Madonna is heading back to the MTV Video Music Awards stage, and the Queen of Pop is making her return in grand fashion.

The superstar has been tapped to open the 2026 VMAs on September 27, marking her first performance at the ceremony in a whopping 23 years.

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CBS and MTV announced today that Madonna will kick off this year’s ceremony live from Los Angeles.

The booking brings the 68-year-old full circle with a show that has played host to some of the most defining moments of her career.

Indeed, her last VMA performance came in 2003, when Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera joined her for the now-iconic opening medley that culminated in that headline-grabbing kiss.

Madge’s return arrives during a renewed commercial hot streak. Her latest album, ‘Confessions II’, blasted to #1 on the Billboard 200 and also topped the UK chart.

Fittingly, she heads into the VMAs as the night’s most nominated act. As reported, Madonna scored a career-high 11 nominations, including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year. She already boasts 19 competitive VMA wins.

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, hosted by Snoop Dogg, airs September 27 at 7:30pm ET on CBS, simulcasts on MTV, and streams on Paramount+ in the US.

From ‘Like a Virgin’ to ‘Vogue’ to that unforgettable 2003 spectacle, Madge and the VMAs have quite the history. Roll on the next chapter.

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