Madonna Returns to MTV VMAs Stage with Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, and More

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Sep 27, 2026 5:16pm PT

Madonna Opens MTV Video Music Awards With Sabrina Carpenter and Charli xcx, Plus Sombr, Debi Mazar and More

By Steven J. Horowitz

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Steven J. Horowitz

Senior Music Writer

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Madonna performed for the first time in 23 years at the MTV VMAs on Sunday, opening the show by bringing out special guests Sabrina Carpenter and Charli xcx to perform their respective duets.

After a 20-minute telecast delay due to the NFL game, the pop icon began her performance perched on the top of a piano as Carpenter played the keys. Dressed in a black waistcoat and knee-high boots, Madonna traded verses with Carpenter, who wore a glittery ensemble along with a beret. Madonna then descended the stairs and removed her coat to reveal a red-and-black corset as dancers lifted her onto a table that rolled around a choir in the audience wearing white veils.

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_Originally reported by [Variety Music](https://variety.com/2026/music/awards/madonna-sabrina-carpenter-charli-xcx-mtv-vmas-performance-1236876448/)._