Madonna performed at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday for the first time in 23 years, opening the show with special guests Sabrina Carpenter and Charli xcx. The performance featured two songs, with Madonna and Carpenter trading verses while she sat atop a piano, followed by a rendition of the newly released “Danceteria Afterhours” remix.
The performance included a bathroom set recreation from the “Danceteria” music video, with appearances by actresses Debi Mazar and Julia Garner, as well as cameos from Seth Rogen, Andrew Watt and Sombr. Madonna’s last VMA performance was in 2003 alongside Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.
Madonna led all artists in 2026 VMA nominations with 13 nods. Taylor Swift followed with 11 nominations, Sabrina Carpenter with nine and Ariana Grande with eight.
The performance comes as Madonna promotes her 15th album, “Confessions II,” released in July. The record reunites her with producer Stuart Price and marks her first album in seven years. Recent singles include “Love Sensation” featuring Kylie Minogue and “Danceteria Afterhours” with Charli xcx.
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: Variety Music
