Madonna returned to the MTV Video Music Awards stage on Sunday, opening the ceremony alongside Sabrina Carpenter to perform “Bring Your Love” before welcoming Charli XCX for a remix of “Danceteria.” The appearance marked Madonna’s first performance at the VMAs since 2003, when she famously smooched both Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Entering the night leading all artists with 13 nominations, Madonna anchored her return with a graffiti-laden bathroom stage set and a star-studded lineup of cameos.
Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter Open the VMAs With a Live Collaboration
The broadcast opened with Madonna taking the stage in a Saint Laurent satin black mini trench coat, pink bodysuit, black corset, and thigh-high boots, styled by longtime collaborator Rita Melssen. She was joined by Sabrina Carpenter—dressed in a white shirt, sequined black briefs, suspenders, and a Dolce & Gabbana beret—to perform their track “Bring Your Love.” The collaboration originated after Madonna sent a direct message on social media to Carpenter following a five-day wait, leading to studio sessions within weeks. Charli XCX later joined the stage for their “Danceteria” remix, featuring cameos from Sombr, Julia Garner, Debi Mazar, Seth Rogen, Andrew Watt, Tony Ward, and Fab 5 Freddy.
Thirteen Nominations Anchor Madonna’s Return to the Ceremony
Madonna’s 13 nominations at the ceremony are driven primarily by the short film created for her album Confessions II, the sequel to her 2005 release Confessions on a Dance Floor. The project earned nods for Video of the Year, Best Direction, Cinematography, and Choreography. Additionally, the video anchors the return of the Best Dance category, which hasn’t been awarded since 2019. Madonna and Carpenter also collected a win for Best Collaboration for “Bring Your Love,” a track they previously debuted live during Carpenter’s headlining set at Coachella.
Artist of the Year and Song of the Year Contenders
Beyond her collaboration with Carpenter, Madonna secured a nomination for Artist of the Year, competing against Taylor Swift—who holds 11 nominations—alongside Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, Carpenter, and Morgan Wallen. In the Song of the Year category, “Bring Your Love” faces BTS’ “Swim,” Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas,” Huntr/x’s “Golden,” Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need,” the PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson “Stateside” remix, and Raye’s “Where Is My Husband!”
Tributes and Additional Performances Line the 2026 Broadcast
The evening features a packed schedule of live music and tributes. Performances are slated from Gunna, Lisa, Raye, Shaboozey, Gener8ion, Sienna Spiro, and Yung Lean. Kacey Musgraves delivers a tribute performance honoring Dolly Parton, marking Musgraves’ first onstage appearance at the VMAs in five years. Meanwhile, Raye, Sombr, and Teddy Swims join forces for a musical tribute to George Michael, who passed away nearly a decade ago.
