Madonna returns to VMAs stage after 23 years with star-studded performance

Madonna kicked off the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards with a star-studded performance featuring Sabrina Carpenter and Charli xcx.

The Queen of Pop opened Sunday night’s show with her first VMAs performance in 23 years, taking the stage after the ceremony was delayed by the Baltimore Ravens-Dallas Cowboys game.

Carpenter joined Madonna early in the performance for "Bring Your Love," their house-pop collaboration from Madonna’s latest album, "Confessions II."