SABRINA Carpenter stripped down to just a bedazzled bra for a sexy VMAs performance in an apparent nod to pop icon Britney Spears.
In the most anticipated performance of the night, Sabrina channeled her signature raunchy style to belt out her newest single, Tears, from her latest album, Man’s Best Friend.
The pop star performs her new song Tears at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards[/caption]
Sabrina, 26, started out her performance in a city landscape with fan-favorite contestants from RuPaul’s Drag Race as her backup dancers.
She channeled the ’70s with big curls, fringe, and lots of sparkles as she rocked an oversized top with bedazzled tights.
Toward the end of her performance, Sabrina took her top off and revealed a bedazzled bra that she continued in for the remainder of the song.
The Short n Sweet songstress then showed off her moves underneath pouring water that simulated dancing in the rain.
Sabrina fans presume she was honoring Britney – who famously danced in similar on-stage rain in a $1 million Victoria’s Secret bra during her 2001 tour.
Both performances had the pop stars showcasing similar moves in similar jeweled-encrusted bras while on stage in the rain.
During Britney’s Dream Within a Dream tour, she walked out on stage in a seven-figure bra and did a dramatic dance in the rain for Baby One More Time.
The moment became so legendary, Britney, 43, replicated it on several future stops on her tour.
Fans immediately noticed that Sabrina appeared to honor the Princess of Pop with a strikingly similar performance.
One viewer gushed: “That tribute was perfect because Sabrina reminds me of a young Britney Spears it’s making me emotional!”
“Did anyone else think Sabrina Carpenter was giving Britney Spears the second that rain came pouring down? Loved it!” another asked.
“The end of Sabrina’s performance was IDENTICAL to Britney’s HBO concert omgggg,” a third exclaimed.
“Sabrina literally giving Britney Spears in this performance like that is Britdaughter,” a fourth wrote.
Sabrina has long been an admirer of Britney, and last year at the 2024 VMAs, she gushed about the Toxic songstress on the red carpet.
The interview made its way to Britney, who saw it and offered a rare reaction to the shoutout from Sabrina.
“Thanks, that’s cool! She made me cool! I forget I’m famous sometimes, because I’m a mom, I’m kind of old,” Britney said in an Instagram post at the time.
WILDEST MOMENTS IN VMAS HISTORY
Madonna’s Like a Virgin performance (1984): The controversial performance at the first-ever VMAs launched her into superstardom and established the awards show as a venue for bold pop culture moments.
Britney Spears, Madonna, and Christina Aguilera kiss (2003): During a medley that showcased Britney and Christina in wedding gowns, Madonna kissed them both. But it was Britney and Madge locking lips that was the kiss seen around the world. The moment was especially shocking when the camera cut to Britney’s then-boyfriend, Justin Timberlake, whose stunned reaction seemed disapproving.
Kanye West interrupts Taylor Swift (2009): After Taylor, 19, won the award for Best Female Video, Kanye, 32, rushed onto the stage and infamously declared that Beyoncé had the “best video of all time” for Single Ladies and deserved the award instead. This was the beginning of a decades-long feud between Kanye and Taylor, which continues to this day.
Lil Mama crashes the stage (2009): In the middle of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ performance of Empire State of Mind, Lip Gloss rapper Lil Mama inexplicably walked up, despite being held back by Beyonce. She posed alongside Jay-Z and Alicia as she invited herself into the performance. She posed on stage with them at the end, despite Lil Mama not being a part of the song or the performance.
Lady Gaga’s meat dress (2010): The pop star wore a dress, hat, and shoes made entirely out of raw flank steak. She later explained the outfit was a protest against the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, stating it symbolized fighting for your rights or ending up “meat on your bones”.
Beyoncé’s pregnancy reveal (2011): At the end of her performance of Love on Top, Beyoncé unbuttoned her blazer and rubbed her belly, confirming her first pregnancy to the world. Her husband, Jay Z, watched from the crowd and celebrated with the audience.
Nicki Minaj vs. Miley Cyrus (2015): While accepting the award for Best Hip-Hop Video, Nicki called out Miley Cyrus, who was hosting that year, by asking, “Miley, what’s good?” Nicki later claimed she was genuinely upset with Miley due to comments she had recently made in an interview.
THAT’S THAT HER ESPRESSO
Sabrina’s risque on-stage look for the VMAs was a big change from the glamorous gown she wore for the red carpet.
The petite blonde stunned in a red lace neck-high, long-sleeved Valentino gown.
She added to the glamour by carrying around a purple feathered boa.
The Grammy-winner completed her look with her signature bouncy blonde curls, diamond rings, and jeweled heels.
Sabrina Carpenter in Valentino at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards[/caption]