MADONNA RETURNS: Pop Icon to Open 2026 VMAs After 23-Year Absence...

Madonna will open the 2026 MTV VMAs on September 27 in Los Angeles, her first performance at the ceremony since 2003—a 23-year absence that coincides with the release of her album Confessions II. The appearance carries particular weight given her foundational role in transforming music videos into artistic statements; she holds 19 VMA trophies and became the first solo female artist to win the Video Vanguard Award in 1986. This year she's competing for 11 nominations across major categories including Video of the Year and Artist of the Year. Snoop Dogg hosts, with the show airing live on CBS and Paramount+.