Madonna took home the night's biggest honour alongside seven additional awards at the 2026 MTV VMAs, but her stage entrance prompted viewers to voice health concerns on social media. The 68-year-old pop icon was helped onto the stage by two people during her medley performance, a clip of which went viral.
The ceremony took place in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 28, with Madonna's wins fuelled by her 2026 album Confessions II, bringing her lifetime VMA total to 26. The performance marked her first live VMAs appearance in 23 years.
Viewers question Madonna's health
As the clip spread online, one viewer wrote: "LMAOO, why was Madonna struggling so much right here #VMAs?" Another speculated: "She sounds as if she is struggling to breathe, and she is struggling with her balance. I think she has some kind of serious spinal condition or osteoporosis. The corsets, which will be bespoke, may support her spine and to try to mask the condition."
A third asked: "Madonna is performing the opening of the #VMAs, and it looks like her butt is stuffed with something. Do you all see it?" Another remarked: "Oh my god, Madonna is f***ing s*** faced. She even had to call the announcers back over to hold her up."
Fans defend the icon
Fans quickly hit back in defence of the singer. One wrote: "She's 68, bravo to her for still being able to get up on stage and move it the way she did." Another added: "I don't think she was, but why make fun of her? She's an icon. Been doing this so long! I was 7 years old when she came out. She's 68 years old. I can't do the s*** she does lol."
Madonna was joined by Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, and Julia Garner for the medley. Her wins included Artist of the Year, Best Album, Best Collaboration (with Sabrina Carpenter), Best Dance, Best Cinematography, Best Choreography, and Best Long Form Video.
All-time leaderboard position
With 26 VMAs in total, Madonna now sits behind Beyoncé, who has 29, and Taylor Swift, who leads with 32 on the all-time leaderboard.
