Madonna returned to the MTV VMAs stage on Sunday night, opening the 2026 ceremony with Sabrina Carpenter and Charli xcx in her first performance at the awards show for 23 years.
The 68-year-old singer began with “Danceteria” before moving through material from her Confessions II film. The set included elements of “Good for the Soul”, “Bring Your Love” and “Danceteria”, alongside table choreography from “One Step Away”.
Carpenter joined Madonna at the piano for “Bring Your Love”, while Charli xcx appeared for “Danceteria Afterhours”. The performance was presented in partnership with Spotify.
Madonna’s return to the MTV VMAs
Madonna last performed live at the VMAs in 2003, when she opened the show alongside Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.
Her association with the ceremony dates back to its inaugural event in 1984, where she delivered the now-famous performance of “Like a Virgin”.
She entered this year’s ceremony as the most-nominated artist, with 13 nominations. Her setlist had been kept under wraps before the broadcast, with MTV and CBS confirming only that she would open the show alongside special guests.
The 2026 MTV VMAs marked Madonna’s long-awaited return to one of the event’s most prominent stages.
