Madonna to perform at MTV VMAs for first time in 23 years

Entertainment media outlets report that Madonna is scheduled to open the 2026 Video Music Awards with a live performance. Coverage from Yahoo, Rolling Stone, People, The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, Newscenter Maine, Hollywood Life, Paramount Press Express, Rolling Stone Canada, and IMDb establishes that this appearance marks her first performance on the show in twenty-three years, specifically since the year 2003. According to the Paramount Press Express release, the ceremony is scheduled to air on Sunday, September 27 on CBS. Various entertainment publications have heavily emphasized the longevity of the gap between her appearances.

Reports from People and Rolling Stone specifically frame this booking as a major milestone for the upcoming ceremony, highlighting that she has not performed on the program in over two decades. Outlets such as Hollywood Life and Rolling Stone Canada have also detailed the broader performers lineup for the event, noting that Lisa, Shaboozey, and Gunna are joining the roster of artists taking the stage for the 2026 show. Contextually, the extensive media coverage reflects the high-profile nature of the announcement and the historical significance of her absence from the VMAs since 2003. While individual outlets have provided different formulations of the timeline—ranging from twenty-three years to over twenty years—all participating publications agree on the core fact that this upcoming opening slot breaks a long performance drought for the artist on the network's flagship music video awards broadcast.

Future updates from Paramount Press Express and other entertainment news outlets will likely track additional details about the segment and confirm the complete roster of performers. Viewers and industry analysts can look ahead to the broadcast on CBS to see how the opening sequence unfolds. Coverage does not yet specify the exact song selection or production elements planned for the opening routine.