Madonna returns to VMAs after 23 years

Madonna made her big return to the MTV Video Music Awards, her first time at the annual event in 23 years.

Madonna's iconic 1984 VMAs debut

She practically invented this show the first time it aired in 1984, making her infamous debut in her white wedding gown as the scandalous floor-humping bride in "Like a Virgin."

Madonna's last VMAs appearance in 2003

Until Sunday night, she hadn't rocked the VMAs since 2003, when she did an even better version of "Like a Virgin" in her legendary make-out session with Britney Spears.

Madonna's 2026 VMAs performance with Sabrina Carpenter

Wearing a black beret, Sabrina played the piano with Madonna writhing on top of it, doing their Coachella-slaying duet "Bring Your Love" with Sabrina twisting and crawling in her glitter-spangled black lederhosen.

Madonna's 2026 VMAs performance with Charli XCX

Charli XCX strutted in for "Danceteria" as the stage transformed into the famous early-Eighties NYC disco, with the cool girls hanging out in the men's room.

Danceteria performance details

Madonna wrestled with black-clad storm troopers, got rolled on a gurney through the crowd, and met a bizarro alien gospel choir in white gowns during the performance.

Danceteria performance references

The performance included a callback to Debi Mazar's cameo in the "Music" video from Y2K and a nod to Fab 5 Freddy, Julia Garner, Tony Ward, and producer Andrew Watt.

Danceteria performance significance

The "Danceteria" bathroom was jumping with party people, and the performance became one of the most stunning in VMAs history.

Madonna's award win and speech

When she won the Best Dance category, she threw her arms around Charli and Troye Sivan and said, "I'm kind of unclear what this award is for?"

“I'm kind of unclear what this award is for?”