Sabrina Carpenter’s recent MTV VMA performance drew a lot of attention for its clear nod to Britney Spears’ iconic rain dance from her 2002 Dream Within a Dream Tour. However, many viewers and critics felt that Carpenter’s act didn’t match the energy or impact of Spears’ original moment. Sabrina Carpenter Bad Copy of Britney.
Despite trying to honor the pop legend, Sabrina Carpenter’s performance was widely seen as a weaker recreation that lacked the emotional power and stage presence that made Britney’s routine unforgettable.
The tribute included dancing in the rain and some costume changes, similar to Spears’ show, but it fell short in execution and creativity. Britney Spears herself described the performance as “weird” and expressed some confusion over Carpenter’s approach. This sparked conversations about how difficult it is to pay homage to iconic moments without losing what made them special in the first place.
For fans of both artists, the comparison highlighted the challenges newer performers face when they reference classic performances. Understanding why Carpenter’s version missed the mark helps explain the high standards set by Britney Spears in her prime.
Key Takeways – Sabrina Carpenter Bad Copy of Britney
- Sabrina Carpenter’s VMA act heavily referenced Britney Spears’ famous rain dance performance.
- The tribute received mixed reactions, including confusion from Britney Spears herself.
- The performance showed the difficulty of recreating classic moments with equal impact.
Inside Sabrina Carpenter’s VMA Homage to Britney Spears
Sabrina Carpenter’s 2025 VMA performance drew clear references to Britney Spears’ iconic moments. She mixed visuals, song snippets, and theatrical elements in a way that echoed Spears’ early 2000s style. The homage sparked both admiration and confusion, particularly over certain creative choices.
Breakdown of Sabrina Carpenter’s VMA Medley
Carpenter’s set combined three songs from her album Man’s Best Friend: “Espresso,” “Please Please Please,” and “Taste.” She started with a high-energy intro, using sharp choreography and flashy stage design inspired by Spears’ famous performances. The costumes featured fringe and sparkly details, directly nodding to the looks Britney wore in her early 2000s VMA performances.
Visually, the medley played with space and alien themes, a clear throwback to Spears’ “Oops!… I Did It Again” music video, which famously used an outer space concept. Carpenter’s use of bright colors and sequins aimed to recreate that nostalgic feel but added her own modern twist.
Espresso, Please Please Please, and Taste: Song Choices
The songs chosen for this medley showed Carpenter’s attempt to balance her own music with Britney’s legacy. “Espresso” led the set with strong beats and flashy instrumentals. Then, during “Please Please Please,” she mimicked Britney’s classic dance styles and included a snippet of “Oops!… I Did It Again” music video choreography, connecting the present and past.
“Taste” closed the medley, turning up the energy and theatricality. This song maintained the VMA tribute’s playful mood while highlighting Carpenter’s vocal range. Each transition was designed to remind viewers of Britney’s influence but still showcased Carpenter’s style.
Alien Kiss vs. The Madonna & Christina Aguilera Moment
One of the most talked-about moments was when Carpenter kissed an alien during her set. This was meant to echo Britney Spears’ famous VMA kiss with Madonna and Christina Aguilera in 2003. However, Spears herself expressed confusion over this choice, asking why Carpenter kissed an alien instead of a girl.
The alien kiss added a sci-fi edge, creating a unique angle but missing the original’s boldness. Britney’s moment was notable for shocking and breaking norms, while Carpenter’s seemed more symbolic and less direct. This difference sparked mixed reactions, with some fans praising the creativity and others feeling the homage lacked impact.
For more about Britney’s response and Carpenter’s look, see Britney Spears reacts to Sabrina Carpenter homage at VMAs.
Public and Celebrity Reactions to the Performance
Sabrina Carpenter’s performance at the MTV VMAs sparked a range of reactions from fans and celebrities alike. Her tribute to Britney Spears included a mix of admiration and confusion. Both the media and viewers debated the meaning behind some of the more unusual elements, like the alien kiss.
Britney Spears’ Instagram Response and Mixed Feelings
Britney Spears shared her reaction to Sabrina Carpenter’s VMA performance on Instagram. While she expressed love and appreciation for Carpenter, she admitted confusion about the alien kiss during the set. Spears wondered why Carpenter didn’t kiss a girl instead, referencing her own famous 2003 VMA kiss with Madonna and Christina Aguilera.
Spears praised Carpenter’s shout-out on the red carpet and the inclusion of the “Oops!… I Did It Again” space theme in her act. She admitted to feeling “kind of old” and joked about forgetting she was famous, showing a mix of affection and bemusement about the younger artist’s homage.
Fan and Media Perspectives on the Tribute
Fans and media responses were mixed. Many appreciated Carpenter’s nods to Britney, including the music video clips and costume references. Some found the alien kiss strange or inappropriate, sparking discussion about originality versus copying.
Several outlets pointed out the boldness of Carpenter’s performance, comparing it to other memorable VMA moments. The performance was described as a bold attempt to combine dancing, protest, and tribute, but some critics thought it pushed the tribute into awkward or “weird” territory.
Impact on Sabrina Carpenter’s Career Post-Performance
The performance brought increased attention to Sabrina Carpenter, both positive and negative. She was praised for her showmanship and songwriting, earning applause from peers like Cyndi Lauper. However, backlash over the controversial elements led to debates on whether the homage helped or hurt her image.
Carpenter won the Song of the Year award at the event, showing industry support despite mixed public opinion. Her bold move ensured she remained a talking point in music news, increasing visibility on platforms like YouTube and Instagram stories following the VMAs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sabrina Carpenter’s 2024 VMAs performance drew attention due to its similarities to Britney Spears’s iconic acts. Critics and fans noted specific elements that sparked debate about originality and influence.
What sparked the comparison between Sabrina Carpenter’s performance and Britney Spears’s VMAs?
The main spark came from Carpenter’s Mars-themed stage and the use of audio from Spears’s “Oops!… I Did It Again” music video. This direct nod invited viewers to compare the two performances closely.
In what ways did critics claim Sabrina Carpenter’s act mimicked Britney Spears’s earlier performance?
Critics pointed to Carpenter’s set design, choreography echoes, and the Mars-themed backdrop as clear similarities to Spears’s iconic 2000 VMAs performance. Some also noted Carpenter’s homage through the audio snippet as a key mimicry element.
What aspects of Sabrina Carpenter’s performance are being highlighted as original?
Carpenter’s inclusion of an alien character and her medley approach to performing her own hits were seen as distinct elements. Her kiss with the alien dancer referenced her own recent music video, adding personal touches.
How has Sabrina Carpenter responded to the allegations of copying Britney Spears?
Carpenter has embraced the homage, highlighting her respect for Spears’s influence. She combined the tribute with her own style, aiming to honor without simply copying.
What have been the audience reactions to Sabrina Carpenter’s performance?
Audience views have been mixed. Some praised her creativity and boldness, while others found the alien kiss and certain choreography choices confusing or strange, echoing Britney Spears’s own public reactions.
Have there been any previous instances of artists being accused of emulating Britney Spears’s performances?
Yes, Britney Spears’s performances have inspired many artists over the years. Some have faced criticism for replicating her iconic looks or routines without enough originality or clear tribute intent.
