Sabrina Carpenter Rises From Manhole in MTV VMAs Performance Supporting Trans Rights

At Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards, Sabrina Carpenter delivered a striking performance of her track "Tears," emerging dramatically from a fog-filled manhole—a visual echo of the song’s music video starring actor Colman Domingo. The stage soon came alive with appearances by "RuPaul’s Drag Race" alumni Lexi Love and Symone, who held up signs advocating for trans rights and celebrating queer culture. Many viewers noted the rain-soaked, school-uniform aesthetic as a clear tribute to Britney Spears’ iconic “…Baby One More Time” performance from the 2000 VMAs.

The high-energy showcase aligned with the release of her new album, "Man’s Best Friend," which immediately claimed the number one spot on the Billboard 200. The 12-song project—her first since the Grammy-winning "Short n’ Sweet"—was produced across studios in London, New York, and Los Angeles with input from hitmakers Jack Antonoff, John Ryan, and Amy Allen. Upon its late August debut, the album shattered Spotify’s single-day streaming record for a female artist in 2024, underscoring Carpenter’s meteoric rise in the industry.

Carpenter entered the night with nine VMA nominations, including Video of the Year for "Manchild," a desert-themed visual that also earned nods in categories like Best Direction, Cinematography, Visual Effects, and Editing. She was also recognized in Best Pop Artist, Best Pop Video, Best Album for "Short n’ Sweet," and Song of the Summer for "Manchild." This year’s ceremony was held for the second time at Long Island’s UBS Arena, a major multipurpose venue known for hosting premier concerts and sporting events since its opening in 2021.

Industry experts point to Carpenter’s carefully crafted rollout and strong visual storytelling as key factors in her expanding influence. “She merges narrative depth with highly shareable visuals, a combination that resonates with audiences and critics alike,” observed music journalist Lena Torres. The lead single "Manchild" not only debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100—her first to do so—but also became her second chart-topper following "Please Please Please," cementing her status as one of pop’s most impactful current artists.

This strategic alignment of visual and musical releases reflects a broader trend in pop, where cohesive eras and social media engagement often drive commercial and critical success. Carpenter’s ability to balance artistic intention with mainstream appeal positions her as a defining voice for a new generation of pop listeners.