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While Madonna accepted the 2026 MTV VMA for Best Collaboration for her duo with Sabrina Carpenter, the "Like A Virgin" singer joked that the track only happened because she slid into Sabrina's DMs.
Sabrina Carpenter & More Make Cameos in Madonna’s Star-Studded VMAs Performance
Madonna doesn’t just rule pop music—she also reigns supreme at sliding into people’s DMs.
After all, that’s how her partnership with Sabrina Carpenter came to be for their song “Bring Your Love,” which won the Moon Person at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards for Best Collaboration.
“Everybody who knows me knows how impatient I am,” Madonna said while accepting the trophy at the VMAs Sept. 27, “and when five days passed and I still didn't get connected with Sabrina and didn't hear back from her about whether she wanted to do a song with me, I DMed her.”
And as it turned out, the “Like A Virgin” singer’s autonomy paid off and Sabrina responded.
“Within weeks, we were in the studio together,” she continued. “It was fabulous.”
Once Madonna—who led this year’s nominations and also won the Moon Person for Artist of the Year—and Sabrina started working together, the pair quickly found out they were kindred spirits. (Click here to see the full list of winners from the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards.)
“I love working with you because you are so professional,” Madonna said to Sabrina, who joined her on stage, “and in this day and age, it's really hard to find professional people to work with.”
As for how the pair balanced each other out?
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“When I show up late, she shows up early, so it works out,” Madonna quipped. “And she has OCD, and so do I. We write our lyrics down on pieces of paper, like they did in the 1800s.”
All jokes aside, the music legend emphasized her appreciation for the “Manchild” singer, adding, “It's been wonderful working with you, and I love the song.”
And for her part, Sabrina cleared the air, quipping, “My team replies, just so everybody knows! They do respond to people, but I respond faster. So, direct line to me is always the best way to get in contact.”
Of course, Madonna and Sabrina aren’t the only celebrities to create an iconic moment at the 2026 VMAs. Read on to see who else showed up and showed out on the red carpet.
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Taylor Swift
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Teyana Taylor
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Paris Hilton
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Charli xcx
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Dave Grohl & Jordyn Blum
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Lisa Rinna
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Ciara Miller
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Nic Vansteenberghe
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LISA
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Raye
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Sombr
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Teddy Swims
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PinkPantheress
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Normani
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Rachel Dratch
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Tyla
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Alex Warren
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David Corenswet
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Nicky Hilton
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French Montana
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Emma Bunton
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Shaboozey
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Bebe Rexha
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Adam Lambert
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Jesse Solomon
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Flavor Flav & Chuck D
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Nirvana
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Sienna Spiro
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Chloe Bailey
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Olandria
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