LOS ANGELES: Pop icon Madonna is set to make her much-awaited return to the MTV Video Music Awards stage after 23 years, opening the 2026 ceremony with her first live VMA performance since 2003.

Madonna is also the most nominated artist at this year’s awards, with 11 nominations, including Artist of the Year and Video of the Year.

The 2026 MTV VMAs will be held in Los Angeles on September 27, with rapper and entertainer Snoop Dogg serving as host.

Madonna’s return is expected to be one of the major highlights of this year’s ceremony.