Lisa Rinna, 63, Catches Eyes at the 2026 MTV VMAs in a Look Honoring Madonna That Left Online Viewers Divided

| September 28, 2026 | Celebrity | No Comments

Arriving with a specific fashion intent tied to pop culture history, Lisa Rinna quickly became the topic of discussion when the cameras captured her look.

Known for making a splash on the red carpet, Rinna’s striking transformation at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards had viewers doing double takes, leading many to share their opinions.

The 63-year-old actress made her appearance at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on September 27, 2026. Yet, she wasn’t the only celebrity making a fashion statement that evening, as many others helped to set a stylish tone for the event.

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on September 27, 2026. Madonna's return to the ceremony would become especially significant to Lisa Rinna.
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on September 27, 2026. Madonna’s return to the ceremony would become especially significant to Lisa Rinna.

Teyana Taylor

Teyana Taylor made a fashion statement in a long black lace gown adorned with feathers. The fitted silhouette crafted from sheer lace featured a plunging neckline and a wide velvet waistband for added structure, while black feathers cascaded from her sleeves and gathered at one hip, framing the hem to create movement.

Taylor's black lace gown paired a sheer, fitted base with oversized feather detailing at the sleeves, hip, and hem. Her sculptural updo left the plunging neckline and dramatic textures unobstructed.
Taylor’s black lace gown paired a sheer, fitted base with oversized feather detailing at the sleeves, hip, and hem. Her sculptural updo left the plunging neckline and dramatic textures unobstructed.

Charli XCX

Charli XCX contrasted her otherwise black ensemble with sheer elements and exposed skin. Her long-sleeved cropped top included a translucent panel across the chest, paired with a low-rise, floor-length skirt. The voluminous fabric gathered at her forearms, while narrow strips draped from either side.

The skirt fit closely around her hips and legs before extending to the floor. With no competing colors, the visible midriff became the separation between her cropped top and the long skirt. Charli maintained a sleek look with her long black hair parted in the center, posing confidently with her hands on her hips.

Charli XCX paired a sheer-paneled black crop top with a low-rise, floor-length skirt that left her midriff exposed. Long strips of fabric hanging from the sleeves added movement to the streamlined black silhouette.
Charli XCX paired a sheer-paneled black crop top with a low-rise, floor-length skirt that left her midriff exposed. Long strips of fabric hanging from the sleeves added movement to the streamlined black silhouette.

Continuing the evening’s darker fashion theme, Madonna opted for an all-black outfit that combined lingerie-inspired elements with leather. She donned a structured black bodysuit with corset-like lacing at the front, complemented by fishnet tights and black heels. A black leather jacket resting off her shoulders added another layer to her fitted look.

Her long blonde hair flowed in loose waves around her face, and a sparkling necklace offered a bright contrast to the darker textures. Madonna was later seen with Taylor Swift in the audience, and they posed closely, providing a closer glimpse at her styling beyond the stage.

Later, on stage, Madonna joined Sabrina Carpenter, who was holding a Moon Person trophy as they spoke into the microphone. An Instagram post revealed that the duo won Best Collaboration for “Bring Your Love” at the 2026 VMAs.

Madonna posed alongside Taylor Swift during the 2026 MTV VMAs, with her leather-and-corset styling contrasting with Swift's streamlined black look. The moment brought two different approaches to the night's darker palette into one frame.
Madonna posed alongside Taylor Swift during the 2026 MTV VMAs, with her leather-and-corset styling contrasting with Swift’s streamlined black look. The moment brought two different approaches to the night’s darker palette into one frame.

Madonna Inspired Rinna’s Appearance

With Madonna’s influence palpable both on and off stage, it’s no surprise Rinna chose to pay homage to the pop diva with her red carpet look.

In preparation for the 2026 VMAs, Madonna was readying for a significant comeback, set to open the ceremony with her first live performance at the awards in 23 years.

Madonna last performed live at the VMAs in 2003, sharing the stage with Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Missy Elliott. Their medley featured hits like “Hollywood” and “Like a Virgin,” highlighted by Madonna’s infamous kisses with Spears and Aguilera.

Madonna returned to the VMA stage in 2003 alongside Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Missy Elliott for a headline-making opening performance. The medley included "Hollywood," "Like a Virgin," and "Passenger," while Madonna's kisses with Spears and Aguilera became one of the show's most remembered moments.
Madonna returned to the VMA stage in 2003 alongside Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Missy Elliott for a headline-making opening performance. The medley included “Hollywood,” “Like a Virgin,” and “Passenger,” while Madonna’s kisses with Spears and Aguilera became one of the show’s most remembered moments.
The 2003 opening marked Madonna's last live VMA performance before her return in 2026, creating a 23-year gap between appearances. That history helped make her comeback particularly meaningful for longtime admirers such as Rinna.
The 2003 opening marked Madonna’s last live VMA performance before her return in 2026, creating a 23-year gap between appearances. That history helped make her comeback particularly meaningful for longtime admirers such as Rinna.

Entering the 2026 ceremony, Madonna held the record for the most nominations that year, boasting eleven in total. Categories included Artist of the Year, Video of the Year for “Confessions II – The Film,” and Song of the Year for her collaboration with Carpenter.

This marked the third occasion Madonna received the most nominations for the VMAs, having previously garnered nine for “Vogue” in 1990 and nine more for “Ray of Light” and “Frozen” in 1998.

Madonna’s history with the VMAs stretches back even further, famously emerging from a giant wedding cake in a wedding dress at the inaugural ceremony in 1984, while performing “Like a Virgin,” leaving a lasting impression.

"Vogue" earned Madonna nine VMA nominations in 1990 and remains an especially important part of her MTV history. Rinna later named the song's 1990 music video as her favorite Madonna moment.
“Vogue” earned Madonna nine VMA nominations in 1990 and remains an especially important part of her MTV history. Rinna later named the song’s 1990 music video as her favorite Madonna moment.
Madonna again collected nine VMA nominations in 1998, this time for "Ray of Light" and "Frozen." Nearly three decades later, she would lead the 2026 field with 11 nominations, reinforcing just how enduring her relationship with the awards has been.
Madonna again collected nine VMA nominations in 1998, this time for “Ray of Light” and “Frozen.” Nearly three decades later, she would lead the 2026 field with 11 nominations, reinforcing just how enduring her relationship with the awards has been.

Two years later, she became the first solo female artist to receive the Video Vanguard Award. The 2026 ceremony was hosted by Snoop Dogg and broadcast live from Los Angeles on CBS, with a simulcast on MTV and availability for streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S., later to be accessible globally.

For Rinna, the presence of Madonna was not just another highlight amidst a star-studded show; it appeared to be the main reason for her attendance. On the red carpet, Rinna expressed her priorities clearly, stating, “I’m here for one reason and one reason only: Madonna. I love to create, I love to do this fashion thing. And this is what came out of Madonna VMAs Sunday. Here we are.”

Rinna specifically mentioned her admiration for Madonna’s 1990 “Vogue” music video as a standout highlight in the pop star’s career, which became evident once her full red carpet look was revealed.

Rinna flashes a playful pose for photographers as she sticks her tongue out and widens her eyes. Her Madonna-inspired look, from her hair to her dress, caused quite the commotion online, with many viewers finding issues with the dress' construction, specifically.
Rinna flashes a playful pose for photographers as she sticks her tongue out and widens her eyes. Her Madonna-inspired look, from her hair to her dress, caused quite the commotion online, with many viewers finding issues with the dress’ construction, specifically.

Rinna’s Tribute to Madonna Featured Unique Details

Rinna arrived in a sculptural white gown by Seks, which featured a corseted bodice, a breastplate with faux nipples, and a flowing skirt. However, the outfit was just one aspect of her transformation.

Her typical hairstyle was swapped out for a short, spiky blonde cut, which she confirmed was a nod to Madonna’s iconic looks. This new style harkened back to the pop star’s signature blonde hair from the ’80s, giving Rinna a strikingly different appearance than her usual looks. As images circulated online, responses began to pour in.

Rinna has never been a stranger to avant-garde and striking fashion choices. Still, many online viewers found issue with what she wore at the 2026 VMAs, as they were not too fond of her styling choices.
Rinna has never been a stranger to avant-garde and striking fashion choices. Still, many online viewers found issue with what she wore at the 2026 VMAs, as they were not too fond of her styling choices.

Viewers expressed their thoughts, often focusing more on the dress itself rather than Rinna. One comment on Instagram read, “no no no and it’s wrinkled….” while another asked, “So many questions… but why is her dress so wrinkled?”.

Another user specified their critique was aimed at the dress rather than Rinna, writing, “There’s something wrong with the way the top bit is moulded and how it moves – not her – the dress.” Reactions on another post included a viewer wondering, “What’s up with that dress 🧐😳🤣” and another simply stating, “The top of that is not needed.”

On X, one commenter stated, “Her dress is not classy; it’s inappropriate,” while another described the look as “very disrespectful.” Regardless of the mixed opinions, Rinna clearly embraced her edgy concept from head to toe, combining platinum spiked hair, unusual bodice design, flowing white fabric, and provocative details into a memorable appearance.

Her willingness to push boundaries with her looks aligns with Rinna’s recent reflections on aging.

Apart from her bold approach to fashion and appearance, Rinna has also been outspoken and unapologetic about how she feels about getting older, expressing to InStyle, "It just feels like you can almost do anything at this point."
Apart from her bold approach to fashion and appearance, Rinna has also been outspoken and unapologetic about how she feels about getting older, expressing to InStyle, “It just feels like you can almost do anything at this point.”

Having recently celebrated her 63rd birthday, Rinna has candidly shared her perspective on this stage of her life. As reported by InStyle, she honored her birthday with a bikini selfie and noted, “I believe our health is our wealth and I think women look and feel the best strong!”.

She also shared a look back on the past year in an Instagram carousel, stating, “I mean…. LOOK AT THIS YEAR!!!! Thank you for every single amazing, beautiful birthday wish! Here’s to more of everything.” Rinna has further discussed the impact of turning sixty.

“Number one, you got there. You’ve survived long enough in life…and you’re like, Oh, I did it. I made it. And it just feels like you can almost do anything at this point,” she told InStyle. She expressed that society’s perceptions of women and aging are often limiting.

“I think our culture is really stuck in what menopause is about. And that then stops anybody from thinking that a woman in her 60s or 70s is still viable and still sexual and still beautiful. And there’s not enough women’s health research so that we’re informed and we know how to help ourselves.”

Rinna’s striking appearance at the VMAs certainly demonstrated her intent to defy any expectations of becoming more conservative in her style as she ages, and the red carpet images highlight why her look generated such immediate buzz.

The top half of Rinna's striking white gown caused the most dissension online, as most thought it was wrinkled and did not look the most appealing.
The top half of Rinna’s striking white gown caused the most dissension online, as most thought it was wrinkled and did not look the most appealing.
Rinna's dress was also dubbed "inappropriate" by some netizens, because of the daring bust details. Nevertheless, Rinna has made it clear that she has always loved fashion, especially experimenting and trying new and different things with styling.
Rinna’s dress was also dubbed “inappropriate” by some netizens, because of the daring bust details. Nevertheless, Rinna has made it clear that she has always loved fashion, especially experimenting and trying new and different things with styling.

From her edgy platinum hairstyle to the distinctive sculpted bodice and playful poses for photographers, Lisa Rinna provided plenty of captivating moments for the cameras.