Lisa Wins Best Pop at 2026 VMAs Amid Debate Over Voting Result

Lisa won Best Pop for “Dream” at the 2026 VMAs, defeating nominees including Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX. The result made her the first female K-pop artist and first K-pop soloist to receive the award. After her name was announced, Lisa became emotional and cried while accepting the trophy.

The win quickly drew criticism online from viewers who questioned whether “Dream” matched the commercial performance of its competitors. The song peaked at No. 122 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart and did not enter the Billboard Global 200. By comparison, songs by Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and Olivia Rodrigo reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, while Grande’s track also topped the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S.

Best Pop is decided entirely through fan voting rather than a professional judging panel. The source notes that Lisa’s large international fanbase, built through BLACKPINK and her solo career, may be significant in a category shaped by organized online voting. Some users mocked her emotional reaction, while fans defended it as a natural response to a historic achievement.