Although this week kicked off with the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, some pop culture fiends believe PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson were completely snubbed for their fierce collab, “Stateside”… and highkey, I agree.
As a pop girly through and through, I have so much love for Madonna. From “Vogue” to “Like A Prayer” and “Don't Tell Me”, her outfits, visuals and concepts — Madonna is the true embodiment of a legendary, music icon.
So, when she clocked seven awards at this year's VMAs, including Best Dance and Artist of the Year, it wasn't a surprise. However, for Best Collaboration?
Respectfully, PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson were snubbed, and a portion of fans agree.
Shortly after the 2026 VMAs concluded, punters took to social media, stressing how “Stateside + Zara Larsson” should've been awarded Best Collaboration over Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter's “Bring Your Love” — which resulted in a truly awkward acceptance speech in which Madonna called out Carpenter's team for ghosting her for five days.
Netizens and music fans highlighted "Stateside's" cultural impact — for example: its TikTok virality and the fact that gold medalist Alysa Liu used the track at the Olympic Gala, which resulted in a Fortnite emote — and the literal data, such as hitting number one on Billboard's Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts, jotting it down as to why these divas deserved that moon person.
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“I have heard so many people talk about how much they love ‘Stateside’. It's been such a moment in pop culture," content creator Abe (@abethefilmgirl) shared.
“WDYM this didn't win the Best Category at the VMAs,” another TikToker shared with a snippet of the music video.
“Snub of the year,” another penned.
Now, in my opinion, I 100 per cent agree with all of these takes. As someone who has been intrigued by PinkPantheress' artistry since “Pain” — and back when everyone joked her concerts would be a minute total — “Stateside + Zara Larsson” deserved that award for a multitude of reasons.
As highlighted by the creators above, the track had a major impact on pop culture, which I believe should've been applauded at the 2026 MTV VMAs.
Its music video also brought back exciting visuals that showcased the eras PinkPantheress and Larsson were currently in — Fancy That and Midnight Sun.
And, to really deep it, Fancy Some More? as an album truly captures PinkPantheress' ability to bring other artists into her world without collaborators losing their style, which is amazingly executed in the track, “Stateside + Zara Larsson”.
Side note: as an Aussie, I highly reccomend listening to “Stateside + Kylie Minogue”. Yes, our queen is also on Fancy Some More?
The VMAs are supposed to be a breeding ground of memorable celebrity moments. After all, it gave us Kanye West's interruption of Taylor Swift, Britney Spears' “I'm A Slave 4 U” performance, Beyoncé's pregnancy reveal and Miley Cyrus vs Nicki Minaj.
Unfortunately, in 2026, it missed the mark by not acknowledging the moment, which was and still is “Stateside”.
Thankfully, the divas got their flowers for Best Direction — a category that was awarded off-screen — but PinkPantheress deserved the speech.
Now, excuse me as I spam the “Stateside” emote on my next Victory Royale.
