Madonna Returns to the VMAs Stage After 23 Years, Teams With Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX and Wins Seven Awards

Madonna made her long-awaited return to the MTV VMAs stage on September 27, 2026, performing at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles for the first time in 23 years. She opened the ceremony with Sabrina Carpenter on“Bring Your Love,”then brought out Charli XCX for“Danceteria Afterhours”with a set that recreated her“Danceteria”video. Julia Garner, Debi Mazar, Sombr, and Seth Rogen all appeared, turning the opening into one of the most star-packed moments of the night.

The performance alone would have been a headline, but Madonna also dominated the awards. She took home seven trophies, the most of any artist this year, including Artist of the Year and Best Album for“Confessions II.”The wins cap a career resurgence that has reintroduced her to a new generation, with assists from two of pop’s current biggest names.

For longtime fans, the night connected directly back to her earlier VMAs history, including her iconic 1984 wedding-dress performance and her 2003 moment with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Seeing her share the stage with Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX added another layer, bridging eras of pop in a single set. Which part of the night was your favorite: the performance or the seven-award sweep? Let us know in the comments.