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Thursday, September 17, 2026

Madonna Is Opening the VMAs for the First Time in 23 Years

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Madonna is bringing Danceteria back to the VMAs. This year, the pop star will open the awards show for the first time since 2003, performing as the most-nominated artist for her ’80s nightlife-inspired album, Confessions II. Her nods include Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year. This is the third time Madonna has led the VMA nominations, having earned nine nods for “Ray of Light” and “Frozen” in 1998, and nine for “Vogue” in 1990.

The last time Madonna opened the show, she performed “Like a Virgin” and “Hollywood” alongside—and then made out with—Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. In 1990, she sang “Vogue” in a performance inspired by 18th-century France. In 1984, the Queen of Pop headlined the very first VMAs, when she writhed on the floor with a belt that read “BOY TOY” for a performance of “Like a Virgin.”

The VMAs air Sunday, September 27 on CBS at 7:30 PM EST.

Kiana Mickles is a staff writer at Pitchfork. They previously worked as the reviews editor at Resident Advisor. They were born and raised in New York. ... Read More

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