Madonna to open the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards

Madonna is set to return to the MTV Video Music Awards stage for the first time in 23 years, as she has been confirmed to open the 2026 ceremony. The event will take place live in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 27, and will be broadcast across CBS and MTV, with Snoop Dogg serving as the host. The ceremony will also be streamed on Paramount+ Premium in the US, with global availability following the next day.

The pop icon enters the ceremony as the leading nominee, holding a total of 11 nominations. These include categories such as Video of the Year for "Confessions II — The Film," Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year for "Bring Your Love." Her new album, "Confessions II," topped the Billboard 200 chart upon its release in July. This highly anticipated performance comes after a lengthy absence, with her last VMA stage appearance occurring in 2003 alongside Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.

Madonna has a storied history with the awards show, notably dating back to her performance of "Like a Virgin" at the inaugural ceremony in 1984. Her return is seen as a significant cultural milestone, highlighting her sustained relevance in the music industry decades into her career.