Coverage dated September 27, 2026

Madonna, Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX Team Up for Star-Studded MTV VMAs Opener

Headline from Rolling Stone

In Madonna's first VMAs performance in 23 years, she brought extra star power, with bonus guest spots from Sombr and more

Rolling Stone's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

Reports & sources

3 articles, oldest first.

New York Post
Madonna kicks off VMAs 2026 with risqué performance alongside Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX (opens New York Post)
Published Sep 27, 2026
New York Post's feed description
The 68-year-old Grammy winner last took the VMAs stage in 2003 when she famously locked lips with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.
Variety
Madonna Opens MTV Video Music Awards With Sabrina Carpenter and Charli xcx, Plus Sombr, Debi Mazar and More (opens Variety)
Published Sep 27, 2026
Variety's feed description
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 …
Rolling Stone
Madonna, Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX Team Up for Star-Studded MTV VMAs Opener (opens Rolling Stone)
Published Sep 27, 2026
Rolling Stone's feed description
In Madonna's first VMAs performance in 23 years, she brought extra star power, with bonus guest spots from Sombr and more