Sabrina Carpenter used her debut performance of her song “Tears” during the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards to advocate for transgender rights on Sunday night.
The upbeat performance took place on an outdoor set that resembled the streets of ’90s New York City. She was joined by drag queens Honey Balenciaga, Symone, Dashaun Wesley, Richie Shazam, Jewels Sparkles, Lexi Love, Jonte’ Moaning and Denali as she took inspiration from the song’s music video, which features Colman Domingo dressed in drag. Additionally, she was joined by dancers in retro outfits and male dancers in police uniforms.
As Carpenter and the performers danced on stage, many of the drag queens walked back and forth with picket signs that promoted trans rights. “Protect Trans Rights,” one sign read, while another stated, “In Trans We Trust.”
Carpenter began the performance by wearing a sparkly dress with fringe details, though she took off the layer to reveal a sparkly bra and black tights as she and the performers did the “dance break” portion of the single. Rain then began to fall on the stage as Carpenter and the performers did a choreographed dance.
Not only did Carpenter attend the event as a performer, but she was also nominated for nine awards. She was up for best pop artist, as well as album of the year for Short ‘n Sweet. Additionally, the lead single off of Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend album, “Manchild,” was nominated for video of the year, best pop, best direction, best cinematography, best editing, best visual effects and song of the summer.
Carpenter is no stranger to the VMAs, as she has previously performed at the awards show during the 2024 event. At the time, Carpenter sang a medley of her hits “Please Please Please,” “Taste” and “Espresso.” She also won her first VMA during the 2024 awards show in the song of the year category for “Espresso.”
The 2025 VMAs are being held at New York’s UBS Arena, while LL Cool J is serving as the event’s host.