Madonna to open 2026 MTV Video Music Awards with 11 nominations

Madonna is set to open the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, marking her first performance at the ceremony in 23 years. The singer has received 11 nominations, including major categories such as Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year.

Other prominent nominees include Taylor Swift, who holds nine nominations, followed by Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter with seven each. The ceremony also features several first-time nominees, such as the K-pop boy band CORTIS and singer Stella Lefty. Nirvana is scheduled to receive the Video Vanguard Award 2026.

Performers expected at the event include GENER8ION with Yung Lean, Shaboozey with Gunna, Lisa, Raye, and Sienna Spiro. Fan voting for 13 categories is currently underway and concludes on September 25.