MADONNA TO OPEN THE "2026 VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS (VMAs)" WITH HER FIRST "VMAs" PERFORMANCE IN 23 YEARS, AIRING SUNDAY, SEPT. 27 ON CBS

"VMAs" Will Simulcast on MTV and Stream on Paramount+

Landmark "VMAs" Performance Is Presented in Partnership with Spotify

CBS and MTV announced today that the most nominated artist of the night, Madonna, will open the 2026 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS ("VMAs") for her first live performance at the show in 23 years. The cultural powerhouse returns to the "VMAs" stage fresh off the release of her critically acclaimed #1 album Confessions II (Warner Records). Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the "VMAs" will air live from Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 27 (7:30-9:30 PM, ET/4:30-6:30 PM, PT) on the CBS Television Network, simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ (Premium) in the U.S. The show will also be available globally the next day on Paramount+ and MTV.

· Madonna last performed at the "VMAs" more than two decades ago, when Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera joined her for their now-iconic 2003 opening performance.

· The leading 2026 "VMAs" nominee enters the night with a career-high 11 nominations and looks to add to her 19 competitive career wins, with nods including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year and Song of the Year.

· This year marks the third time Madonna has led "VMAs" nominations. She earned nine nominations for "Vogue" in 1990 and another nine for "Ray of Light" and "Frozen" in 1998.

· Other memorable Madonna "VMAs" moments:

o "VMAs" trailblazer Madonna became the first solo female artist to receive the prestigious Video Vanguard Award in 1986.

o Her "Like a Virgin" performance during the inaugural 1984 broadcast became one of the most groundbreaking moments in "VMAs" and pop culture history.

o Madonna's additional show-stopping performances include the gender-bending "Bye Bye Baby" performance (1993); the bold, high-energy opening performance of "Express Yourself" (1989); and the theatrical 18th-century-inspired staging of "Vogue" (1990) - widely hailed as one of the greatest live television performances of all time.

Additional performers, presenters and special guests to be revealed in the next week. Follow @CBS, @MTV and @VMAs on social to keep up with all things #VMAs.

About the 2026 "VMAs"

· Production Credits: The "VMAs" are produced by Gunpowder & Sky. Van Toffler serves as producer. Jesse Ignjatovic of Den of Thieves, Barb Bialkowski and Bruce Gillmer serve as executive producers alongside Barry Barclay and Floris Bauer. Melanie Block serves as co-executive producer and Gary Lanvy as co-producer. Snoop Dogg is executive producer alongside producers Sara Ramaker and Jasmin Ratansi. Jen Proctor is executive talent producer.

· Official Sponsors: BACARDÍ(R) Rum, Dunkin'(R), The General Insurance(R), Gillette Venus, Spotify, Tide(R) evo and Under Armour.