Madonna Opens 2026 VMAs With Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX

Pop ruled the opening of the 2026 VMAs, as Madonna kicked off the show with a medley of “Bring Your Love” and “Danceteria Afterhours” alongside Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX minutes before K-pop star Lisa won the award for best pop for “Dream” ft. Kentaro Sakaguchi.

Madonna began her performance of “Bring Your Love” spread-eagle atop a black grand piano as Carpenter played the keys below. The two soon abandoned the instrument in favor of hitting their choreographed steps as they crooned, “Bring your love / ‘Cause you’ll never break me / Bring your love / Cause you cannot take me down.”

Madonna’s dancers then carried her onto a moving platform which soared across the stage as a choir dressed in veiled white nun habits sang the chorus of the hit song. The camera then gave way to a second megastar reveal as Charli XCX appeared onstage performing her and Madonna’s smash track, “Danceteria Afterhours,” in a set crafted after the restrooms in the legendary New York City nightclub after which the song is named.

The scene was reminiscent of Madonna’s infamous 2003 MTV VMA performance in which she shared an onstage kiss with the two biggest pop stars of the time: Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Tonight’s performance marked Madonna’s first return to the VMAs since the iconic moment.

Madonna could make more history tonight as she leads nominations this year with a total of 11 nods, including video of the year and artist of the year, following the release of her 15th studio album, Confessions II, in July and the accompanying 14-minute music video, “Confessions — The Film.” The singer, who currently has 20 Video Music Awards, could tie Taylor Swift’s record (31) for the most awards won in the history of the VMAs. Both Madonna and Swift could also break the record for the most wins in a single night, which is held by Peter Gabriel with 10 wins in 1987 (including the non-competitive Vanguard award).

The pop icon’s first win of the night came in the form of best collab for “Bring Your Love.” During her acceptance speech, Madonna told the audience how the song came together with Carpenter, who joined her onstage. “Everybody who knows me knows how impatient I am. When five days passed, and I still didn’t hear back from Sabrina about whether she wanted to do a song with me, I DM’d her,” Madonna stated as the crowd began to boo. “This is a true story,” Madonna continued. “She answered me back, and within weeks we were in the studio together, and it was fabulous. I love working with you because you are so professional,” she added of Sabrina, “and in this business it’s really hard to find professional people to work with.”

Carpenter then took the mic, joking in her speech, “My team replies, just so everybody knows. They do respond, but I respond faster, so direct line to me is always the best way to get in contact.”

The 2026 VMAs, hosted by Snoop Dogg, took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles from 7:30-9:30 p.m. ET/4:30-6:30 p.m. PT on Sept. 27, airing simultaneously on CBS and MTV and streaming on Paramount+ (Premium). See the full list of winners here.