Madonna sparks health concerns at VMAs as she has to be supported on stage
As Madonna dominated the 2026 VMA Awards, many viewers took to social media with concern.
The 2026 MTV VMAs have dominated social media after some of the biggest names in the music industry reunited in Los Angeles on Sunday (September 28) for the annual star-studded event. Madonna remained a popular topic throughout the night as she took home the night's biggest honour alongside seven awards from 11 nominations. Additionally, the awards marked the pop icon's historic first live VMAs performance in 23 years, as she delivered a highly anticipated comeback.
The Material Girl star's massive awards sweep was fuelled by her 2026 album Confessions II, which brought her lifetime total to 26 VMAs. In addition to receiving the gongs, Madonna was joined by the likes of Sabrina Carpenter, Charlie XCX, and Julia Garner for her medley performance. But it was during this that questions were raised, as viewers took to social media to voice health concerns.
As a clip of the 68-year-old being helped onto the stage by two people went viral, one questioned: "LMAOO, why was Madonna struggling so much right here # VMAs?"
Another speculated: "She sounds as if she is struggling to breathe, and she is struggling with her balance. I think she has some kind of serious spinal condition or osteoporosis. The corsets, which will be bespoke, may support her spine and to try to mask the condition."
A third question: "Madonna is performing the opening of the #VMAs, and it looks like her butt is stuffed with something. Do you all see it?"
"Oh my god, Madonna is f***ing s*** faced. She even had to call the announcers back over to hold her up," remarked another viewer.
LMAOO why was Madonna struggling so much right here ???????????? #vmas pic.twitter.com/A5A9YDoaSY
— GeezusRice (@GeezusRice) September 27, 2026
Meanwhile, fans quickly defended the musician and hit back: "She's 68, bravo to her for still being able to get up on stage and move it the way she did."
"I don’t think she was, but why make fun of her? She’s an icon. Been doing this so long! I was 7 years old when she came out. She’s 68 years old. I can’t do the s*** she does lol," added a sixth.
Madonna's wins included Artist of the Year, Best Album, Best Collaboration (with Sabrina Carpenter), Best Dance, Best Cinematography, Best Choreography, and Best Long Form Video.
Despite having 26 VMA awards in total, this puts her just behind Beyoncé, with 29 and Taylor Swift, who has 32 and on the all-time leaderboard.
