Pakistan, Sept. 26 -- Madonna is returning to the MTV Video Music Awards in spectacular fashion. After nearly 23 years away from the VMA stage and 27 years since her last VMA win, the pop icon is set to open this year's ceremony - and she enters the night with a chance to make history.

The Like a Prayer singer, 68, is nominated for a record-tying 13 awards, matching the single-year nomination record set by Lady Gaga in 2010.

If Madonna wins big, she could surpass Taylor Swift and Beyonce, who currently share the record for the most Moon Person trophies with 30 each.

Madonna's influence on modern pop music is difficult to overstate.

Lady Gaga's career along with the careers of countless female superstars who followed, was shaped by the...