Madonna has drawn attention with a new series of Instagram photographs in which the 68-year-old pop star appears to channel Pamela Anderson with a dramatic blonde hairstyle, striking make-up and an exceptionally smooth-looking complexion.
The singer shared the images from a recent photoshoot, including one showing her in a clinging scarlet jumpsuit as she walked through a hallway.
Other photographs showed Madonna wearing a nude bodysuit beneath a black lace corset, while close-up portraits focused on her carefully styled appearance.
Alongside the carousel, she wrote: “Paint me with your memory, and not with your eyes…….”
The post prompted an enthusiastic response from fans, with Ricky Martin among those leaving a message of approval. Julia Garner, who was chosen by Madonna to portray her in a planned biopic, also reacted with: “Wow!!!!”
Garner’s involvement in the film was ultimately shelved after Madonna and Universal Pictures reportedly disagreed over its budget. The project had been intended to tell the story of the singer’s rise to fame, with Madonna attached to direct.
Madonna’s latest images come as she remains at the centre of the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards campaign. She leads this year’s nominations with 11, including artist of the year, video of the year and song of the year, as well as categories recognising choreography, direction, editing and visual effects. ([madonna.com](https://www.madonna.com/blogs/news))
Her nominations are linked to Confessions II – The Film and the song “Bring Your Love”, her collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter. The nominations were announced on August 18, with Taylor Swift following on nine.
Madonna has won 19 competitive MTV Video Music Awards during a career spanning more than four decades. A clean sweep this year would take her level with Beyoncé and Swift, who currently share the record for the most VMA wins with 30 each. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/e9ac1be3adfd613c3bc348e83543832e))
The singer has long been associated with the ceremony’s most memorable moments. She performed at the first VMAs in 1984, emerging from a giant wedding cake in a wedding dress to sing “Like A Virgin”, and later caused a stir when she kissed Britney Spears during the 2003 show.
Her latest album, Confessions II, was released on July 3 through Warner Records as a follow-up to 2005’s Confessions on a Dance Floor. Madonna’s official website said the accompanying film was among the works earning her nominations at this year’s ceremony. ([madonna.com](https://www.madonna.com/blogs/news))
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards are due to take place in Los Angeles on September 27.
