https://variety.com/2022/music/news/2022-vmas-mtv-prioritizes-social-engagement-1235351959/)[[^]](https://themusicuniverse.com/2024-vmas-announce-social-categories/). Historically, dedicated fan bases have demonstrated the ability to significantly alter results in VMA categories open to public voting, especially when campaigns incorporate specific hashtags or execute coordinated voting pushes in the final days of the eligibility period [[^]](https://variety.com/2022/music/news/2022-vmas-mtv-prioritizes-social-engagement-1235351959/)[[^]](https://www.goldderby.com/music/2023/vma-social-categories-nominations-taylor-swift/)[[^]](https://www.goldderby.com/music/2022/vmas-social-categories-nominees-how-to-vote/).

## What is the historical precedent since 2020 for collaborations winning the VMA for Best Collaboration without also achieving a top 10 position on the Billboard Hot 100?

VMA Best Collaboration Winners (since 2020) | All achieved Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 [[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain_on_Me_(Lady_Gaga_and_Ariana_Grande_song))[[^]](https://www.billboard.com/pro/rain-on-me-debuts-atop-hot-100-lady-gaga-ariana-grande/)[[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiss_Me_More)[[^]](https://elpee.jp/single/Kiss%20Me%20More/Doja%20Cat%20Featuring%20SZA/)[[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industry_Baby)[[^]](https://billboard.elpee.jp/single/Industry%20Baby/Lil%20Nas%20X%20%26%20Jack%20Harlow)[[^]](https://billboard.elpee.jp/single/TQG/Karol%20G%20x%20Shakira/)[[^]](https://iiab.live/kiwix/content/wikipedia_en_all_maxi_2023-05/A/TQG)[[^]](https://ca.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/taylor-swift-post-malones-fortnight-spends-a-second-week-at-no-1-on-billboard-hot-100)[[^]](https://www.elpee.jp/single/Fortnight/Taylor%20Swift%20Featuring%20Post%20Malone/)[[^]](https://web.archive.org/web/20240429170523/https:/www.billboard.com/lists/taylor-swift-hot-100-top-14-fortnight-post-malone-record/)[[^]](https://www.billboard.com/lists/lady-gaga-bruno-mars-die-with-a-smile-number-one-hot-100/) |
Highest Chart Position (Rain on Me, 2020) | #1 [[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain_on_Me_(Lady_Gaga_and_Ariana_Grande_song))[[^]](https://www.billboard.com/pro/rain-on-me-debuts-atop-hot-100-lady-gaga-ariana-grande/) |
Highest Chart Position (TQG, 2023) | #7 [[^]](https://billboard.elpee.jp/single/TQG/Karol%20G%20x%20Shakira/)[[^]](https://iiab.live/kiwix/content/wikipedia_en_all_maxi_2023-05/A/TQG) |

**Since 2020, all VMA Best Collaboration winners reached Billboard's Top 10**

Since 2020, all VMA Best Collaboration winners reached Billboard's Top 10. Every collaboration that has won the MTV VMA for Best Collaboration since 2020 has also achieved a top 10 position on the Billboard Hot 100 [[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain_on_Me_(Lady_Gaga_and_Ariana_Grande_song))[[^]](https://www.billboard.com/pro/rain-on-me-debuts-atop-hot-100-lady-gaga-ariana-grande/)[[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiss_Me_More)[[^]](https://elpee.jp/single/Kiss%20Me%20More/Doja%20Cat%20Featuring%20SZA/)[[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industry_Baby)[[^]](https://billboard.elpee.jp/single/Industry%20Baby/Lil%20Nas%20X%**20%****26%**20Jack%20Harlow)[[^]](https://billboard.elpee.jp/single/TQG/Karol%20G%20x%20Shakira/)[[^]](https://iiab.live/kiwix/content/wikipedia_en_all_maxi_2023-05/A/TQG)[[^]](https://ca.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/taylor-swift-post-malones-fortnight-spends-a-second-week-at-no-1-on-billboard-hot-100)[[^]](https://www.elpee.jp/single/Fortnight/Taylor%20Swift%20Featuring%20Post%20Malone/)[[^]](https://web.archive.org/web/20240429170523/https:/www.billboard.com/lists/taylor-swift-hot-100-top-14-fortnight-post-malone-record/)[[^]](https://www.billboard.com/lists/lady-gaga-bruno-mars-die-with-a-smile-number-one-hot-100/). There is no historical precedent during this period for a collaboration winning the award without first securing a spot within the top 10 on that chart.

Award-winning collaborations consistently reached top positions, including multiple number ones. This consistent trend is exemplified by several award-winning tracks that achieved significant chart success. For instance, "Rain on Me" (2020) peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 [[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain_on_Me_(Lady_Gaga_and_Ariana_Grande_song))[[^]](https://www.billboard.com/pro/rain-on-me-debuts-atop-hot-100-lady-gaga-ariana-grande/), and "Kiss Me More" (2021) reached number three [[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiss_Me_More)[[^]](https://elpee.jp/single/Kiss%20Me%20More/Doja%20Cat%20Featuring%20SZA/). More recent winners, "Industry Baby" (2022), "Fortnight" (2024), and "Die With a Smile" (2025), all secured the number one spot [[^]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industry_Baby)[[^]](https://billboard.elpee.jp/single/Industry%20Baby/Lil%20Nas%20X%**20%****26%**20Jack%20Harlow)[[^]](https://ca.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/taylor-swift-post-malones-fortnight-spends-a-second-week-at-no-1-on-billboard-hot-100)[[^]](https://www.elpee.jp/single/Fortnight/Taylor%20Swift%20Featuring%20Post%20Malone/)[[^]](https://web.archive.org/web/20240429170523/https:/www.billboard.com/lists/taylor-swift-hot-100-top-14-fortnight-post-malone-record/)[[^]](https://www.billboard.com/lists/lady-gaga-bruno-mars-die-with-a-smile-number-one-hot-100/). Additionally, "TQG" (2023) achieved a top 10 position, peaking at number seven [[^]](https://billboard.elpee.jp/single/TQG/Karol%20G%20x%20Shakira/)[[^]](https://iiab.live/kiwix/content/wikipedia_en_all_maxi_2023-05/A/TQG).

## What evidence exists regarding the critical reception and cultural impact of the "Chains & Whips" video by Clipse and Kendrick Lamar, relative to the other 2026 nominees?

VMA Nomination | Best Collaboration at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards [[^]](https://www.instagram.com/p/DcOE5SMCAOX/)[[^]](https://www.facebook.com/PopCultureUpdates/posts/vmas-best-collaboration-nominees-chains-whips-clipse-kendrick-lamar-pusha-t-mali/1086564103725268/)[[^]](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/clipse-chains-and-whips-music-video-kendrick-lamar-1235385278/)[[^]](https://hypebeast.com/2025/7/clipse-chains-and-whips-kendrick-lamar-music-video-stream) |
Video Director | Gabriel Moses [[^]](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/clipse-chains-and-whips-music-video-kendrick-lamar-1235385278/)[[^]](https://hypebeast.com/2025/7/clipse-chains-and-whips-kendrick-lamar-music-video-stream) |
Kendrick Lamar's appearance | Does not appear in the video [[^]](https://pitchfork.com/news/clipse-share-new-chains-and-whips-video-watch/)[[^]](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/clipse-chains-and-whips-music-video-kendrick-lamar-1235385278/)[[^]](https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2025/07/22/clipse-ft-kendrick-lamar-chains-whips-gabriel-moses/91861) |

**"Chains & Whips" earned a 2026 VMA nomination and critical praise**

"Chains & Whips" earned a 2026 VMA nomination and critical praise. The music video for "Chains & Whips" by Clipse featuring Kendrick Lamar has been nominated for Best Collaboration at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards [[^]](https://www.instagram.com/p/DcOE5SMCAOX/)[[^]](https://www.facebook.com/PopCultureUpdates/posts/vmas-best-collaboration-nominees-chains-whips-clipse-kendrick-lamar-pusha-t-mali/1086564103725268/)[[^]](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/clipse-chains-and-whips-music-video-kendrick-lamar-1235385278/)[[^]](https://hypebeast.com/2025/7/clipse-chains-and-whips-kendrick-lamar-music-video-stream). Directed by Gabriel Moses, the video received critical acclaim for its surreal and disorienting aesthetic. It explores profound themes such as systemic oppression, the carceral system, and generational trauma [[^]](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/clipse-chains-and-whips-music-video-kendrick-lamar-1235385278/)[[^]](https://hypebeast.com/2025/7/clipse-chains-and-whips-kendrick-lamar-music-video-stream).

Despite Lamar's collaboration, the video focuses on Clipse members. Kendrick Lamar, a key collaborator on the track, does not appear in the music video itself [[^]](https://pitchfork.com/news/clipse-share-new-chains-and-whips-video-watch/)[[^]](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/clipse-chains-and-whips-music-video-kendrick-lamar-1235385278/)[[^]](https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2025/07/22/clipse-ft-kendrick-lamar-chains-whips-gabriel-moses/91861). Instead, the video for "Chains & Whips" primarily features Pusha T and Malice in socially charged, tableau-inspired scenes [[^]](https://pitchfork.com/news/clipse-share-new-chains-and-whips-video-watch/)[[^]](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/clipse-chains-and-whips-music-video-kendrick-lamar-1235385278/)[[^]](https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2025/07/22/clipse-ft-kendrick-lamar-chains-whips-gabriel-moses/91861). While "Ever Since U Left Me" by French Montana is also nominated in the Best Collaboration category for the 2026 VMAs, comprehensive public discussion comparing the critical reception of all nominated videos is currently limited [[^]](https://www.facebook.com/PopCultureUpdates/posts/vmas-best-collaboration-nominees-chains-whips-clipse-kendrick-lamar-pusha-t-mali/1086564103725268/).

## What Could Change the Odds

**Key catalysts for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards include performance announcements in the weeks leading up to the show, fan-reported voting milestones, and the late-stage mobilization of fanbases in the final 48 hours before the voting deadline [[^]](https://predictionauthority.com/news/vma-2026-nominations-madonna-taylor-swift-kalshi-prediction-markets/).** General fan voting closes on September 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET, with a final double-vote period occurring that same day [[^]](https://predictionauthority.com/news/vma-2026-nominations-madonna-taylor-swift-kalshi-prediction-markets/)[[^]](https://several.com/news/2026-vmas-nominations-and-predictions)[[^]](https://pollar.news/en/event/madonna-tops-2026-vma-nominations)[[^]](https://www.tonboriday.com/2026/08/vmas-2026-voting-guide-how-to-vote-k.html).

**Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket serve as potential catalysts for VMA outcome speculation [[^]](https://www.billboard.com/pro/billboard-on-the-record-how-kalshi-changes-fandom/).** These platforms are increasingly influential in the music industry, with trade volume on music-related markets reaching over **$400** million in 2026 as of April [[^]](https://www.billboard.com/pro/billboard-on-the-record-how-kalshi-changes-fandom/).

## Key Dates & Catalysts

- **Expiration:** September 27, 2027
- **Closes:** September 27, 2027

## Decision-Flipping Events

- Key catalysts for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards include performance announcements in the weeks leading up to the show, fan-reported voting milestones, and the late-stage mobilization of fanbases in the final 48 hours before the voting deadline [^] .
- General fan voting closes on September 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET, with a final double-vote period occurring that same day [^] [^] [^] [^] .
- Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket serve as potential catalysts for VMA outcome speculation [^] .
- These platforms are increasingly influential in the music industry, with trade volume on music-related markets reaching over **$400** million in 2026 as of April [^] .

## Related Research Reports

- [Grand Theft Auto VI: Release date](/markets/entertainment/video-games/grand-theft-auto-vi-release-date/)
- [Will Justin Bieber have a #1 hit this year?](/markets/entertainment/music/will-justin-bieber-have-a-1-hit-this-year/)
- [2026 Academy of Country Music Award for Album of the Year?](/markets/entertainment/acms/2026-academy-of-country-music-award-for-album-of-the-year/)
- [Who will be cast in the next Miami Vice?](/markets/entertainment/movies/who-will-be-cast-in-the-next-miami-vice/)

## Historical Resolutions

No historical resolution data available for this series.

## Disclaimer

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or trading advice.
Prediction markets involve risk of loss. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
We are not affiliated with Kalshi or any prediction market platform. Market data may be delayed or incomplete.

### Data Sources & Model Transparency

**Data Sources:** Octagon Deep Research aggregates information from multiple sources including news, filings, and market data.

**Freshness:** Analysis is generated periodically and may not reflect the latest developments. Verify critical information from primary sources.

## Attribution Policy

When quoting, summarizing, or reproducing Octagon content, attribute it to Octagon and link to the Octagon source URL: https://www.octagonai.co/markets/entertainment/awards/mtv-video-music-awards-best-collaboration
If a specific page was used, cite that page rather than only the site homepage.