Madonna Set to Open MTV Video Music Awards for the First Time in Over 20 Years

Madonna is set to make her return to the MTV Video Music Awards stage for the first time in 23 years, MTV and CBS announced Wednesday. The pop icon will return to the award show after the release of her chart-topping album Confessions II. The last time Madonna performed at the show was in 2003, during an iconic collaboration with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera that opened that year’s show. Madonna’s nominated for 11 awards this year, the most of any performer — not the first time she’s done that. The pop icon’s led the nomination count two other times throughout her career, once in 1990 and again in 1998. This year, she’s followed by Taylor Swift with nine nominations and Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande, who are tied with seven each. Madonna’s won a career total of 19 wins at the award show, including video of the year, artist of the year and song of the year. Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the 2026 MTV VMAs will once again air on CBS and simulcast on MTV. They’re set to air live from Los Angeles on Sept. 27. It’s the first time the show has taken place in the city in nearly a decade — the last time being in 2017 when Katy Perry hosted the ceremony at The Forum. The ceremony is produced by Gunpowder & Sky. Van Toffler serves as producer. Jesse Ignjatovic of Den of Thieves, Barb Bialkowski and Bruce Gillmer are set to serve as executive producers alongside Barry Barclay and Floris Bauer. Melanie Block will co-executive produce, while Gary Lanvy serves as co-producer. Snoop will also executive produce alongside producers Sara Ramaker and Jasmin Ratansi. Jen Proctor serves as executive talent producer. THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day Subscribe Sign Up