Britney Spears recently shared her thoughts on Sabrina Carpenter’s performance at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, noting that she saw clips of it on YouTube. Spears questioned why Carpenter was kissing an alien on stage and expressed confusion over that choice, suggesting she should have kissed a girl instead. Despite this, Spears expressed her admiration for Carpenter and mentioned that she appreciated Carpenter mentioning her on the red carpet, making her feel cool.
During Carpenter’s performance, she seemed to pay homage to Spears by including a snippet from her song “Oops!…I Did It Again” and adopting a space theme similar to Spears’ music video for “Oops!”. Carpenter also paid tribute to Madonna by wearing a vintage white gown designed by Bob Mackie, similar to what Madonna wore at the 1991 Oscars. The performance reignited speculation about Carpenter’s history with fellow performer Shawn Mendes, with fans speculating that her recent album, Short n’ Sweet, was inspired by a brief romance with Mendes.
Mendes and Carpenter were first spotted together in February 2023, sparking dating rumors. However, Mendes denied that he was dating Carpenter after they attended the Vanity Fair Oscars Party separately the following month. Mendes later rekindled his relationship with Camila Cabello, whom he initially dated from 2019 to 2021, but ultimately split with in June 2023. Carpenter’s fans noticed nods to the situation on Short n’ Sweet, with Carpenter explaining that the title of the album referred to some of her shortest relationships that affected her the most.
The performance at the VMAs, along with Carpenter’s relationship history, has generated a buzz around her in the media, with fans and observers speculating on the inspirations and meanings behind her work. Carpenter’s nods to iconic pop stars like Spears and Madonna in her performance have also drawn attention and comparisons to those artists. The pop culture references and connections between Carpenter, Mendes, and Cabello have further fueled interest in Carpenter’s personal and professional life, adding layers of intrigue and mystery to her public persona.
Overall, Carpenter’s performance at the VMAs has sparked conversations and debates among fans and media outlets, with many dissecting the various elements of her show, from the song choices to the wardrobe selections. The intersection of popular culture, music, fashion, and relationships has created a compelling narrative around Carpenter and her career, offering fans and followers a glimpse into her creative process and personal experiences. As the discussions continue and interpretations evolve, Carpenter remains at the center of attention, navigating the complexities of fame, artistry, and relationships in the public eye.
