Sunday night saw Madonna return to the VMAs stage after 23 years away, kicking off the show with a star-studded performance that brought Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX together on the bill. The broadcast was delayed by the Baltimore Ravens-Dallas Cowboys game before the awards show finally got underway, making the Queen of Pop’s comeback a major moment for the event.
Madonna’s Long Wait
It has been 23 years since Madonna’s final VMAs performance, and her first song this time carried extra weight because of it. She stepped out with Carpenter early in the set for “Bring Your Love,” the house-pop collaboration from her latest album, “Confessions II.” The pair got the crowd on its feet with the dancefloor anthem before Charli XCX made a surprise appearance for a performance of her remix of Madonna’s “Danceteria.”
Seth Rogen, Sombr and Julia Garner all made appearances during the show. The latter had previously been linked to playing Madonna in a biopic about the singer’s life and career.
Carpenter and XCX Team Up
The pairing of Carpenter and XCX on the same bill was a deliberate move. Carpenter joined Madonna early in the set for “Bring Your Love,” their house-pop collaboration from Madonna’s latest album, “Confessions II.” The song’s energy got the crowd on its feet, setting the tone for a high-energy opening that officially got the night underway after viewers had to wait longer than expected for the broadcast to begin.
Charli XCX’s surprise appearance on “Danceteria” added a second act to the performance, giving fans a remix version of the track that kept the momentum going.
Garner’s Biopic Link
Garner’s appearance on the bill drew attention beyond the music itself. Garner had previously been linked to playing Madonna in a biopic about the singer’s life and career.
Snoop Dogg Hosts
Sunday night, Snoop Dogg will host the VMAs, marking the ceremony’s return to the West Coast after nearly a decade away. The show streams live on CBS, with simultaneous broadcasts on MTV and Paramount+.
Red Carpet Arrivals
Taylor Swift was one of the last stars to hit the red carpet ahead of the show. She wore a black halter bodysuit with a sparkling silver draped skirt.
The Crowd Reaction
The audience reacted at once when “Bring Your Love,” stood up while the two carried out the dancefloor anthem, and that instant response showed most plainly how much Madonna’s return mattered to those watching.
A Night Worth Waiting For
The slight delay at the beginning did not spoil the evening, for the actual performance more than made up for it.
Madonna’s return to the VMAs stage after 23 years, with Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX joining her on the bill, was a statement in itself. Her performances have delivered some of the awards show’s most memorable moments over the decades, and this opening number carried that weight.
The audience’s reaction spoke for itself — it proved that the wait had paid off.
Key Facts Box
- Madonna’s last VMAs performance was 23 years ago
- Carpenter joined Madonna for “Bring Your Love”
- Charli XCX appeared on “Danceteria”
- Seth Rogen, Sombr and Julia Garner also appeared
- Snoop Dogg is hosting the show
- The broadcast is airing live on CBS, simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+
Source material: “Madonna returns to VMAs stage after 23 years with star-studded performance,” ABC News.
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