Sabrina Carpenter Nods to 2001 Britney Spears Look During 2025 MTV VMAs Performance

Oops, she did it again!

Sabrina Carpenter never shies away from referencing music and style icons of the past (she recently wore a 2003 lingerie look modeled by Naomi Campbell) and it looks like she doubled down on her love for vintage fashion at the 2025 MTV VMAs, where she seemingly channeled her inner Britney Spears during her sexy performance for “Tears.”

During the Sept. 7 show, the singer, 26, first took the stage in an embellished fringe top and matching miniskirt, which she ditched midway to reveal a daring lingerie-inspired look complete with a bedazzled bra halter top and sequin micro shorts and sparkly tights (the only appropriate look for a disco dance break if you ask us!).

Outlets including InStyle and Marie Claire noticed what appeared to be Carpenter’s reference to Spears’ iconic Bob Mackie diamonds outfit worn on her 2001 Dream Within a Dream Tour (the look was originally made by the costumer for the 1981 Las Vegas stage production Jubilee!). She also famously danced in the rain.

Spears, now 43, specifically wore the blinged-out bra, underwear and armbands for the televised “Baby One More Time…” performance featured in her HBO concert special, as well as in promotional photos. The items were sold in April 2025 by Julien’s Auctions for an astonishing $78,000, while a pair of Corbin Struck jeans inspired by the original pair Spears wore in promo went for $2,925.

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The night was a fashion show for Carpenter, who rocked a total of four looks — including her bold red carpet ensemble. The “Espresso” singer, nominated for eight awards, kicked off the night in a see-through red custom Valentino gown designed with strategically-placed floral sequin panels. She then changed into a corset black dress with color beading which had its moment in the spotlight when she accepted the Best Album Award for her 2024 album, Short n’ Sweet.

Meanwhile, Spears last attended the awards show in 2016 and despite rumors of her comeback that began circling social media in July, a source confirmed to PEOPLE that she was “never due to perform.”

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Although, the “Piece of Me” singer has a long history with the VMAs, from when she famously sang her hit “I’m a Slave 4 U” with a python draped over her shoulders in 2001 to her steamy kiss with Madonna in 2003.

Her 2007 performance of “Gimme More” was widely criticized at the time, but in her 2023 memoir The Woman in Me, Spears revealed that she didn’t want to do the performance after a difficult year, but felt pressured by her team, and wound up having a panic attack backstage. In 2011, Spears received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

The 2025 MTV VMAs air live from New York’s UBS Arena on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and MTV. The ceremony will also stream on Paramount+.