Madonna’s return to the MTV Video Music Awards comes with “very special guests.” The producer Van Toffler teased fans about what they can expect from the opening performance ahead of the big night.
Madonna will open the 2026 MTV VMAs with “very special guests” as producers promise more mayhem
Van Toffler, the former MTV president and producer for Madonna’s iconic 2003 three-way kiss at the MTV Video Music Awards, discussed the upcoming show with The Wrap. The producer shared that Madonna will open 2026 MTV VMAs alongside “very special guests.”
After earning 13 nominations for “Confessions II,” Madonna will perform for the first time at the show in 23 years. The VMAs are returning to Los Angeles for the first time since 2017.
Toffler said, “It’s kind of amazing that Madonna is still relevant and received these accolades and nominations so many years after that memorable 1984 performance she did. It was kind of undeniable to try to have her back on the show somehow and opening it. She never gives a performance that people don’t talk about.”
The producer’s production company, Gunpowder & Sky, signed a multi-year partnership with Paramount Global in 2025, leading to Toffler’s return to the VMAs.
“I am trying to create the mayhem all over again,” he said.
Taylor Swift, who is a nine-time nominee, will receive the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors award. However, Toffler did not confirm whether the pop star will attend the show.
2026 VMAs set to honor Dolly Parton and George Michael. Kacey Musgraves will honor the singers; Toffler described her as “a wonderful embodiment of modern country and strong women in country.” However, the producer did not share the details of the performance. Nirvana will receive the Vanguard Award.
“You’ve got Snoop and Madonna with Yung Lean and Gener8ion and Lisa and Raye and Shaboozey. They shouldn’t really live on in one place together, but for one night, for a couple of hours, they will, and maybe some mayhem will ensue,” he said.
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards will air live on September 27.