The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) lit up the stage this past Wednesday, and amid all the glitz and glamour, one figure loomed large even from afar — Britney Spears. Despite her absence, the influence of what many call the "Princess of Pop" was unmistakably felt throughout the night, especially as artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Tate McRae, and Addison Rae honored her iconic legacy.
Opening the evening, Tate McRae kicked off the spectacle by donning a stunning black lace ensemble inspired by one of Britney’s legendary looks from the 2001 VMAs. The dress bore roots to the Dolce & Gabbana number Britney famously wore, and McRae couldn’t help but sing praises of her idol. "I think she’s one of the most incredible performers of the 2000s," McRae remarked during the event, recalling how she grew up watching Spears pave the way for future generations of artists.
But McRae wasn’t the only one channeling Britney's essence. Social media star Addison Rae also strutted her stuff on the red carpet, rocking a daring white two-piece ensemble with feather accents, nodding to Britney’s unforgettable collaboration with Madonna and Christina Aguilera back at the 2003 VMAS. "My favorite VMAS looks of all time are probably every single time Britney came out and performed," Addison shared, enthusiastically reminiscing about how Britney's performances shaped her own perceptions of pop culture.
Fulfilling the VMAS hosting duties with flair, Megan Thee Stallion brought her A-game by evoking one of Britney's most memorable moments. Remember the iconic performance of "I’m A Slave 4 U"? Megan recreated it this year with flair, sporting a green bikini and wrapping herself with a live python — just as Britney famously did. "I tried to hold it down for Britney!" Mega admitted with laughter as she navigated the live animal and quickly exclaimed, "Okay, cut the music! I'm just playing. Come get this snake!" Her attempt at two legends found them sharing the stage, even if one was thousands of miles away.
But Megan wasn’t just paying homage to Spears. She also drew inspiration from another music powerhouse — Beyoncé, replicatively wearing Bey's stunning red, white, and blue outfit used during her introduction of Team USA at the Olympics. Megan has long professed her love for the Queen Bey, even expressing her effusive gratitude on social media after sharing the stage with her recently. "I’ll never stop screaming about this moment!" she wrote, reflecting on the emotional connection she feels toward her fellow artist and Houston native.
This year's VMAS stood out not just for the tributes but for the palpable presence of Spears' influence. Clips from her performances played during the ceremony's pre-show, and her iconic fashion choices resurfaced theatrically seen throughout the evening. Fans quickly noticed how many performers drew from her decade-spanning career, leading them to call for recognition of her enduring legacy once more.
Sabrina Carpenter also added to the homage, pulling off one of Britney's iconic spoken-word sections from her classic track, "Oops!... I Did It Again" during her own performance. Fans noted how Carpenter's space-themed set appeared reminiscent of Britney's early music videos, highlighting how the pop culture narrative intertwined through the years.
Britney's history with the VMAS stretches back to its inception, beginning with her unforgettable debut performance of "...Baby One More Time" in 1999. From there, she consistently delivered performances laden with theatricality and unforgettable fashion choices, setting the standard for what live music events could aspire to. Her shows included everything from her mesmerizing mashup of The Rolling Stones’ "Satisfaction" to projects blending sheer body suits with daring aesthetics, making her one of the most recognizable figures the awards show has ever seen.
Returning to the night, Megan Thee Stallion kept fans entertained and energized, all the more reason for lively discussions about the sheer volume of talent and homage inspired by Spears. With every costume change and electric performance, the artists present experimented with the ways to echo the past, yet add their own splash of creativity and innovation. It felt like not just artists celebrating each other’s legacies but tragically aware of Spears being missing from the night they all shared her influence.
The legacy of Britney Spears at the VMAS confirms the rich interplay of influence and inspiration across generations, solidly embedding her mark on music history. Whether paying tribute to her fashion choices or igniting nostalgic performances, it’s clear the pop icon still embodies the vibrant energy of the VMAS. With each laughter-laden moment the artists brought to the night, they bore witness not only to the past, but they also opened discussions on the future they strive to shape, ensuring Britney Spears remains eternally etched within the pop culture experience.
