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⏱ 2 min read
💡 TLDR
Madonna is finally returning to the VMA stage after 20 years, and she’s opening the show! Plus, we’re getting a massive lineup featuring Lisa debuting her new single and RAYE’s first-ever VMA performance.
Lisa and RAYE are officially bringing the heat to the 2026 Video Music Awards stage. On Thursday, September 17, MTV dropped the news that these icons are joining an already stacked performer lineup for this year’s show. We are getting a total treat because Lisa is returning to the VMA stage specifically to debut her new single, “SaWaDiKa,” while RAYE is set to make her very first performance debut at the ceremony. With Lisa holding four nominations and RAYE carrying two, the energy is going to be absolutely unmatched.
A Massive Night For Pop Royalty
The hype doesn’t stop with those two, because the recent additions to the roster include Shaboozey, Gunna, GENER8ION, Yung Lean, and Sienna Spiro. Every performer announced so far is slated to hit the main stage, which tells us MTV isn’t playing around with the production value this year. Madonna will open the 2026 MTV VMAs with her first performance at an award show in over 20 years. It is actually wild to think about since the last time she graced the VMA stage was all the way back in 2003 during that legendary moment with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.
💫 Madonna will open the 2026 MTV VMAs with her first performance at an award show in over 20 years.
Madonna Leads The Nominations Race
Since Madonna is opening the night, it makes sense given she is currently the most nominated artist of the entire ceremony. She’s sitting on 11 nominations following the release of her album Confessions II, making her the absolute main character of the evening. While we know the heavy hitters, MTV and CBS noted that additional performers, presenters, and special guests are still to come before the big night. You better mark your calendars for Sunday, September 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
The whole thing will be broadcast on CBS and MTV, plus Paramount+ subscribers can get live-access to watch the chaos unfold in real time. Between the massive nostalgia of Madonna returning and the fresh energy from Lisa and RAYE, this might be the most iconic lineup we’ve seen in a minute.
Are you more excited to see Lisa debut her new single or are you living for Madonna’s massive comeback?
❓ People Also Ask
When and where will the 2026 MTV VMAs take place?
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards will be held on Sunday, September 27 at the Peacock Theater located in Los Angeles. Fans can watch the ceremony live starting at 7:30 p.m. ET through several different broadcasting platforms. The event will be aired on both CBS and MTV for television viewers. Additionally, those with a Paramount+ subscription can access the entire show via live stream to watch the performances and award presentations unfold in real time.
What songs or performances can fans expect from Lisa and RAYE at the VMAs?
Lisa is set to debut her brand new single titled SaWaDiKa during her return to the VMA stage. RAYE will be making her very first performance debut at the ceremony to showcase her talent to the audience. Both artists are entering the night with significant momentum and multiple nominations. Lisa is currently holding four nominations for the year, while RAYE is carrying two nominations into her highly anticipated first-ever appearance on the award show stage.
How many nominations does Madonna have for the 2026 VMAs?
Madonna currently leads the nominations race for the entire ceremony with a total of 11 nominations. Her massive presence at the awards follows the recent release of her new album, Confessions II. Because of her high number of nods, she is scheduled to open the show with a major performance. This appearance marks a historic moment for the pop icon, as it is her first time performing at an award show in over 20 years.
Which artists are scheduled to perform at the 2026 MTV VMAs?
The 2026 VMA lineup includes a diverse group of performers such as Madonna, Lisa, RAYE, Shaboozey, Gunna, GENER8ION, Yung Lean, and Sienna Spiro. Madonna is slated to open the evening, while Lisa will perform her new single SaWaDiKa. Every artist announced so far is scheduled to take the main stage for their sets. MTV and CBS have indicated that more performers, presenters, and special guests will be revealed as the event approaches.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇
📰 Source: Just Jared