No one gives out video music awards like the Queen of Pop. Since 1984, Madonna has delivered many memorable moments on music’s biggest nights, and on Sunday, September 27, she made history once again with a live set that included numerous celebrity cameos and Easter eggs from across her four-decade-long career. Kicking off the show, Madonna’s 2026 MTV VMAs performance was truly a return to form as well as a celebration of her past, present, and future artistry.
This year, pop culture icon released Confessions II Praise from both fans and critics, and Sunday’s awards show was a reflection of that. With 13 nominations – the most of the night – the album solidified Madonna’s status as one of the leading names in dance music, and her opening performance further proved that fact. Set in the club’s bathroom, the 8-minute-long set began with “Bring Your Love” with Sabrina Carpenter wearing sparkly short shorts, suspenders and a beret, while the 68-year-old star wore a belted satin coat over a wine-colored bodysuit, knee-high boots and her ever-present fingerless gloves.
As soon as the display comes up, the icons statement Colleague Charli XCX joined in the fun, emerging from a bathroom stall in a custom Dsquared2 look, cigarette in hand. When Charli walked on stage in her micro-mini dress and fishnets, the two launched into “Danceteria Afterhours” – a fitting song for Madonna.
But of course the references didn’t stop there. As the set progressed, more and more stars appeared. Of course longtime BFF Debbie Mazar was present, as was Julia Garner (who was rumored to be playing the pop star in a now-defunct biopic), Con Bray, and everyone else. Additionally, the grisly, sombre and leather-clad Seth Rogen made notable cameos in Madonna’s past performances and videos as well.
The fact that so many celebs came out for Madonna is no surprise, given that her last VMAs performance in 2003 famously ended in a kiss with fellow pop stars Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera as she passed the torch. But more than two decades later, the singer proved she’s still a force to be reckoned with by winning seven awards, including Album of the Year and Best Collaboration.
Changing her performance look, Madonna accepted her awards in a different look on-brand apparelA pair of black short shorts with a matching corset and lace gloves. And as she mingled with attendees like Taylor Swift, she topped off her look with a leather biker jacket — a quintessentially VMAs piece. Serious sign behavior.