Madonna Opens 2026 VMAs With Star-Studded Set Featuring Sabrina Carpenter, Charli xcx, Seth Rogen & More

Madonna made a triumphant return to the MTV Video Music Awards stage for the 2026 ceremony, opening the event with a star-studded set featuring Sabrina Carpenter, Charli xcx, Seth Rogen, and numerous other celebrities. The set kicked off with a thrilling Confessions II medley, which featured Sabrina Carpenter and Charli xcx, as well as guest appearances by Feid, Stromae, Lola Leon, and Martin Garrix.

Madonna, who leads this year's VMAs with 13 nominations, performed the iconic medley alongside Carpenter, who wore a classic black-and-white outfit while playing piano. The performance evolved into an all-out dance-floor rave, with dancers helping Madonna change costumes and assisting with choreography as the Queen of Pop performed "Like a Prayer."

The set also included a "Danceteria Afterhours" remix, featuring Debi Mazar, Julia Garner, Seth Rogen, and Fab 5 Freddy, recreating the bathroom dance party from the Confessions II short film. Confessions II, Madonna's 10th solo studio album, debuted atop the Billboard 200 this summer, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career.