Madonna Returns to VMAs Stage After 23 Years

Madonna will perform at the MTV Video Music Awards tonight, according to TMZ.com, ending a 23-year absence from the awards show stage. The announcement, reported by TMZ Staff on September 27, 2026, at 12:01 AM PDT, confirms the Queen of Pop's return to an event where she created one of its most memorable moments.

The last time Madonna performed at the VMAs was in 2003, when she opened the show with a medley of her hits "Hollywood" and "Like a Virgin." That performance became instantly iconic when she kissed Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera on stage, a moment that has been referenced and discussed for over two decades.

Since that 2003 appearance, Madonna has continued to evolve as an artist. According to TMZ.com, she has released new music and recently delivered a viral performance at Coachella alongside Sabrina Carpenter. Those developments suggest her VMAs return could mark another significant chapter in her career.

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards take place tonight, September 27, 2026. For local fans, the broadcast offers a chance to see whether Madonna's latest VMAs moment will join her 2003 performance in the awards show's history.