Madonna Returns to VMAs Stage with Star-Studded Performance
The music icon opened the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards with performances featuring Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX.
Madonna made a triumphant return to the MTV Video Music Awards stage on Sunday, September 27, 2026, marking her first VMAs performance in 23 years. The Queen of Pop kicked off the ceremony with a high-energy set that included surprise appearances from contemporary artists Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX.
The performance began after a delay due to a football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Dallas Cowboys. Madonna launched into her collaboration with Carpenter, "Bring Your Love," from Madonna's latest album, "Confessions II." The duo's performance of the house-pop track energized the audience.
Following Carpenter's appearance, Charli XCX joined Madonna on stage for a rendition of "Danceteria," a remix of one of Madonna's songs. The opening number also featured cameos from Seth Rogen, Sombr, and Julia Garner, the latter of whom has previously been connected to a potential biopic about the singer.
The VMAs, hosted this year by Snoop Dogg, returned to the West Coast for the first time in nearly a decade. Other notable arrivals on the red carpet included Taylor Swift, who was seen in a black halter bodysuit and a sparkling silver skirt.
The 2026 MTV VMAs are being broadcast live on CBS and simulcast on MTV, with streaming available on Paramount+.