Madonna will open the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, adding another milestone to a VMA history that stretches back to the ceremony’s earliest years. The pop icon will become the first artist to open the VMAs five times when she takes the stage at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on September 27.
The performance marks Madonna’s first appearance at the ceremony since 2003, when she opened the show with “Hollywood” before sharing one of the broadcast’s most remembered moments with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. More than two decades later, she returns as the night’s leading nominee, with 11 nominations tied to her latest era.
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Madonna’s relationship with the VMAs predates much of the modern awards-show playbook. She performed “Like a Virgin” at the inaugural ceremony in 1984 and became the first solo female recipient of the Video Vanguard Award in 1986. Her 19 competitive VMA wins place her among the ceremony’s most decorated artists, while her career nomination total has reached 82, making her the second most-nominated artist in VMA history.
This year’s nominations arrive amid a new chapter for Madonna following the release of Confessions II on July 3 through Warner Records. The 15th studio album serves as a sequel to 2005’s Confessions on a Dance Floor and reunites Madonna with producer Stuart Price, while also bringing in collaborators including Andrew Watt, Cirkut, Tainy, Martin Garrix and Mirwais.
Built around EDM, house, dance-pop, disco and downtempo influences, Confessions II continues the continuous-mix approach of its predecessor while turning toward themes of freedom, grief, spirituality and self-realization. Sabrina Carpenter, Feid, Stromae and Lola Leon appear on the album, while singles including “Bring Your Love,” “Love Sensation” and “Danceteria” have helped establish the project’s dance-focused campaign.
Madonna enters the 2026 ceremony at the top of the nominations tally, ahead of Taylor Swift with nine. Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter each have seven nominations, while Bruno Mars, PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson have five apiece; BLACKPINK’s LISA follows with four.
Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the 2026 VMAs will air live from Los Angeles on September 27 on CBS, with a simulcast on MTV and Paramount+.
Photo: Ricardo Gomes
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