# Madonna returns to VMAs after 23 years

> The Queen of Pop opened the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards with a star-studded performance featuring Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX.
- Title: Madonna returns to VMAs after 23 years · ABC News | Shortify
- Summary: The Queen of Pop opened the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards with a star-studded performance featuring Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX. Madonna performed at the…
- Keywords: madonna, sabrina carpenter, charli xcx, 2026 mtv video music awards, vmas performance, los angeles, news, returns, VMAs, years, ABC News
- Source: ABC News — https://abcnews.com/GMA/Culture/madonna-makes-epic-vmas-return-sabrina-carpenter-charli/story?id=136808704
- Author: ABC News
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: madonna, sabrina carpenter, charli xcx, 2026 mtv video music awards, vmas performance, los angeles, news
## Madonna opens VMAs after 23 years
Madonna kicked off the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night with her first VMAs performance in 23 years, taking the stage after the ceremony was delayed by the Baltimore Ravens-Dallas Cowboys game.
## Sabrina Carpenter joins for house-pop collaboration
Sabrina Carpenter joined Madonna early in the performance for Bring Your Love, their house-pop collaboration from Madonna's latest album Confessions II, getting the crowd on its feet with the dancefloor anthem.
## Charli XCX surprises with Danceteria remix
Charli XCX made a surprise appearance to perform her remix of Madonna's Danceteria, continuing the high-energy opening set that officially got the night underway.
## Additional guest appearances in opening number
Madonna's opening number also featured appearances from Seth Rogen, Sombr and Julia Garner, who had previously been linked to playing Madonna in a biopic about the singer's life and career.
## VMAs return to West Coast with Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg hosted the two thousand twenty six MTV VMAs, which returned to the West Coast for the first time in nearly a decade. Taylor Swift arrived on the red carpet in a black halter bodysuit with a sparkling silver draped skirt.
## Show airs live across multiple platforms
The two thousand twenty six MTV VMAs aired live on Sunday night on CBS, simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount Plus.
## Key takeaway

Madonna performed at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on September 27, her first VMAs performance in 23 years, opening the show with Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX.