Madonna to make VMA comeback

Pop icon to perform at awards show after 23 years 

Legendary singer Madonna is all set to return to the MTV Video Music Awards stage after 23 years, with the Queen of Pop set to open the 2026 ceremony with her first live performance at the show since 2003, MTV and CBS announced Wednesday, as reported by People.

Madonna, 68, last performed at the VMAs in 2003, when she opened the show alongside Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliott. The performance featured a medley of Hollywood, Like a Virgin and Passenger, along with Madonna’s now-famous onstage kisses with Spears and Aguilera.

More than two decades later, Madonna is set to make her much-awaited return to the VMA stage.

The comeback comes in a major year for the pop star, who leads all artists with 11 nominations at this year’s VMAs. 

Her nominations include Artist of the Year, Video of the Year for Confessions II – The Film and Song of the Year for Bring Your Love, featuring Sabrina Carpenter.