Pop icon Madonna is set to open the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), marking her first live performance at the ceremony in 23 years.
The Queen of Pop is heading into this year’s awards with 11 nominations, following the release of her latest album, Confessions II, which debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 in July.
Among her 2026 VMA nominations are Video of the Year for Confessions II – The Film, Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for Bring Your Love.
Madonna last performed at the VMAs in 2003 when she joined Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera for the opening performance of the ceremony.
The singer has a long-standing history with the awards. Her performance of Like a Virgin at the inaugural VMAs in 1984 became a defining moment in pop culture, while she also delivered performances of Express Yourself in 1989, Vogue in 1990 and Bye Bye Baby in 1993.
Madonna leads this year’s nominations with 11 nods, followed by Taylor Swift with nine. Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter each received seven nominations.
Rock band Nirvana is also set to receive the Video Vanguard Award during the ceremony.
The 2026 VMAs will be hosted by Snoop Dogg at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on September 27.
The MTV Video Music Awards is an annual ceremony organised by MTV to recognise notable music videos and celebrate major moments in music and pop culture.
Additional performers, presenters and special guests for this year’s ceremony are expected to be announced in the coming week.
