Madonna reveals the on-stage moment that almost killed her career

Pop diva Madonna may have one of the most impressive careers in music history, but the “Vogue” singer revealed that a wardrobe malfunction three decades ago nearly ended her career.

The 63-year-old shared the cheeky mishap during an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on Wednesday, decked out with a mouthful of “birthday grills” in true Madonna fashion.

The star joined Fallon to promote her new album “Finally Enough Love”, a curation of the singer’s favorite dance hits.

While the album celebrates Madonna’s record number of top songs, the star revealed her iconic “Like a Virgin” performance during the first-ever MTV Video Music Awards in 1984 nearly got her canceled.

When the then 26-year-old descended onto the MTV stage to perform the hit song, her stiletto slipped from underneath her, resulting in the singer diving to catch it– accidentally flipping her dress and exposing her behind in the process.

American singer & actress Madonna poses outside the first MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York on September 14, 1984.
American singer Madonna poses outside the first MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York on September 14, 1984.
Getty Images

“Those were the days when you shouldn’t show your butt to have a career,” the star joked. “Now it’s the opposite.”

Madonna recalled her reps backstage deemed her career “over with” after the accidental flashing,

“It wasn’t even the whole butt! It was like a butt cheek– like half of a butt cheek,” Madonna argued to the audience.

Singer Madonna during an interview with host Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday, August 10, 2022
The pop diva recounted one of her biggest career missteps.
Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images

Fallon also reminded audiences that “Like a Virgin” was never supposed to be the record’s single, given that producer Nile Rodgers wanted it to be “Material Girl”.

“Those were the days when I had no say in anything,” the Grammy-winner reflected. “Can you imagine those days even existing?”

Despite her old reps’ fears, Madonna’s career was far from over following the accidental on-stage flashing. Her new album, celebrating her 50 #1 hits on the Billboard singles charts, was released earlier this summer, with a CD and vinyl version coming on Aug. 19.

You May Also Like

American Horror Stories: Necro-Recap

credit: American Horror Stories It’s worth a sigh and a shake of…

Inside Dream Kardashian’s butterfly-themed 6th birthday party

It really was a “Dream” birthday. Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna’s daughter,…

Former Bills Starter’s Wife Posts Message After Signing With Rams

Getty Former Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White on September 10, 2017. The Buffalo…

Top 5 Midsommar Scenes That Will Haunt Your Daylight

Let me set the scene: you’re snuggled on your couch, daylight streaming…