Madonna was entertaining fans at the VMAs Sunday night — and not just with her music.
The pop icon was the biggest winner at the 2026 ceremony celebrating the best in the music video medium, sweeping seven awards, including Artist of the Year.
She opened the show at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles with a star-studded set, beginning with Sabrina Carpenter joining her for a rendition of their Confessions II collaboration “Bring Your Love.”
The performance then shifted into the bathroom set from Madonna’s “Danceteria” video, where Charli xcx emerged from a bathroom stall to join her for “Danceteria Afterhours,” their newly released remix. Debi Mazar, Julia Garner, Seth Rogen, Andrew Watt and Sombr were among the stars to make cameos during the song.
Madonna and Carpenter later took the stage together after being awarded Best Collaboration for their track, where the “Like a Prayer” singer called out Carpenter’s team for taking a long time to respond to her.
“Everybody who knows me knows how impatient I am,” Madonna said.
“When five days passed, and I still didn’t get connected with Sabrina and hear back from her about whether she wanted to do a song with me, I DM’d her,” she revealed as Carpenter reacted with mock shock.
“She answered me back, and within weeks we were in the studio together. It was fabulous,” Madonna concluded.
“My team is s***ting themselves backstage,” Carpenter joked.
Elsewhere on the night, Madonna won Best Dance for her musical short film, Confessions II - The Film.
After being presented the award by Charli and Troye Sivan, Madonna admitted: “I’m kind of unclear what this award is for. I guess it’s for the short film?”
Charli then reopened the envelope to remind her which award she had won.
“Well, I feel good surrounded by people who like dance – Charli and Troye,” Madonna continued in the disorganized speech.
“I came to life on the dance floor. I found my community on the dance floor. I fell in love with people on a dance floor. And I lost many people I loved on the dance floor.
“... Aside from soccer, football, whatever you wanna call it, dance brings everybody together, OK? We are all equal on the dance floor.”
On social media, fans reacted to the pop star’s somewhat chaotic acceptance speeches.
“Is Madonna ok? Someone should probably cut her off,” one person shared on X.
“She’s so awkward – I love her,” wrote another.
“What is happening with Madonna??? Charli and Troye look UNCOMFORTABLE,” a third opined.
“Obsessed with Madonna just kinda saying whatever every time she gets on stage,” added a fourth.
You can find the full list of 2026 VMA winners here.
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