Madonna, Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX Team Up for Star-Studded MTV VMAs Opener

In Madonna's first VMAs performance in 23 years, she brought extra star power, with bonus guest spots from Sombr and more

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September 27, 2026

Madonna — the eternal Queen of the MTV Video Music Awards — burst onto the stage on Sunday with Sabrina Carpenter to sing “Bring Your Love,” and that was just the beginning of a triumphant return to the awards show she helped build. Then Charli XCX joined her for their remix of “Danceteria,” with multiple celeb cameos. Madonna sang “Like a Virgin” at the VMAs‘ first show in 1984 but hadn’t performed at the ceremony since 2003, when she infamously smooched both Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.

Guests during “Danceteria” — a performance built around a graffiti-laden bathroom stage set —  included Sombr (in an outrageous leather outfit), Julia Garner, Debi Mazar, Seth Rogen, Andrew Watt, Tony Ward, and Fab 5 Freddie. Both Mazar and Freddie are actually mentioned in Madonna’s lyrics.

Madonna leads the night with 13 nominations, thanks largely to the short film she crafted for her celebrated new album, Confessions II, the long-awaited sequel to her 2005 album, Confessions on a Dance Floor. The film is up for Video of the Year, as well as a swath of other categories including Best Direction, Cinematography, and Choreography. The video’s nod also anchors the returning Best Dance category, which was given out regularly for decades starting in 1989, but hasn’t been awarded since 2019.

Madonna and Carpenter’s Confessions II track — which they debuted live in spectacular fashion during Carpenter’s headlining set at Coachella — also brought in nominations for Song of the Year and Best Collaboration. Among the nods, Madonna is up for Artist of the Year, too. 

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The night ahead will see performances by Gunna, Lisa, Raye, Shaboozey, Gener8ion, Sienna Spiro, and Yung Lean. Kacey Musgraves will also honor Dolly Parton with a special tribute performance set, marking the country singer’s first onstage appearance at the VMAs in five years. Raye, Sombr, and Teddy Swims will perform a tribute to George Michael, who died nearly a decade ago.

Taylor Swift follows right behind Madonna with 11 nominations tonight. As for the other big categories at the VMAs, Artist of the Year will find Madonna and Swift competing against Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, Carpenter, and Morgan Wallen. And in Song of the Year, Madonna and Carpenter’s “Bring Your Love” will go up against BTS’ “Swim,” Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas,” Huntr/x’s “Golden,” Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need,” PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson’s “Stateside” remix, and Raye’s “Where Is My Husband!”