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Madonna Reveals Why Her Manager Was Convinced Her ‘Career Was Over’ During a Touching VMA Acceptance Speech

Madonna recalled her first-ever MTV VMAs performance in 1984, where her then-manager told her she’d never make it.

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Madonna had everyone beat with 13 MTV VMA nominations in 2026. But she also has a lot more people beat with sheer longevity in the music industry. While accepting the 2026 Artist of the Year award, Madonna recalled a moment from her first VMA performance, when the industry was convinced she wouldn’t make it.

In September 1984, Madonna made her MTV VMAs debut with the now-iconic performance of “Like a Virgin”. Notably, that was where she writhed around on stage, shocking audiences of the early-80s with the sexually charged display.

But it turned out to be a........

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