2026 MTV VMAs Will Open With First Madonna Performance in 23 Years

Madonna has been present at the MTV Video Music Awards in some form or fashion since she performed “Like a Virgin” at the very first show in 1984. Generations of new pop starlets have referenced her most iconic looks on the red carpet, or paid homage to her infamous Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera kisses on stage. When the VMAs return on Sunday, Sept. 27, Madonna will take centerstage for her first performance at the show in 23 years.

The Queen of Pop will open the night, just as she did at the 2003 VMAs. Her latest record, Confessions II, the spirited follow-up to 2005’s Confessions on a Dance Floor, was promoted through a series of parties called Club Confessions that could serve as the perfect inspiration for her comeback — though Madonna has never quite been all that predictable.

The rest of the lineup for the 2026 VMAs is still taking shape and will be announced next week. Last week, MTV announced Nirvana as the recipients of this year’s Video Vanguard Award, ending the 10-year streak of the career-spanning honor being presented to women. In 1986, Madonna became the first woman to be presented with the Video Vanguard Award.

Madonna earned nominations across 11 categories at this year’s show, the most of any artist. Her nods include include Artist of the Year, Video of the Year, Best Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Choreography, Best Art Direction, Best Visual Effects, and Best Editing, plus Song of the Year and Best Collaboration for the Sabrina Carpenter-assisted “Bring Your Love.” This year could bring Madonna her first VMAs win in 27 years.

“They said we wouldn’t last, but we are still here, motherfuckers,” Madonna said onstage in New York at the 2021 VMAs, her last proper appearance (sans performance) at the show. If there’s one consistent truth that will remain about the VMAs, it’s that Madonna will still be there — even when she isn’t.

The VMAs will broadcast live from Los Angeles on Sept. 27, airing simultaneously on CBS, MTV, and Paramount+.