Madonna to perform at 2026 VMAs, setting new record
Following the release of her No. 1 album, Confessions II, Madonna has received major recognition at this year’s awards
By Aaron Sugg
Madonna has been announced as the opening performer at the 2026 VMAs, marking her first live performance at the awards show in 23 years and setting a new record for the most VMA opening performances.
Madonna is also this year’s leading nominee, with 11 nominations, following the release of her No. 1 album, Confessions II, earlier this year.
On 27 September, the Queen of Pop will perform live at the awards show for the first time since 2003, when she performed alongside Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliott.
Madonna’s 2003 VMA performance
The set was nothing short of unforgettable and has since secured its place in pop culture history. Together, the powerhouse foursome performed a medley of ‘Like a Virgin’ and ‘Hollywood’, with the performance becoming best known for Madonna kissing Spears and Aguilera on stage.
2026 will mark Madonna’s fifth time opening the VMAs, following previous appearances in 1989 with ‘Express Yourself’; 1993 with ‘Bye Bye Baby’; 1998 with ‘Shanti/Astangi’ and ‘Ray of Light’; and, of course, 2003.
By opening the show for a fifth time, Madonna will become the VMAs’ most frequent opening performer, moving ahead of Rihanna, who last opened the show in 2016.
Madonna’s nominations at the 2026 VMAs
As well as setting the tone for the ceremony, Madonna is up for 11 awards – the highest number of nominations of her career. Her nominations include Video of the Year and Best Dance for her star-studded Confessions II – The Film, as well as Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for “Bring Your Love”, her collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter.
The film, starring the likes of Julia Garner, Benedict Cumberbatch and Kate Moss, is also nominated for Best Direction, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Choreography and Best Visual Effects. “Bring Your Love” is also up for Best Collaboration.
The 2026 VMAs will be hosted by Snoop Dogg and will air live from Los Angeles on 27 September on CBS, MTV and Paramount+ in the US.