Madonna returns to the MTV VMAs stage after 23 years

Madonna is returning to the MTV Video Music Awards stage for her first performance at the ceremony in 23 years.

The Queen of Pop, who has received 11 nominations this year, will begin the Los Angeles event with its opening performance. It will be her first VMA appearance since her memorable 2003 performance, when she kissed Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.

Madonna has a long history with the VMAs and has collected 19 awards throughout her career. Her performance of ‘Like a Virgin’ at the first ceremony in 1984 remains one of the most influential moments in pop culture.

The 2026 VMAs are scheduled for September 27, with Snoop Dogg serving as host.

This will be the first time the awards ceremony has taken place in Los Angeles since 2017.

Madonna’s appearance follows the July release of her acclaimed album Confessions II, whose success left the singer feeling “grateful and surprised”.

After the record reached the top of the US Billboard Chart, the 68 year old ‘Vogue’ singer wrote on Instagram: “Words cannot express how grateful and surprised I am by the incredible reception Confessions on a Dance Floor has received!!

“Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this and who has helped make this dream come true. Especially my Fans. The Goodwill and positivity has been incredible. I’m still pinching myself.

“I can’t believe it’s #1 all around the world. My dream was to make people dance this summer!! To bring people JOY! Dreams do come true. Thanks and love!”

Madonna previously revealed that she had not expected her latest project to perform so strongly on the charts, much like its companion album, 2005’s Confessions on a Dance Floor.

During a BBC special hosted by Graham Norton that aired in the UK in June, she said: “I don’t have any expectations. I have been doing this for a long time. You know, hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

“[With the first Confessions] it was mind blowing as we didn’t have any idea how brilliant it was. No, I am just kidding. But it was a huge success. It took me by surprise.

“I’m excited for people to hear the whole album because it’s a whole story. It’s a whole journey.”