Pop star Taylor Swift made history on Sunday night, becoming the most awarded artist in MTV Video Music Awards history.

Swift (36) broke her tie with Beyoncé after collecting two more Moonman statuettes at the Los Angeles ceremony. Both artists had won 30 awards before Sunday’s event.

Record-breaking night for Swift

The singer won the inaugural Artist Director Honours for her work on music video storytelling. She also claimed Video of the Year, which she dedicated to country legend Dolly Parton.

“Every single song she wrote, her storytelling was so vivid,” Swift said about the recently deceased performer. “She handled this fame with such grace and love and gratitude.”

Swift used the event to premiere her new single “Patient Zero,” featuring actors Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson. The track warns a woman about a partner with whom the singer had a toxic relationship.

“If he’s killing you / I got you / I was patient zero,” she sings.

Madonna wins Artist of the Year

Swift missed out on Artist of the Year, which went to Madonna. The pop icon (68) opened the show with her first VMA performance since 2003, when she kissed Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera onstage.

Madonna wore knee-high boots and platinum hair while performing “Bring Your Love” with Sabrina Carpenter, followed by a medley with Charli XCX.

While accepting her award, Madonna recalled her manager’s reaction to her first MTV awards show appearance, where she briefly mooned the audience during a performance mishap.

“My manager said my career was over,” she said, adding that he no longer manages her.

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Nirvana honoured with Video Vanguard award

Grunge band Nirvana received the Video Vanguard award, becoming the first group to win the honour in more than 20 years. Frontman Kurt Cobain died by suicide in 1994, after albums “Nevermind” and “In Utero” achieved massive success.

“Nirvana continues to resonate so deeply because people are still hungry for authenticity,” bass player Krist Novoselic said. “Something real, something uncompromising. Something that tells you it’s just okay to come as you are.”

Thai artist LISA from girl group Blackpink won best pop for “Dream,” featuring Kentaro Sakaguchi.

The ceremony aired on CBS and MTV with rapper Snoop Dogg as host. Kacey Musgraves headlined a tribute to Parton, while Teddy Swims, Sombr and Raye performed a tribute to George Michael, marking 40 years since his landmark album “Faith.”

Most awards were presented offstage during an evening known more for performances and stage moments than prizes.

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