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Madonna, Carpenter and Charli XCX Ignite 2026 VMAs Stage
Madonna opened the 2026 VMAs with Sabrina Carpenter.
They sang “Bring Your Love” together, beginning beside a grand piano.
Dancers and a choir in white costumes joined the performance.
Madonna was also carried across the stage on a moving platform.
Charli XCX then joined Madonna for “Danceteria Afterhours.”
The stage design copied the look of a nightclub restroom in New York.
Madonna was returning to the VMAs after being away since 2003.
She later won the best collaboration award with Carpenter for “Bring Your Love.”
Madonna opened the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards with Sabrina Carpenter in a piano-led performance of “Bring Your Love.”
The performance transitioned into “Danceteria Afterhours,” with Charli XCX joining Madonna in a recreation of a New York nightclub restroom.
Madonna returned to the VMAs for the first time since her much-discussed 2003 performance with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.
Madonna entered the ceremony with 11 nominations, including video of the year and artist of the year.
Madonna later won best collaboration for “Bring Your Love” and joked about contacting Carpenter directly after waiting five days for a reply.
- Who
- Madonna, Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX performed; Snoop Dogg hosted the ceremony.
- What
- The performers staged a medley of “Bring Your Love” and “Danceteria Afterhours,” and Madonna won best collaboration.
- Where
- The ceremony took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
- When
- The 2026 VMAs were held on Monday, with the date reported in Indian Standard Time.
- Why
- Madonna appeared as a performer and nominee, marking her first VMAs return since 2003; she also promoted her collaboration with Carpenter.
Key facts
- Event
- 2026 MTV Video Music Awards
- Host
- Snoop Dogg
- Venue
- Peacock Theater, Los Angeles
- Opening performance
- Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter performed “Bring Your Love”
- Additional performer
- Charli XCX joined Madonna for “Danceteria Afterhours”
- Madonna’s nominations
- 11, the highest tally among the nominees
- Award won
- Best collaboration for “Bring Your Love”
Quotes
Sabrina Carpenter
Singer who performed with Madonna and responded during her acceptance speech.
“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.”
telegraphindia.com
“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.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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