Madonna makes up for lost time with impeccable 2026 VMAs opening show

Madonna has opened the MTV Video Music Awards with a show-stopping performance.

The Material Girl kicked off the event with two words, "It's Mother."

Taking to the stage for the first time in 23 years, Madonna called on famous friends to help her rock the show.

Sabrina Carpenter joined the Queen of Pop to perform their duet Bring Your Love, while Charli XCX performed Danceteria Afterhours with the legendary singer.

Debi Mazar, Madonna's longtime actor friend, also made a cameo.

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards show was scheduled to start at 7:30 pm US Eastern time on Sunday, with the show coming live from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

It was due to air after the Dallas Cowboys vs Baltimore Ravens football game on CBS, but eager fans around the world were left waiting for 20 minutes after the match overran.

The show actually started on time in Los Angeles but is being aired on a delay.

In other football-related news, Taylor Swift stunned on the red carpet in a spectacular silver gown, but her new husband, Travis Kelce, is reportedly not attending the event.

According to PEOPLE magazine, the NFL star was miles away at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, as his team, the Kansas City Chiefs, took on the Miami Dolphins, while his wife, Taylor Swift made history bagging the most VMA wins ever.