Sabrina Carpenter Pays Tribute to Britney Spears at the 2025 VMAs

The "Manchild" hitmaker paid tribute to the pop megastar's iconic 2000s style through both her red carpet look and her performance costume at the VMAs.

Sabrina Carpenter showed up and showed out at MTV's 2025 Video Music Awards (VMAs) this past Sunday, September 7. The singer-songwriter donned two Britney Spears-inspired ensembles — one on the red carpet and another during her onstage performance.

Carpenter looked stunning in a sheer red gown embellished with sequins and lace embroidery, paired with a dramatic lavender feathered stole. She styled her hair in her signature retro blowout curls and accessorized with diamond rings.

The look appeared to be a nod to Spears' daring navy lace mini dress, which she wore at the 2001 VMAs. The long-sleeved dress featured a floral lace design and sheer detailing that revealed a matching undergarment set beneath. Spears paired it with strappy black heels and also kept her accessories minimal at the time.

Carpenter's homage continued when she took the stage for an electrifying performance of her new single, "Tears." The "Please Please Please" songstress began her act in an embellished fringe top with a matching mini skirt

Midway through the song, she stripped down to a sparkling silver fringe bralette and black sequined micro shorts, styled with sheer tights and black heels. The look strongly echoed Spears' iconic Bob Mackie diamond outfit worn on her 2001 "Dream Within a Dream" Tour.

The ensemble featured a jewel-encrusted bra, underwear, and armbands, which Spears famously donned during a televised performance of her hit "… Baby, One More Time" featured in her HBO special.

The original Mackie pieces were recently sold by Julien's Auctions in April for an impressive $78,000. They were originally created for the 1981 Las Vegas stage production "Jubilee!" before being reimagined for Spears.