Madonna To Open 2026 VMAs, Her First Live Performance At Show In 23 Years
Madonna, who heads into the VMAS with a leading 11 nominations, will open the 2026 awards shindig, her first live performance at the show in 23 years.
The Queen of Pop is coming off the release of her well-received album Confessions II, which debuted at No. 1 in July on the Billboard 200. Her 2026 VMA nominations include Video of the Year for “Confessions II — The Film,” Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year for “Bring Your Love.”
She last performed at the VMAs alongside Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera for the 2003 opener.
Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the 2026 VMAs will air live from Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 27 (7:30-9:30 PM, ET/4:30-6:30 PM, PT) on the CBS network, simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ (Premium) in the U.S. The show will also be available globally the next day on Paramount+ and MTV.
Madonna has a long history with the VMAs. Her performance of “Like a Virgin” during the inaugural 1984 broadcast became a groundbreaking moment in VMAs and pop culture history. She went on to become the first solo female artist to receive the prestigious Video Vanguard Award in 1986. Her other VMA performances include “Bye Bye Baby” (1993); “Express Yourself” (1989 opener); and the theatrical 18th-century-inspired staging of “Vogue” (1990).
With 19 VMA career wins, this marks the third time Madonna has led the VMA nominations. She earned nine nominations for “Vogue” in 1990 and another nine for “Ray of Light” and “Frozen” in 1998.
Additional performers, presenters and special guests will be revealed in the next week.
The VMAs are produced by Gunpowder & Sky. Van Toffler serves as producer. Jesse Ignjatovic of Den of Thieves, Barb Bialkowski and Bruce Gillmer serve as executive producers alongside Barry Barclay and Floris Bauer. Melanie Block serves as co-executive producer and Gary Lanvy as co-producer. Snoop Dogg is executive producer alongside producers Sara Ramaker and Jasmin Ratansi. Jen Proctor is executive talent producer.
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