At the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), Britney Spears' influence was palpable, even as she watched the proceedings from afar. While the pop superstar didn’t actively follow the ceremony, clips of Sabrina Carpenter's performance caught her eye, prompting her to reflect on the night and share her thoughts with her 42 million Instagram followers. Spears, known for her own groundbreaking performances at the VMAs, was both curious and confused about Carpenter's onstage antics, particularly her kiss with an alien during the show, which raised eyebrows and drew questions from the pop icon herself.
“Did you guys watch the VMAs?” Spears began on Instagram. “I didn’t watch the VMAs, but I did see stuff on my phone from YouTube of Sabrina Carpenter. Why is she kissing an alien onstage?” Despite her confusion, Spears expressed admiration for Carpenter, stating, “I adore her. I love her to death. I didn’t understand... why didn’t she kiss a girl? Like, what’s up with the alien?”
Carpenter's performance was not only about the alien kiss; it was heavily inspired by Spears herself. The set opened with Carpenter on a swing resembling the one from Spears’ classic music video for "Lucky," and included references to Spears’ iconic hits. During the transition between songs, Carpenter played audio from the “Oops!... I Did It Again” music video, seamlessly blending the homage with her own music.
The evening was more than just another award show; it appeared to be somewhat of a celebration of Spears’ enduring legacy. Host Megan Thee Stallion honored the pop princess by donning a recreation of Spears' memorable 2001 VMAs outfit, complete with a live albino snake, one of the most unforgettable highlights from Spears’ illustrious career.
Even artist Tate McRae joined the homage movement by sporting a sheer lace dress reminiscent of Spears’ famed Dolce & Gabbana ensemble from the same event. And social media influencer Addison Rae shared her love for the pop icon by recognizing Spears’ legendary performances over the years, stating her favorite moments all stem from the times Spears graced the stage.
Carpenter later acknowledged the influence of Spears on her performance, noting how special it was to pay tribute to someone she admired so deeply. Spears' name being mentioned on the red carpet caught her attention. “This Sabrina girl, she said my name on the red carpet and I thought it was kinda cool,” Spears said. “I forget I’m famous sometimes because I’m a mom, I’m kind of old.”
Reflecting on the social phenomena surrounding Carpenter's performance, the resonance of Spears' influence was evident. Throughout the years, Spears has been at the forefront of music innovation, and her impact reverberated through the younger generations, influencing their fashion choices and stage presentations.
But what was it about this year’s VMAs built around Spears, who hasn't released new music since 2016? Her absence from the limelight did not diminish her iconic status. Instead, artists like Carpenter, Megan Thee Stallion, and McRae showcased the fondness and respect they have for Spears, solidifying her position as the Princess of Pop. It appears, even as she steps back and embraces her identity as a mother, her iconic status remains strong.
Spears insinuated not only appreciation for the homage but also recognition of the cultural impact she has had. Her legendary performances and iconic fashion moments at the VMAS have made her synonymous with the award show. Rocking outfits on the red carpet and delivering unforgettable performances, she paved the way for modern pop stars to carve out their own identities, albeit often referencing some of her influential moments.
Through celebrations of her musical excellence and daring fashion statements, the VMAS have steadily funded the mythos surrounding her. With the 2024 VMAS marking the ceremony's 40th anniversary, it laid out the perfect scenario for these newer artists to extend the baton back to Spears as they attempted to encapsulate what it means to be pop royalty today.
After the show, Spears posted on Instagram, dancing joyfully, showcasing her signature sparkly minidress as though she was at the VMAS herself. Her presence transcends the physical; she is always part of the pop culture conversation.
The 2024 VMAS were not solely about awards and performances but about honoring the impact of icons like Spears. She is not just relevant; she is remembered and revered by generations both past and present, cementing her place as the pop figure who will continue to influence artists for years to come.
With each performance and tribute, it’s clear this year's VMAS served as both a tribute to the past and the future of pop music. Carpenter's alien kiss, rather than merely being a viral moment, opened the door to conversations about legacy and homage, ensuring Spears’ name remains relevant, colorful, and oh-so-cool. Perhaps what made the night remarkable wasn't any single performance but the collective acknowledgment of Britney Spears as our forever pop culture queen.
