Madonna announced at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 27 that she messaged Sabrina Carpenter to form their winning duet Bring Your Love.
The duo accepted the Moon Person trophy for Best Collaboration during the ceremony, where Madonna also led all nominations and won Artist of the Year.
Accepting the award on stage, Madonna explained that her own impatience led her to reach out directly to Carpenter after waiting several days for formal management channels.
Direct Message Outreach
“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.”
The direct action paid off when Carpenter quickly responded to the message. “Within weeks, we were in the studio together,” Madonna continued. “It was fabulous.”
Madonna, who rose to global fame in the 1980s and is widely recognized as the Queen of Pop, has maintained a career spanning more than four decades with landmark hits such as Like a Virgin. Carpenter, the singer behind the single Manchild, has rapidly emerged as one of pop music's top young performers.
Studio Work Ethic and Writing Habits
Once the two artists began working together in the studio, they quickly realized they were kindred spirits. Speaking to Carpenter on stage, Madonna highlighted her collaborator's dedication.
“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.”
Madonna also joked about their contrasting schedules and shared habits during the recording sessions. “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.”
The music legend emphasized her deep appreciation for Carpenter, adding, “It's been wonderful working with you, and I love the song.”
Management Replies and Ceremony Highlights
Carpenter addressed the crowd to clarify how her management handles incoming inquiries. “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,” Sabrina quipped.
In addition to receiving awards, Madonna performed a set during the broadcast that included onstage cameos from Carpenter, Charli XCX, and other performers.
The MTV Video Music Awards, created in 1984 by cable network MTV, honor top achievements in music videos and award winners the iconic Moon Person trophy. The annual event remains one of the music industry's highest profile ceremonies.
A wide gathering of celebrities attended the 2026 event. Red carpet guests included Taylor Swift, Teyana Taylor, Paris Hilton, Charli XCX, Dave Grohl, Jordyn Blum, Lisa Rinna, Ciara Miller, Nic Vansteenberghe, LISA, Raye, Sombr, Teddy Swims, PinkPantheress, Normani, Rachel Dratch, Tyla, Alex Warren, David Corenswet, Nicky Hilton, French Montana, Emma Bunton, Shaboozey, Bebe Rexha, Adam Lambert, Jesse Solomon, Flavor Flav, Chuck D, Nirvana, Sienna Spiro, Chloe Bailey, and Olandria.
