Madonna to Headline 2026 MTV VMAs Opening Performance

Madonna will return to the MTV Video Music Awards stage on September 27, 2026. The pop star will open this year’s ceremony in Los Angeles, marking her first VMA performance in 23 years. MTV and CBS announced the news this week.

Madonna last performed at the VMAs in 2003. She shared the stage with Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliott during the opening performance. That appearance became one of the most talked-about moments in the show’s history.

Her return also comes during a major year for the singer. Madonna leads the 2026 VMA nominations with 11 nods. Her nominations include Artist of the Year, Video of the Year for “Confessions II – The Film” and Song of the Year for “Bring Your Love,” her collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter.

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The 2026 ceremony will take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Snoop Dogg will host the event, which will air live on CBS and MTV and stream on Paramount+.

Madonna has a long history with the VMAs. She performed “Like a Virgin” at the first ceremony in 1984. She later delivered memorable performances of songs such as “Vogue” and “Ray of Light.”

The 2026 show also arrives after the release of Madonna’s latest album, Confessions II. The project continues the musical direction associated with her earlier Confessions on a Dance Floor era.

Madonna’s return gives the upcoming ceremony a connection to several different periods of her career. Fans will now wait to see which songs she chooses for the opening performance. The 2026 MTV VMAs will take place on September 27 in Los Angeles, with Madonna scheduled to open the show.

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