Pop icon Madonna will open the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards with her first live performance at the ceremony in 23 years. CBS and MTV announced that she will perform live in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 27.
The appearance will mark Madonna’s first VMAs performance since 2003. During that ceremony, she famously kissed Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera during an opening medley.
Madonna Leads 2026 VMA Nominations
Madonna enters this year’s ceremony as the most-nominated artist, earning 11 nominations. Her nominations include Video of the Year for Confessions II — The Film, along with Artist of the Year.
She also received a Song of the Year nomination for Bring Your Love. Meanwhile, her latest album, Confessions II, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 in July.
Madonna has previously led the VMA nominations twice during her career. She received nine nominations for Vogue in 1990 and nine more for Ray of Light and Frozen in 1998.
The singer has won 19 competitive VMAs throughout her career. Furthermore, she became the first recipient of the Video Vanguard Award in 1986.
Madonna Returns To Historic VMA Stage
Madonna’s connection with the VMAs dates back to the ceremony’s first broadcast in 1984. Her performance of Like a Virgin became one of the event’s most memorable moments.
She later delivered notable performances, including Express Yourself in 1989 and Vogue in 1990. She also performed Bye Bye Baby in 1993 with a gender-bending stage presentation.
Organisers have not yet announced the remaining performers for this year’s ceremony. Snoop Dogg will host the 2026 VMAs, which will air live from Los Angeles on CBS at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The ceremony will also simulcast on MTV and stream on Paramount+.
For the latest updates, visit and follow The Truth International website (www.thetruthinternational.com) and subscribe to the YouTube Channel.
