Hilary Duff’s Lucky Me Tour has been a whirlwind of nostalgia and surprises, but nothing could have prepared fans for the unexpected reunion at Madison Square Garden on August 5, 2026. In a moment that brought back memories of the early 2000s, Duff invited Good Charlotte featuring her ex-boyfriend Joel Madden and his brother Benji Madden to join her on stage.
The surprise performance was a highlight of Duff’s first of two nights at the iconic New York City arena. After performing her reflective new track ‘Adult Size Medium,’ Duff teased the crowd with a hint of a surprise. ‘New York, you know I would never come here and not have a surprise for you,’ she said, setting the stage for an unforgettable moment.
Good Charlotte Joins Hilary Duff on Stage
The brothers from Good Charlotte and Duff’s band launched into their 2002 hit ‘The Anthem,’ with Duff taking over the second verse. This unexpected collaboration brought a wave of nostalgia, reminding fans of the early 2000s pop-punk era. The performance was a shock to fans, but Duff had been subtly hinting at it through her tour wardrobe.
Every night on tour, Duff has been wearing an oversized vintage T-shirt featuring a different artist. On August 5, she chose a Good Charlotte T-shirt, which was more than just a nod to her ex-boyfriend and now-close friend. The T-shirt served as a clever Easter egg, hinting at the surprise performance to come.
A History of Collaboration and Friendship
Duff and Joel Madden dated from 2004 to 2006, a relationship that also became professional. The two, along with Benji Madden, collaborated on Duff’s 2005 singles ‘Wake Up’ and ‘Beat of My Heart,’ both of which were included in her 2026 tour setlist. Despite their breakup, Duff has maintained a friendly relationship with Joel and his family.
Joel’s wife, Nicole Richie was in attendance at the show and posed backstage with the brothers, Duff, and Duff’s husband, Matthew Koma. Duff has spoken openly about her close relationship with the Madden family, stating, ‘I have a good relationship with their whole family. We’re neighbors. We actually hang out all the time.’
A Night of Surprises and Personal Moments
The night was filled with surprises and personal moments. Duff shared with the crowd that her daughter Mae who is five years old, had been in the emergency room that morning. ‘My kids are here tonight, I can’t believe I get to show them this,’ Duff said. ‘We were in the ER this morning getting some stitches for my 5-year-old. She’s fine, it’s all good, but it’s very our-family-coded that I would be playing my first night at MSG and also be in the emergency room getting a kid stitched up.’
Duff also gave a special shoutout to her LGBTQ+ community and brought out drag performers Crystal EnvyLuxx Noir London and Aquaria to perform her viral ‘With Love’ dance break. The performance was a testament to Duff’s ability to connect with her fans on a personal level, making each show a unique and memorable experience.
The surprise performance of ‘The Anthem’ was a highlight of the night, bringing together two iconic figures from the early 2000s Music scene. Fans were thrilled to see Duff and Good Charlotte reunite, even if just for one song. The performance was a reminder of the enduring appeal of both artists and the special connection they share with their fans.
