Madonna Sets Record as Fifth-Time VMAs Opener, Reunites With Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX
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Madonna opened the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards alongside Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX, setting a new record for the most times opening the ceremony. The appearance marked her return to the VMAs after 23 years and brought her music to an audience that included Taylor Swift and other stars.
It was Madonna’s fifth time opening the show, surpassing Rihanna, who had done so four times. Madonna also led this year’s nominations after releasing *Confessions II*, her first studio album in seven years; it reached No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 and US Top Dance Albums charts, as well as charts in several other countries.
- Madonna opened the VMAs for a record fifth time.
- She reunited on stage with Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX.
- Her latest album topped charts in the US and abroad.
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The MTV Video Music Awards is one of the world's biggest pop music celebrations, held annually since 1984 to honour music videos and performances. Madonna is one of pop music's most influential artists, known for constantly reinventing herself since the 1980s and for creating some of the most talked-about performances in entertainment history. Her appearances at the VMAs have often been among the ceremony's most memorable moments.
Madonna performed as the opening act at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, marking her first appearance at the ceremony in over two decades. She collaborated with younger singers Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX, delivering performances that included a duet on piano and a remix featuring appearances from various actors and musicians. The performance demonstrated her continued ability to connect with contemporary artists and audiences.
By opening the show for the fifth time, Madonna surpassed Rihanna's previous record of four opening performances. This milestone reflects both her lasting influence in the music industry and her relevance across different generations of pop fans and performers.
Coverage
- The Hollywood Reporter — Madonna Opens 2026 VMAs With Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX
- Rolling Stone — Madonna, Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX Team Up for Star-Studded MTV VMAs Opener
- American Songwriter — 23 Years Later, Madonna Reminds Everyone Why She’s the Queen of Pop With a History-Making VMAs Performance
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