Madonna will open the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles on September 27, marking her first live VMAs performance in 23 years, CBS and MTV announced.
The singer last performed at the VMAs in 2003, opening the ceremony with Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliott in a medley that included “Like a Virgin” and “Hollywood.”
Madonna enters this year’s ceremony with 11 nominations, the most of any artist, including Artist of the Year and Video of the Year for “Confessions II – The Film.” Her collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter, “Bring Your Love,” is nominated for Song of the Year.
Her 15th studio album, “Confessions II,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in July. Madonna has 20 VMA wins overall, including the Video Vanguard Award she received in 1986.
Her history with the awards dates to the inaugural 1984 ceremony, when she performed “Like a Virgin.” She returned for prominent performances including “Express Yourself” in 1989 and “Vogue” in 1990.
Read: Grande, Slater Fuel Romance Buzz with 2025VMAs Absence
The 2026 MTV VMAs, hosted by Snoop Dogg, will air live from Los Angeles on Sunday, September 27, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on CBS, with an MTV simulcast and Paramount+ streaming in the United States.
