Madonna Breaks 23-Year VMAs Performance Streak with Star-Studded Opening Medley

It’s been a landmark year for Madonna. Her long-awaited follow-up to 2005’s Confessions On A Dance Floor, Confessions II, received strong critical acclaim, including topping Stereogum’s Song Of The Summer poll with “Danceteria.” Any artistic tensions with fellow artist Charli XCX were resolved through collaborative efforts, and Charli’s partner Troye Sivan incorporated Madonna’s influence in his recent work. Madonna’s presence has been prominent across major events from Coachella to the World Cup final and Times Square. Tonight marks her latest high-profile appearance at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards.

Madonna holds the record for most iconic VMAs moments, dating back to her performance of “Like A Virgin” at the inaugural 1984 ceremony. Until tonight, she hadn’t taken the VMAs stage in 23 years. That record-breaking streak ended with a show-opening medley live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, where the ceremony is being held. This performance marks her fifth VMAs appearance and coincides with her leading the nominations with 13.

The performance featured collaborations with Sabrina Carpenter on their Confessions II duet “Bring Your Love,” and Charli XCX performing the refreshed “Danceteria” remix. Julia Stiles, originally cast to portray Madonna in her canceled biopic, joined the stage as well. Madonna and actress Ana Garner will allegedly reference this storyline in the upcoming season of The Studio, with creator and star Seth Rogen also joining the performance alongside Andrew Watt and Sombr.

Watch footage from the performance below.

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