Madonna Opens 2026 MTV VMAs with Star-Studded Performance, Wins Artist of the Year

At the 2026 MTV VMAs, Madonna opened the show with a performance featuring Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX, among other guests. She wore a satin black mini trench coat, pink bodysuit, black corset, and thigh-high boots, styled by Rita Melssen. The set began with "Bring Your Love" alongside Carpenter, who wore a white shirt, sequined black briefs, suspenders, and a beret. Charli XCX then joined for their "Danceteria" remix, dressed in a tight LBD, fishnet tights, platform heels, and shield shades. Cameos included Debi Mazar, Julia Garner, Sombr, Fab 5 Freddy, and Seth Rogen. Madonna received 13 nominations, including Artist and Album of the Year. She won Artist of the Year, and she and Carpenter won Best Collaboration for "Bring Your Love." Accepting the award, Madonna said, "I DM'd her, and within weeks, we were in the studio together." The performance adds to Madonna's history of memorable VMAs moments, such as her 1990 "Vogue" performance in Marie Antoinette garb, her 2003 kiss with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, and her 1984 "Like a Virgin" rendition at the first VMAs.