Madonna to Open 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, Marking First Performance in 23 Years

Pop icon Madonna is slated to open the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, her first live performance at the ceremony in 23 years. She is also the most-nominated artist this year with 11 nominations, including Video of the Year for "Confessions II — The Film." Her return to the VMA stage is highly anticipated, following her memorable 2003 performance with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.