Madonna opened the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 27 with her first live VMAs performance in 23 years, joined by Sabrina Carpenter and Charli xcx. Julia Garner, Seth Rogen and Sombr also made cameos; Madonna led all artists with 11 nominations.
Carpenter joined Madonna for “Bring Your Love.” Charli xcx appeared during the set after collaborating with Madonna on “Danceteria Afterhours,” released Sept. 24. The opener began with a fog-filled dance sequence and a spoken-word introduction from “One Step Away,” referencing the “Confessions II—The Film” video.
Garner, cast to play Madonna in a biopic Universal Pictures pulled from development in 2023, appeared in the bathroom-stall sequence. She said in an interview published Sept. 8 that she still hoped the film would be made, though its status remains unclear.
