Sabrina Carpenter is no stranger to the MTV Video Music Awards stage, but this year’s performance felt like a victory lap and a rally cry rolled into one. The Grammy winner tore through a her new single “Tears,” turning the stage into something equal parts spectacle and protest.
Her background singers doubled as demonstrators, hoisting signs that read “dolls dolls dolls,” “if you hate you’ll never get laid,” and “protect trans rights.” In a year when queer visibility is under constant debate, Carpenter’s decision to center LGBTQ+ rights in one of music’s most-watched broadcasts felt bold and necessary. And, to be blunt, the performance was smoking hot.
Making a Splash With “Wet”
“Tears” lived up to its name. The staging was steamy, the choreography unrestrained, and Carpenter looked like she was having the time of her life. The number wasn’t just catchy; it was a full-bodied statement. It’s rare to see an artist balance camp, sensuality, and political conviction so seamlessly, but she pulled it off with ease.
Honestly, the whole thing was wet and wild, and I’m still catching my breath.
Riding High on VMAs History
This wasn’t Carpenter’s first trip to the VMAs spotlight. In 2023, she played the pre-show with “Feather” and “Nonsense,” setting the stage for her breakout moment. Last year, she earned her first main-stage slot, blending “Espresso,” “Taste,” and “Please Please Please” from her Short n’ Sweet album, a set that helped cement her pop dominance.
In 2025, Carpenter came in with eight nominations, including Video of the Year for “Manchild.” That project leaned into vintage cinema aesthetics, complete with costume shifts that reminded everyone she’s as much a visual artist as she is a vocalist.
From Heartbreak to Growth
Carpenter’s latest record, Man’s Best Friend, stems from what she’s described as a “newer heartbreak experience.” Speaking with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, she explained how the writing process left her more reflective than bitter.
“I think I came out of a sad situation, a lot less bitter than I intended or expected to,” Carpenter said. “With a little bit more of the like, you know what? There’s two people involved, and this is part of growing up.”
She added that she doesn’t hold grudges against exes, saying, “I think obviously it depends on what happens and what goes down and how much you feel like you can truly trust that person. But I do.”
The playful tone of the album opener, starting with a cheeky “Oh, boy,” captures that self-aware, eye-rolling humor she’s become known for.
A Star Who Knows Her Audience
Carpenter has mastered the balance of giving fans the hits they crave while using her platform to say something bigger. This year’s VMAs performance will be remembered not only for its sheer heat but also for the way it spotlighted queer voices in front of a global audience.
Now if you’ll excuse us, we’re going to spend the rest of the week trying to recreate her already-iconic “Wet” moment — but maybe with a towel handy.
