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Madonna opened the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards with a performance featuring several familiar faces.
The Material Girl singer began with a brief introduction: “It's Mother.”
It was her first VMAs performance in 23 years, and she invited a few friends to join her on stage.
Sabrina Carpenter sang their duet Bring Your Love with her, while Charli XCX joined Madonna for Danceteria Afterhours.
Madonna’s longtime friend, actor Debi Mazar, also appeared during the opening number.
The ceremony was set to air live from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles at 7:30 pm US Eastern time on Sunday.
Viewers waiting to watch on CBS saw the start delayed by about 20 minutes after the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens game ran longer than scheduled.
The ceremony began on time in Los Angeles, but the broadcast was shown on a delay.
Taylor Swift also drew attention on the red carpet in a silver gown. Her new husband, Travis Kelce, was reportedly unable to attend because of a football game.
According to People, Kelce was at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, where the Kansas City Chiefs were playing the Miami Dolphins.
