Madonna shared the highlight with a well-recognized face from her previous as she reunited with former boyfriend Tony Ward throughout her opening efficiency on the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards.
The 68-year-old singer appeared alongside the mannequin and actor on the ceremony in Los Angeles on September 27, some 35 years after their relationship ended.
Tony appeared in a rest room sequence through the present, a gathering that had a particular connection to Madonna’s music profession: he appeared in her provocative 1990 “Justify My Love” video.
This look was a part of an elaborate opening quantity that includes Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX and several other different celeb company, marking Madonna’s first efficiency on the VMAs since 2003.
Madonna’s reunion with Tony Ward
Madonna and Tony dated between 1990 and 1991. Their skilled relationship resulted in probably the most talked about movies of her profession. MTV refused to air “Justify My Love” because of its sexually express content material, making Tony’s look alongside it on the community’s awards ceremony a notable comeback.
The couple’s inventive connection continued after their romance ended, with Tony additionally showing in Madonna’s 1992 guide of pictures, Intercourse.
© Getty PhotographsA long time later, their newest collaboration introduced that shared historical past right into a efficiency celebrating a brand new chapter in his music.
A present filled with well-known faces
Madonna opened with “Convey Your Love,” joined by collaborator Sabrina Carpenter, earlier than Charli xcx appeared for “Danceteria Afterhours.”
© CBS by way of Getty PhotographsThe visitor listing prolonged past his fellow singers. Actress and longtime buddy Debi Mazar, Julia Garner, Seth Rogen and musician Sombr have been additionally in attendance, with a efficiency recreating scenes from his movie Confessions II.
Sabrina went theatrical with a white shirt, black sequined briefs, suspenders and a beret.
The staging moved via membership and restroom settings, incorporating celeb appearances into the world of Madonna’s newest challenge.
Madonna’s Historic VMA Appearances
The efficiency added one other chapter to Madonna’s lengthy affiliation with the awards.
On the inaugural ceremony in 1984, she carried out “Like a Virgin” in a marriage gown. Her elaborate rendition of “Vogue” adopted in 1990, whereas her 2003 efficiency with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera turned one other defining second within the present’s historical past.
© WireImageThough she has appeared on the ceremony since then, this yr’s opening quantity was her first VMA efficiency in 23 years. This distinction made the night a musical return to the awards scene, in addition to a chance to reunite with former collaborators.
Seven awards for the queen of pop
Madonna’s night time additionally introduced a considerable haul of trophies. She gained seven awards, together with Artist of the Yr, Finest Album for Confessions II and Finest Collaboration for “Convey Your Love” with Sabrina.
His movie Confessions II took dwelling honors for Finest Dance, Finest Lengthy Kind Video, Finest Choreography and Finest Cinematography, capping a night celebrating each his new music and the visible storytelling that has outlined his profession.