Lisa Rinna has made headlines for her striking appearance at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, dedicating her look to none other than pop icon Madonna. The actress, who has long been a fan of the ‘Queen of Pop’, revealed that her short blonde hairstyle is a tribute to Madonna’s signature style from the 1980s. Speaking on the red carpet, Rinna stated, “I’m here for one reason and one reason only: Madonna,” underscoring the significance of the evening for her.
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At 63 years old, Rinna dazzled onlookers in a sculptural white Seks gown that featured a corseted bodice adorned with a bold breastplate and a flowing skirt. The look was completed with her spiky, blonde locks, which echoed Madonna’s iconic aesthetic that has defined much of pop culture. Rinna expressed her creative enthusiasm by saying, “I love to create, I love to do this fashion thing. And this is what came out of Madonna VMAs Sunday. Here we are.”
Madonna, now 68, is set to perform at the MTAs for the first time in 23 years during this year’s event. Her last live performance at the VMAs took place in 2003, where she delivered a memorable medley alongside Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Missy Elliott, famously kissing both Spears and Aguilera on stage. Such performances have solidified her status as a pioneering figure in music and performance art.
This year, Madonna finds herself leading the nominations with an impressive total of eleven, featuring categories like Artist of the Year and Video of the Year for her work on “Confessions II – The Film.” Her song “Bring Your Love” featuring Sabrina Carpenter has also earned a nomination for Song of the Year. This marks the third time Madonna has topped the VMA nominations, having previously achieved similar recognition for her singles “Vogue” in 1990 and the hits from her 1998 albums “Ray of Light” and “Frozen.”
Rinna expressed her admiration for Madonna’s influential career, citing the iconic 1990 music video for “Vogue” as one of her favourite moments from the star. The impact of Madonna’s music and visuals on pop culture is undeniable and continues to inspire countless artists across various genres.
Adding to her legacy, Madonna made waves at the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards in 1984, where she delivered a show-stopping performance of “Like a Virgin.” Emerging from a giant wedding cake while wearing a wedding dress and her famous “Boy Toy” belt, the performance became a landmark moment in the history of the VMAs, solidifying her role as a cultural icon.
In 1986, she decorated her accolades by being the first solo female artist to receive the esteemed Video Vanguard Award. Madonna’s influence on subsequent generations of artists is considerable, and her recognition at this year’s awards is a testament to her enduring impact on the music industry.
The 2026 VMAs, hosted by Snoop Dogg, are airing live from Los Angeles on September 27. Audiences can tune in from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. ET (4:30 to 6:30 p.m. PT) on CBS, with a simulcast available on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S. For those outside the U.S., the show will be accessible globally on Paramount+ and MTV the following day.
As anticipation builds for Madonna’s performance, fans and industry insiders will undoubtedly be watching Rinna’s homage, reflecting both a personal and a cultural tribute to a musical legend. The 2026 VMAs promise a celebration not just of contemporary music, but also of the iconic figures who have shaped the landscape of pop.