Madonna ‘thrown around like a ragdoll’ during chaotic VMA kickoff performance

Madonna Returns to the VMAs After 23 Years

Madonna made a high-profile return to the MTV Video Music Awards more than four decades after appearing at the inaugural ceremony in 1984. The Queen of Pop performed her hit Like a Virgin at the first VMAs and has since delivered several headline-making moments at the annual event, including her 2003 onstage kiss with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.

At this year’s ceremony, Madonna, 68, performed alongside Sabrina Carpenter on their song Bring Your Love. She later welcomed Charli XCX to the stage, with the pair performing Danceteria while moving around a set featuring toilet cubicles. Julia Garner, Debi Mazar, Seth Rogan, Sombr and Nigel Barker also joined Madonna during the show.

Madonna’s return generated significant excitement, but part of the performance also caused concern among viewers. During one sequence, backing dancers appeared to drag Madonna onto the stage and drop her, prompting some fans to question whether she was all right.

LMAOO why was Madonna struggling so much right here 😭😭 #vmas pic.twitter.com/A5A9YDoaSY— GeezusRice (@GeezusRice) September 27, 2026

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Sharing a clip of the moment, one fan wrote: “Why was Madonna struggling so much right here?” Another viewer asked: “I’m so sorry but is Madonna okay????” A third commented: “They all just throwing her around like a ragdoll,”

Other viewers believed the apparent difficulty was intentional and formed part of the choreography. One fan said: “She was acting,” one fan said. “Leave that lady alone. At least she’s doing more than these other pop girls do these days.” A second viewer wrote: “I’m pretty sure it was part of the act. She looked totally fine performing the song with Charli after this bit.” Another added: “It was theatrics.”

Madonna Reflects on Her First MTV Awards Performance

After the performance, Madonna was presented with the Artist of the Year award. During her acceptance remarks, she reflected on her first appearance at the VMAs and recalled an accident involving her footwear and outfit that initially made her manager believe her career was finished.

Madonna said: “Some of you were probably not born – I think most of you were probably not born – but I performed at the first MTV Awards 43 years ago.“And I had a little problem with my shoes, and one of my stilettos fell off, and I dove onto the stage to try to, like, make myself look cute and sexy, and I meant to do it. And my dress went up, and my butt cheek was hanging out, and in those days, butt cheeks were not hanging out. I just want to remind you.“And I went backstage feeling really proud of myself, and my manager told me that my career was over. That is the truth. Not my manager, now. No. He was the assistant to the manager. It’s best not to say anything.”

Why This Matters

Madonna’s appearance underscored her longstanding connection to the MTV Video Music Awards, from the first ceremony in 1984 to her latest return after a 23-year absence. The performance also demonstrated how Madonna continues to use elaborate staging, guest appearances and theatrical choreography to create discussion around her live shows.

The mixed reaction to the onstage sequence shows how quickly a dramatic performance moment can prompt concern online, particularly when viewers interpret choreography as a real incident. Madonna’s subsequent performance with Charli XCX and her acceptance of the Artist of the Year award provided the broader context for her return to the VMAs.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Madonna last appear at the VMAs before this performance?

Madonna’s latest VMAs appearance marked her first time back at the ceremony in 23 years.

Who performed with Madonna at the VMAs?

Madonna performed with Sabrina Carpenter and later with Charli XCX. Julia Garner, Debi Mazar, Seth Rogan, Sombr and Nigel Barker also appeared during her performance segments.

Why were fans concerned about Madonna during the performance?

Some viewers were concerned after backing dancers appeared to drag Madonna onto the stage and drop her. Other fans believed the moment was deliberate choreography and part of the theatrical performance.