Variety has confirmed what had long been whispered: Madonna will perform at the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards and will also kick off the show. She stands as the most-nominated artist of the night with 11 nominations. Was there any doubt she would perform? And now that her appearance is confirmed, is there any doubt she’ll walk away with several awards?
This will be Madonna’s first VMAs performance in a staggering 23 years: it’s the same amount of time since her iconic moment in 2003 alongside Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, performing to “Hollywood.”
Madonna returns to the VMAs to promote her acclaimed ‘Confessions II’ and, as noted, she is the night’s top nominee, ahead of Taylor Swift (9), and Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter (7 each). In total, she has 19 VMAs wins in the show’s history.
As Variety recalls, Madonna has led VMAs nominations on two other occasions in the past, earning 9 nominations for ‘Vogue’ in 1990 and another 9 for ‘Ray of Light’ and ‘Frozen’ in 1998.
Snoop Dogg will host the ceremony, while more names are yet to be announced: the organizers have announced that additional performers, presenters, and special guests will be confirmed over the coming week. Given Sabrina’s involvement in ‘Bring Your Love,’ it’s likely they may share the stage, although nothing is confirmed.
The VMAs broadcast will take place on September 27, and performances are typically uploaded to YouTube immediately afterward; we expect the same to be the case this year. Nirvana will receive the MTV Vanguard Award, which will celebrate their videography.
