Madonna opens VMAs
The gist
Madonna opened the 2026 MTV VMAs on Sept 27.
She leads all nominees, so the night could reshape the show's record books.
How it unfolded
- 1984Madonna performs "Like a Virgin" at the inaugural VMAs, a performance that became one of the show's defining moments.
- 1986Madonna becomes the first solo female artist to receive the Video Vanguard Award.
- 2003Madonna last performs at the VMAs, opening the show alongside Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliott; her kiss with Spears and Aguilera became one of the most memorable moments in VMAs history.