Madonna, 68, suffers ‘obviously bad’ blunder moments into MTV VMAs performance as fans blast ‘terrible’ routine

Alongside Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX, the pair and the Vogue hitmaker delivered the vocals for the choreographed spectacle.

For the performance, Madonna opted for a deep red lingerie corset bodysuit beneath a black silk robe, paired with knee-high boots, burgundy fingerless gloves, and diamond hoops. She later ditched the robe in favour of a silver leather jacket.

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Ms Carpenter appeared in a white button-down shirt, black micro-shorts, and a beret as the pair performed their collaborative track Bring Your Love.

The set featured dancers suspended from the ceiling amid pulsing neon strobe lights, with performers sporting lasers emanating from their nether regions.

Charli XCX then joined Madonna for a rendition of Danceteria Afterhours. They performed on a stage designed to resemble a public men’s lavatory, complete with urinals.

Actress Julia Garner, cast as the pop star in her scrapped biopic, was spotted dancing alongside Madonna on the stage. Seth Rogen and longtime friend Debi Mazar also made cameo appearances.

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However, while the collaboration with two of pop’s biggest names and the unexpected cameos had fans talking, it was nothing compared to the complaints that rained in about Madonna’s own performance.

The 68-year-old was accused of lip-syncing her portion of the routine, and some fans also expressed concern about her supposed inability to keep up with the number’s fast pace.

“Madonna struggling to get up those damn stairs and Sabrina is out mugging her on the VMAS stage. This is insane #VMAS,” one fan typed on X about the routine.

“This Madonna…thing… is terrible #vmas,” a second brutally commented, while a third weighed in: “Normally I like the opening performances but this ain’t it… sorry Madonna #vmas.”

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After the camera appeared to capture Madonna failing to sing despite her voice being audible in the auditorium, a fourth X user added: “Madonna missing her lip sync I’m crying #vmas.”

“Madonna getting caught lip-syncing LMAOO #vmas,” another remarked.

“Ooof, that lip-syncing is so obviously bad #vmas,” a sixth typed, while another pulled no punches: “Madonna is lip-syncing, and I don’t know who anyone else is except for Sabrina Carpenter. When did I get old?! #vmas.”

However, despite the alleged miming, Madonna still gained the support of some music fans watching along at home.

Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter open the 2026 #VMAs. pic.twitter.com/2BbYkiPqLO

— Pop Base (@PopBase) September 27, 2026

“Other than the obvious lip-syncing, that wasn’t too bad. Madonna always puts on a theatrical show, so I’ll let the miming slide. #VMAs,” one X user argued.

And a second echoed: “Someone remind Madonna to put the mic up near her mouth #VMAS great opening number tho.” (sic)

By opening the ceremony, Madonna set a new VMAs record as it marks the fifth time she has kicked off the show, more than any other artist in the event’s history.

Madonna’s previous VMAs outing in 2003 remains one of the ceremony’s most talked-about moments.

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That evening, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera performed Like a Virgin before Madonna emerged from a towering wedding cake dressed as a groom.

The trio then segued into Hollywood, during which Madonna kissed both women, sending the audience into a frenzy. Missy Elliott closed out the number with Work It and Get Ur Freak On.

Madonna entered the 2026 ceremony as the most nominated artist, with 11 nods spanning categories including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Collaboration.

Her 15th studio album, Confessions II, reached the top of the Billboard charts following its July release.