Sabrina Carpenter had an epic night at the 2026 VMAs — not only did she open the show with a performance along with Madonna, but the pair also won Best Collaboration for “Bring Your Love.” During that acceptance speech, though, Carpenter’s words were cut out. Why was Sabrina Carpenter bleeped at the VMAs? She told the crowd that her team was “sh*tting themselves backstage” after Madonna made a comment about how long it took them to respond to her. Yep, really!
The “Espresso” singer won the Best Collaboration award for her new song, “Bring Your Love,” with Madonna — who led the VMAs with 13 nominations. The song, released in April of this year, is one of the many collaborations Carpenter has done with the older generation of musical divas in the last few years, including the late Dolly Parton and the iconic Shania Twain.
Carpenter and Madonna (both wearing stunning outfits, might I add) accepted the Moon Person together, and each delivered a few words about working with each other on the song. Before commending Carpenter on her professionalism and artistry, Madonna jokingly told the audience about how she was initially ignored by Carpenter’s team.
“Everybody who knows me knows how impatient I am, and when five days passed and I still didn’t get connected with Sabrina and didn’t hear back from her about whether or not she didn’t want to do a song with me — five days — I DMed her,” Madonna said as Carpenter laughed. “This is a true story! She answered me back, and within weeks we were in the studio together, it was fabulous.”Â
When Carpenter took to the mic, she told Madonna she loved her, and then was immediately bleeped for swearing: “My team is sh*tting themselves backstage.” And when the audio came back in, she added, “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.”
Prior to winning the award, Carpenter and Madonna opened up the show at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles with a star-studded performance of “Bring Your Love.” With glittery suspenders, a beret, and totally ’80s teased-out hair, Carpenter channeled a younger version of the “Like A Virgin” singer. The performances also featured (seemingly random) appearances from Sombr, Seth Rogen, Julia Garner, and Brat singer Charli xcx, who joined in for a verse with Madonna.
On the meaning of her and Carpenter’s “Bring Your Love” itself, Madonna said, “If you think it’s a love song, you’re wrong. It is a song about people who think they know you better than you know yourself.”Â
And someone who knows herself? Ms. Carpenter. She doesn’t care about a live TV broadcast — she’ll say what’s on her mind. Even if it includes some curse words.