Madonna performed at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on September 28, marking her first appearance at the ceremony in 23 years. The Queen of Pop opened the show with a medley from her album Confessions II, featuring guest performances by Sabrina Carpenter and Charli xcx.
The performance began with Carpenter on piano playing “Bring Your Love,” which transitioned into a full dance-floor production. Dancers helped Madonna change from a black costume into a maroon leotard reminiscent of her 2005 Confessions on a Dance Floor album cover. A choir performed the “I did it love” refrain as Madonna moved across a moving platform before transitioning into “Danceteria.”
Charli xcx joined Madonna to perform their recently released “Danceteria Afterhours” remix, which featured a cameo from Debi Mazar. The segment recreated a bathroom dance party from the Confessions II short film, with additional celebrity appearances by Julia Garner, Seth Rogen, and Fab 5 Freddy.
Confessions II debuted atop the Billboard 200 this summer as Madonna’s 10th solo studio album. The album features guest appearances by Feid, Stromae, Lola Leon, and Martin Garrix. Two tracks from the album, “Danceteria” and “Love Sensation,” topped the Dance Airplay chart.
Madonna leads the 2026 VMAs with 13 nominations, including video of the year, best dance, and artist of the year. With 84 career nominations, she is the second most-nominated artist in VMAs history behind Beyoncé, who has 85 nominations.
See Charli XCX live
Upcoming Charli XCX events with tickets available:
- Sep 28, 2026 — Capital One Arena, Washington, District Of Columbia · Get tickets
- Oct 6, 2026 — State Farm Arena – GA, Atlanta, Georgia · Get tickets
- Oct 14, 2026 — Viejas Arena At Aztec Bowl, San Diego, California · Get tickets
- Oct 17, 2026 — The Kia Forum, Inglewood, California · Get tickets
- Oct 18, 2026 — The Kia Forum, Inglewood, California · Get tickets
Tickets are sold by GetUrTix. Code GTIX20 takes 20% off the ticket price at checkout — no minimum, no expiry.
Source: Billboard
