Madonna makes triumphant return to the MTV VMAs after 23 years

Madonna will reclaim the VMAs stage in a full-circle pop moment.

The comeback caps off a huge year for Madonna, who leads the nominations with 13 nods thanks to her Confessions II era, including recognition for Confessions II: The Film and her Sabrina Carpenter collaboration Bring Your Love. If she takes all 13 categories, her career total will rise to 33 awards.

For many viewers, though, the biggest moment isn't about awards. Madonna's return to the VMA stage feels like a full-circle moment for an artist who's been woven into the fabric of the event since the 1980s. More than four decades after delivering one of the most memorable performances in VMA history, she's back opening the show once again, reminding fans why she's remained one of music's most influential stars. 

Long before social media could make a moment go viral, Madonna was creating them on the VMA stage. From her headline-grabbing appearance at the first-ever ceremony in 1984, to becoming the first solo female recipient of the Video Vanguard Award in 1986, she's been a key part of the show's history.

Madonna truly is a Coastie favourite, and we love seeing her up there doing what she does best! Let's see how she gets on.