Madonna and Charli XCX have never been in a feud; any suggestion otherwise is misguided. When Charli promoted her track “Rock Music” by declaring the dancefloor dead, Madonna responded on Instagram with, “If your dancefloor feels dead… maybe you’re playing the wrong music.” By the time “Wink Wink” arrived, the two were seen smoking and DJing together at a fashion show and its afterparty, signaling a friendly rapport. They have now officially joined forces on a new collaboration.
In July, Madonna released the much‑anticipated album Confessions II, whose third single is “Danceteria”—a nod to the early‑1980s New York City club that helped launch her career. The track contains a subtle interpolation of “Walk on the Wild Side” and references downtown icons such as Fab Five Freddy and Jean‑Michel Basquiat. Produced alongside Andrew Watt, Cirkut, and Stuart Price, the song’s “Afterhours Mix” featuring Charli was previewed last week via an Instagram reel.
In her verses on the remix, Charli reflects on her own musical roots, mentioning A. G. Cook, SOPHIE, Le Couteau Jaune, and Myspace. She writes, “@madonna is the one who paved the way for us all; she did it before we even dared to imagine it. Working with you on this song, stepping into your world, your process, your attention to detail—it has been absolutely brilliant. Thank you for everything <33333.”
The original album version, last month’s Harry Romero remix, and this new Afterhours Mix are gathered together on a fresh CD single. Listen to Madonna and Charli below.
As many may recall, “Danceteria” topped Stereogum’s readers’ poll as the #1 Song of the Summer.
On Sunday, Madonna will open the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards—her first appearance at the show in 23 years and a record‑breaking fifth overall. She also leads the nominations with thirteen nods.
