Madonna Opens 2026 VMAs and Wins Artist of the Year

Madonna opened the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on September 27 with Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX, then won Artist of the Year later in the ceremony. The performance, her first at the VMAs since 2003, brought together songs from her album Confessions II and featured several guest appearances. Madonna and Carpenter performed “Bring Your Love,” followed by Charli XCX joining Madonna for “Danceteria” or “Danceteria Afterhours,” as the track was identified in different accounts. Reports also described appearances by Seth Rogen and Sombr; some accounts named Julia Garner and Debi Mazar. The ceremony was held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Madonna and Carpenter also won Best Collaboration for “Bring Your Love.” While accepting that award together, Madonna said she had contacted Carpenter through social media before the two began working in the studio. The supplied reports establish both award outcomes, though they do not provide a complete list of winners across the ceremony’s categories. In her Artist of the Year acceptance speech, Madonna recalled her first VMA performance, at the inaugural awards in 1984.