MADONNA has already appeared to take over this weekend’s MTV Video Music Awards, after scoring the most nominations and is expected to hit the stage with a record-breaking performance.
The notorious Queen of Pop outshines Taylor Swift with the most nominations of the night (a whopping 11) and is expected to sweep many categories with songs from her 15th studio album, Confessions II.
She’s also opening the ceremony for the fifth time before handing the mic over to this year’s host, Snoop Dogg, to continue the show at the Los Angeles Peacock Theater on Sunday.
But long before Madonna, 68, collaborated with Sabrina Carpenter for their pop-dance hit, Bring Your Love, and introduced Gen-Zers to her classics like Vogue and Like a Prayer, she delivered many other memorable moments at the VMAs.
Below are some of the most talked-about memories from Madonna’s past VMA appearances throughout her decades-long career.
Madonna’s white dress (1984)
For those who’ve followed Madonna since the early days of her singing career, her infamous 1984 VMAs opening performance of Like a Virgin immediately comes to mind as one of her wildest moves.
The singer kicked off the show with a fiery performance of her hit track, wearing a full wedding gown and veil.
Her dress featured a skintight, lace, corset-like top with a sweetheart neckline and a poofy tulle skirt that fell to her knees.
Madonna sang on top of a massive wedding cake before rolling and twirling around on stage.
The performance was controversial at the time, and her publicist even thought it was a career-ender before it became an iconic moment for the books.
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Infamous on-stage kiss (2003)
Viewers were once again enamored when Madonna joined pop princesses Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera on stage for a super-sized performance.
The trio made history with their super-sexy outfits and provocative routine, first as Britney and Christina honored Madonna with a duet of Like a Virgin while wearing wedding gowns.
Madonna then emerged from a giant wedding cake and belted out her track Hollywood, before meeting the ladies on the dance floor.
The performance continued with the threesome stripping down into skimpy lingerie and Madonna sharing a steamy kiss with both pop stars.
Rapper Missy Elliott then joined them to finish out the performance, as the star-studded audience looked in awe.
Marie Antoinette in Vogue (1990)
Madonna gave another show-stopping performance of her classic song Vogue at the 1990 awards show, where she completely transformed herself into Marie Antoinette.
She fully committed to the part, wearing an 18th-century dress that accentuated her chest, a sky-high blonde wig, and heavy makeup.
Many male and female dancers also joined her onstage doing racy moves, including climbing on her skirt, kissing her cheek, and bringing their heads to her chest.
Team Ariana (2018)
If there’s one thing Madonna might not be the best at, it’s hiding her true feelings from the camera.
She demonstrated this in 2018, when she failed to mask her disappointment over Camila Cabello winning Video of the Year over powerhouse singer Ariana Grande.
Madonna presented the coveted award, which she won in 1998, but looked disapproving before announcing Camila as the winner.
She could then be heard saying under her breath, “Y’all suck for that,” while the former Fifth Harmony star made her way to the stage.
Camila then praised Madonna during her acceptance speech, as the legendary singer stood there looking annoyed.
Leather Goddess (2021)
Madonna again stole the show in 2021 when she attended the VMAs in an extremely skimpy leather outfit.
The Material Girl singer opened the show by taking off a massive trench coat to reveal her skintight leather thong bodysuit.
She strutted around onstage in the sexy ensemble, which completely exposed her bare butt beneath her fishnet stockings.
Her boobs also nearly busted out of the tight corset-like suit, which she paired with black leather gloves, a matching hat, and high heels.
Madonna stood out with her racy costume, even in a room packed with A-list stars commemorating MTV’s 40th anniversary.
It wouldn’t be surprising if the iconic singer rocked similar attire at this year’s ceremony, perhaps even as she marks her fifth time opening the show.
Other performers include LISA and RAYE, who will make their VMAs performing debuts, as well as Shaboozey, Sienna Spiro, among others.
The two-hour-long ceremony will air live nationwide on CBS and be simulcast on MTV on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. EST/4:30 p.m. PST.