MADONNA TO OPEN THE 2026 VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS

CBS and MTV announced today that the most nominated artist of the night, Madonna, will open the 2026 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS (“VMAs”) for her first live performance at the show in 23 years. The cultural powerhouse returns to the “VMAs” stage fresh off the release of her critically acclaimed #1 album Confessions II (Warner Records). Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the “VMAs” will air live from Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 27 (7:30-9:30 PM, ET/4:30-6:30 PM, PT) on the CBS Television Network, simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ (Premium) in the U.S. The show will also be available globally the next day on Paramount+ and MTV.

- Spotify has partnered with the “VMAs” as the official audio streaming partner, extending the event beyond the live broadcast. The collaboration connects fans directly with Madonna’s music post-performance and features exclusive content, including archival footage from past “VMAs.”

- Madonna last performed at the “VMAs” more than two decades ago, when Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera joined her for their now-iconic 2003 opening performance.

- The leading 2026 “VMAs” nominee enters the night with a career-high 11 nominations and looks to add to her 19 competitive career wins, with nods including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year and Song of the Year.

- This year marks the third time Madonna has led “VMAs” nominations. She earned nine nominations for “Vogue” in 1990 and another nine for “Ray of Light” and “Frozen” in 1998.

Additional performers, presenters and special guests to be revealed in the next week. Follow @CBS, @MTV and @VMAs on social to keep up with all things #VMAs.