Madonna admits she DM’d Sabrina Carpenter to make their collaboration happen

At the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards ceremony, Madonna was named Artist of the Year, an award that came 42 years after her appearance at the first VMAs in 1982 and her iconic performance of “Like a Virgin.” She opened the show alongside young stars such as Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter, and took the stage with Carpenter to accept the award for Best Collaboration for their summer hit “Bring Your Love.” As they received the trophy, the two teased the audience with lighthearted banter, and Madonna used the moment to joke about their height as she lowered the trophy.

According to Harper’s Bazaar, Madonna revealed in her speech that after five days without a reply about the collaboration, she wrote to Sabrina Carpenter via private message on Instagram to nudge things along. Carpenter explained that her team usually replies, but that she herself replies faster — so direct contact with her is the best way to communicate. Madonna also praised Carpenter’s professionalism and mentioned several similarities between them, including a tendency toward detail and the habit of jotting down lyrics on paper; she said she greatly enjoyed working with Carpenter and that she loves the song.

During the evening, Sabrina Carpenter wore a short pale-pink dress adorned with layers of arched black fringe — a custom Dolce & Gabbana creation in 2004 style, sourced by Justin Reed in Los Angeles. Madonna opted for a darker combination: a corseted off-the-shoulder bodysuit, lace gloves, shoes and stockings to impress, as always.

Details of Madonna’s speech, Carpenter’s reaction and their outfit choices were covered in the event’s reporting, as Harper’s Bazaar has made known.