On September 21 1989, Madonna was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine for the second time that year (she was also featured on the cover in March 1989).
Herb Ritts took some amazing shots of Madonna for the cover. We’ve shared a few of what we consider to be the best from that shoot. We can’t look at these photos without hearing Cherish in our heads!
On September 20 1993, Madonna’s The Immaculate Collection (her first collection of greatest hits) was certified 4x platinum for shipment of 4 million units in the USA.
On September 19 2015, Madonna performed Ghosttown for the first time on tour during a sold out Rebel Heart Tour stop in Brooklyn.
Madonna had never intended to perform the single from Rebel Heart during the tour and she had not rehearsed it with the band. Watch the performance:
On September 18 1993, Madonna’s Rain peaked at #2 on the Canadian Top 100 Singles Chart, matching Deeper & Deeper as the highest charting single in Canada from the Erotica album.
On September 17 1998, Madonna released a statement against the World Vaisnava Association’s criticism of her Ray of Light/Shanti MTV performance: “The essence of purity and divinity is non-judgement… they should practice what they preach… if they’re so pure, why are they watching MTV?”
On September 16 2026, it was announced that Madonna will open the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, marking her first live performance at the VMAs in 23 years.
Madonna last performed at the VMAs in 2003, when she opened the show alongside Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliott in one of the most memorable performances in VMA history.
Her return comes during an incredible year for Madonna, who leads the 2026 VMAs with a career-high 11 nominationsfor Confessions II – The Film and “Bring Your Love” with Sabrina Carpenter.
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards will take place live from Los Angeles on Sunday, September 27.
Twenty-three years after Madonna, Britney, Christina and Missy opened the 2003 VMAs, Madonna is returning to open the show once again.
Be sure to visit vote.mtv.com and cast your votes!
On September 15 2001 Madonna ended her Drowned World Tour at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
The September 15 show was originally scheduled to take place on September 11 but was postponed due to the September 11 terrorist attacks.
