Madonna is heading back to the MTV Video Music Awards.
The pop icon will open the 2026 MTV VMAs on September 27, marking her first live performance at the awards show in 23 years. CBS and MTV announced the news on September 16, putting one of music’s most recognizable performers back at the center of the VMAs.
The ceremony will take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. It will be hosted by Snoop Dogg and broadcast live on CBS, with a simulcast on MTV and streaming through Paramount+ in the United States.
Why is Madonna returning to the VMAs?
Madonna’s return comes during a major year in her career.
She enters the 2026 VMAs as the ceremony’s most-nominated artist, with 11 nominations. Her nominations include Artist of the Year, Video of the Year for Confessions II – The Film, and Song of the Year for “Bring Your Love,” her collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter.
The appearance also follows the release of her latest album, Confessions II. The album was released in July and is her 15th studio album.
Her upcoming performance therefore connects her current music era with one of the awards shows most closely associated with her career.
When did Madonna last perform at the VMAs?
Madonna’s last live performance at the VMAs was in 2003.
She opened that year’s ceremony alongside Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliott. The performance included songs from Madonna’s catalog and became one of the most talked-about moments in VMA history.
More than two decades later, Madonna is returning to the same stage. The 2026 appearance will therefore mark her first live VMA performance since that 2003 show.
Madonna’s long history with the MTV VMAs
Madonna’s relationship with the VMAs stretches back to the very first ceremony in 1984.
She performed “Like a Virgin” at the inaugural awards show. The performance became an early defining moment in her career and helped establish her connection with the MTV audience.
She later delivered several other memorable VMA performances, including “Express Yourself” in 1989, “Vogue” in 1990, and “Bye Bye Baby” in 1993.
In 1986, she also became the first solo female artist to receive the Video Vanguard Award.
Madonna has remained closely connected to the VMAs even when she was not performing. In 2021, she made a surprise appearance at the ceremony to mark MTV’s 40th anniversary.
Madonna leads the 2026 VMA nominations
The 2026 ceremony is already shaping up to be an important night for Madonna.
She has 11 nominations, putting her at the top of this year’s nominations. Taylor Swift follows with nine, while Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter each have seven. Bruno Mars, PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson have five nominations apiece.
Madonna is competing for major awards, including Artist of the Year and Video of the Year. She will also perform before the awards are handed out, making her one of the central figures of the ceremony.
Who is hosting the 2026 MTV VMAs?
Snoop Dogg will host this year’s VMAs.
The ceremony is returning to Los Angeles for the first time since 2017. The show will be broadcast from the Peacock Theater on September 27.
Snoop Dogg has his own history with the VMAs. He first appeared on the VMA stage in 1994 and has received 13 nominations, winning three awards.
When and where can fans watch the VMAs?
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards will take place on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in Los Angeles.
In the United States, the show will air live on CBS and MTV and stream on Paramount+. Paramount and MTV said the ceremony will also be available internationally the following day.
Additional performers, presenters and special guests are expected to be announced before the ceremony.
Madonna’s VMA comeback is one to watch
Madonna’s return brings together several chapters of her career.
She first performed at the VMAs in 1984. She became one of the show’s defining performers through the late 1980s and 1990s. Her last live performance came in 2003.
Now, 23 years later, she is returning to open the ceremony.
With 11 nominations and a new album behind her, Madonna will be one of the biggest names at the 2026 MTV VMAs.
The 2026 MTV VMAs take place on September 27 in Los Angeles.
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