The Queen of Pop is officially reclaiming her throne at the MTV Video Music Awards. MTV and CBS have confirmed that Madonna will open the 2026 ceremony, marking her first live performance on the VMA stage in 23 years. The 68-year-old icon last graced the stage in 2003 for that legendary medley with Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Missy Elliott—an iconic moment forever etched in pop culture history for those unforgettable onstage kisses.
It is a massive year for the superstar, who heads into the ceremony leading the pack with an impressive 11 nominations, including nods for Artist of the Year and Video of the Year for Confessions II – The Film. With 19 competitive wins already under her belt, Madonna is looking to further cement her status as one of the most decorated artists in the show’s history. Her deep-rooted connection to the VMAs began back in 1984, where she delivered an iconic rendition of Like a Virgin, and she has since provided some of the most memorable moments in the award show’s timeline, including her Marie Antoinette-inspired Vogue performance and her 1989 Express Yourself opening.
The comeback coincides with the success of her 15th studio album, Confessions II, which has been hailed by critics as a powerful reflection on love, loss, and her journey as an artist. Fans can catch the 2026 VMAs live from Los Angeles on Sunday, September 27, hosted by Snoop Dogg. The show will air on CBS and MTV, with streaming options available on Paramount+ for viewers across the globe.