Brief

Madonna opens 2026 VMAs after 23‑year hiatus, Snoop Dogg hosts amid 20‑minute delay

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards began with Madonna’s first live performance in 23 years, as Snoop Dogg took the stage as host and a delayed start followed an NFL game.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 28 Sep 2026 20:37:52 GMT

Madonna opened the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre, marking her first live appearance on the show in 23 years. The 68‑year‑old performed with Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX, debuting the dance track “Bring Your Love” and the single “Danceteria Afterhours.” The show was hosted by Snoop Dogg, who had not hosted the VMAs since 1994.

The broadcast began 20 minutes late after a Baltimore Ravens‑Dallas Cowboys football game ran over its scheduled time, prompting complaints from viewers and social‑media users who had been posting live updates from the venue. Despite the delay, Snoop Dogg kept the ceremony on schedule and called the event “the biggest party the VMAs has ever seen.”

In addition to Madonna’s opening performance, the night featured a tribute to Dolly Parton performed by Kacey Musgraves, a performance by Nirvana for the Video Vanguard Award, and a host of other acts. Taylor Swift, who received the inaugural VMA Artist Director Honors, also performed, further cementing her status as the most awarded artist in VMA history with 31 trophies.

Madonna led the nominations with 13 nods, including Video of the Year, while Swift had nine nominations. The ceremony aired live on CBS, MTV and Paramount+, with global availability the following day.

Key facts

Madonna opened the 2026 VMAs after a 23‑year hiatus (nbcnews.com)
Snoop Dogg hosted the ceremony (nbcnews.com)
The broadcast was delayed 20 minutes due to an NFL game (nbcnews.com)
Madonna received 13 nominations, the most of any artist (smh.com.au)
Taylor Swift received the inaugural VMA Artist Director Honors (nbcnews.com)

Background

The 2026 VMAs marked the return of the awards to Los Angeles after nine years, with Snoop Dogg hosting for the first time since 1994 and Madonna opening the show for the first time in 23 years. The event also highlighted Taylor Swift’s record 31 VMA trophies and the introduction of her new single “Patient Zero.”

Timeline

2026-09-16 — Madonna announced to open the 2026 VMAs
2026-09-21 — Taylor Swift wins first VMA Artist Director Honors
2026-09-27 — Taylor Swift wins first VMA Artist Director Honors and debuts “Patient Zero” video
2026-09-28 — Madonna opens 2026 VMAs, Snoop Dogg hosts amid 20‑minute delay

Why it matters

The VMAs are a key platform for artists to showcase new music and visual storytelling, and Madonna’s return after more than two decades signals a significant moment in pop culture history.