Lisa makes history with Best Pop win at 2026 MTV VMAs

LOS ANGELES, USA — Thai K-pop star Lisa made history at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, winning Best Pop for her single “Dream” featuring Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi.

The BLACKPINK member received the Moon Person at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, marking her fourth MTV VMA win. She became emotional while accepting the award and thanked her fans, known as Lilies, for supporting her journey.

“Dream” was up against songs by Ariana Grande, Olivia Rodrigo, Charli XCX and Taylor Swift in the Best Pop category.

The win was also described as a milestone for Asian music, with Lisa becoming the second Asian act to win Best Pop after BTS in 2020 and the first solo K-pop or Asian artist to take the category.

Lisa had been nominated in four categories at this year’s VMAs, including Best Pop, Best K-Pop, Best Cinematography and Best Editing. MTV’s official nominee listings confirm “Dream” featuring Kentaro Sakaguchi was among the nominees in Best Cinematography and Best Editing.

Thai roots take centre stage

Lisa also brought Thailand to the VMAs stage with a high-energy performance of her latest single “SaWaDiKa”.

The performance came shortly after her Best Pop win and featured Thai-inspired visuals, a group of dancers and a life-sized tuk-tuk. Lisa performed choreography around the vehicle before ending the performance standing on top of it, in a visual nod to her home country.

“SaWaDiKa” had already made an impact on the US charts, debuting at No. 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching No. 7 on Digital Song Sales, according to Billboard.

The song is set to appear on Lisa’s upcoming six-track Press Play EP, scheduled for release on 23 October through Lloud and RCA Records.

Lisa previously won the Best K-Pop category at the VMAs in 2025 for “Born Again”, featuring Doja Cat and RAYE. She had also won the category for “Lalisa” and “Rockstar”.