MTV Video Music Awards 2026: Madonna recalls being told her ‘career was over’ at first VMAs

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday night (September 27), bringing some of music's biggest names under one roof. Madonna returned to the VMAs stage as the leading nominee of the night, with as many as 13 nods. Taylor Swift, who has a record 30 VMAs to her name, was second in line with 11 nominations. Other top contenders were Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, and PinkPantheress.

At 68, Madonna took home the MTV VMA for Artist of the Year, defeating the nominees Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter, and Taylor Swift. Accepting the honour, she said: "First of all, I would like to thank my fingers because I can always count on them."

Madonna recalls MTV VMAs debut

Madonna recalled an anecdote from her debut at the first-ever VMAs, hosted over four decades ago, in 1984. "I had a little problem with my shoes…and I dove onto the stage to try to make myself look cute and sexy and like I meant to do it," she said. "I went backstage feeling really proud of myself and my manager told me that my career was over."

Madonna shared that she has "spent the last year-and-a-half finding myself, believing in myself and really making the music I wanted to make." She added: "My hope for all of you here tonight is that you spend the next year or the next 10 years or the rest of your life doing the same."

Madonna thanked her longtime confidant and producer Stuart Price, calling him her "ride or die." The singer also won the Best Collaboration award, alongside Sabrina Carpenter, for Bring Your Love from the album Confessions II.

Where to watch the awards

Earlier during the night, Madonna opened the VMAs with a stellar performance of Bring Your Love and Danceteria, featuring cameos from Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, Sombr, Julia Garner, Debi Mazur, Seth Rogan, Andrew Watt, and Fab Five Freddy. Hosted by rapper Snoop Dogg, the 2026 MTV VMAs aired live on MTV and CBS. The awards were livestreamed on Paramount+ (Premium).