Twenty-three years after her last VMA performance, Madonna returned to open the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards with a star-studded spectacle inspired by Confessions II – The Film.
The performance opened with “Bring Your Love,” bringing Sabrina Carpenter onstage to join Madonna, before moving into “Danceteria Afterhours” with Charli XCX.
The elaborate production featured several familiar faces from Madonna’s world, including longtime friend Debi Mazar, Who’s That Girl co-star Griffin Dunne, Julia Garner — who was previously attached to portray Madonna in her planned biopic — and model Tony Ward, who famously appeared in Madonna’s “Justify My Love” video.
It marked Madonna’s first performance on the VMA stage since 2003, when she opened the show alongside Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliott.
The return comes as Madonna leads this year’s VMA nominations, including recognition for Confessions II – The Film and “Bring Your Love.”
For more on Madonna’s return to the VMAs, read the full report at The Hollywood Reporter:
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/music/music-news/madonna-performance-2026-mtv-vmas-watch-1236713072/
Francis Specker/CBS