Madonna returns to the VMA stage to open the 2026 show! Get release dates, streaming info, and details on her 11 nominations inside.
Pop culture icon Madonna is returning to the MTV Video Music Awards to open the 2026 live broadcast, marking her first live performance on the show in 23 years. Hosted by hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the ceremony airs live on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET on CBS and streams on Paramount+. In addition to her explosive opening set, Madonna leads all artists this year with 11 total VMA nominations following the chart-topping release of her album Confessions II.
Key Information
- Event Title: 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs)
- Opening Performer: Madonna
- Host: Snoop Dogg
- Date & Time: Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT
- Venue: Peacock Theater (Los Angeles, California)
- Broadcast Networks: CBS, MTV
- Streaming Platform: Paramount+ Official Portal
- Video Vanguard Recipient: Nirvana
- Official Social Platforms: Madonna Official Instagram, MTV VMAs Official X Account
What Is Madonna's History With the MTV Video Music Awards?
Madonna's return to the VMA stage brings her career back to the institution she helped define across four decades of pop culture history.
- The 2003 Pop Culture Watershed: Her upcoming performance marks her first live set at the ceremony since 2003, when she kicked off the show alongside Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera for a medley of Like a Virgin and Hollywood.
- Inaugural VMA Moments: Madonna delivered the show's very first iconic performance at the inaugural 1984 VMAs in a wedding dress. She went on to deliver historic television sets for Express Yourself in 1989, Vogue in 1990, and Bye Bye Baby in 1993.
- Most Decorated Pop Artist: Holding 20 total Moon Person trophies (including 19 competitive wins and her 1986 Video Vanguard Award), Madonna remains one of the most celebrated acts in MTV history.
Which Categories Is Madonna Nominated for at the 2026 VMAs?
Riding high on the commercial success of her album Confessions II, Madonna heads into the 2026 ceremony as the night's most nominated artist with 11 nods, outpacing Taylor Swift (9) and Sabrina Carpenter (7).
- Top Award Nods: Madonna is competing for Artist of the Year, Video of the Year for Confessions II – The Film, and Song of the Year for her hit Sabrina Carpenter collaboration, Bring Your Love.
- Technical and Creative Recognition: Confessions II – The Film secured additional nominations across multiple creative categories, including Best Direction, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Choreography, and Best Visual Effects.
- Genre Category Nominations: She is also nominated for Best Collaboration alongside Carpenter and Best Dance for her short film visual release.
Catch Madonna's historic opening act live by streaming the 2026 VMAs on Paramount+ on September 27.