Madonna makes triumphant return to the MTV VMAs after 23 years

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

The comeback caps off a huge year for Madonna, who lead 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. She took home 7 of 13 categories she was nominated for, bringing her career total to 27 awards.

• Artist of the Year
• Best Collaboration for “Bring Your Love” with Sabrina Carpenter
• Best Dance for Confessions II – The Film
• Best Album (Confessions II) 
• Best Long-Form Video (Confessions II – The Film)
  
• Best Choreography (Confessions II – The Film)
• Best Cinematography (Confessions II – The Film)

For many viewers, though, the biggest moment wasn'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 was 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!

Check out her speech here, for her winning collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter:

'Best Dance' also went to Madonna!

And check out this beautiful moment between pop princess, Taylor Swift, and Madonna!