Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend era has received mixed reviews so far. Some “fans” have been clutching their pearls and scolding the pop star for only singing about men and sex. Others are not into the ABBA vibes, or they’re over the Jack Antonoff production. And of course, the nicer fans are all in and bopping around to “Nobody’s Son” and “House Tour” in cutesy TikTok videos.
Although the album itself is polarizing, I think we can all agree that Sabrina’s 2025 VMAs performance deserves an A++. The ~short and sweet~ pop princess came through with a truly amazing and meaningful performance of “Tears.” Emerging out of a literal manhole? Iconic. The dance break in the rain? Impeccable. The sparkly silver wardrobe? Chef’s kiss. But IMO, the drag icons and “Trans rights” signs were most definitely the highlights. If you missed the award show, you’re required by law to at least watch this number: Check out videos of Sabrina Carpenter’s 2025 VMAs performance!
Sabrina Carpenter’s 2025 VMAs Performance: Video, Reactions
What Songs Did Sabrina Carpenter Perform At The 2025 VMAs?
sabrina carpenter full performance of ‘tears’ at the vmas
pic.twitter.com/ljpbQDBJRi— 2000s (@PopCulture2000s) September 8, 2025
Sabrina debuted her new single, “Tears,” and she was joined by several iconic dancers and drag queens for the special moment! The set featured appearances from Honey Balenciaga, Symone, Dashaun Wesley, Richie Shazam, Jewels Sparkles, Lexi Love, Jonte’ Moaning, and Denali. Throughout the number, the performers held up signs that read “PROTECT TRANS RIGHTS,” “SUPPORT DRAG,” and “DOLLS DOLLS DOLLS” — a powerful and much-needed political statement.
Fans were quick to praise Sabrina for using her platform to advocate for trans rights on such a major stage. As one fan put it on X: “Sabrina carpenter using her platform to reaffirm her allyship with the lgbt community in the midst of the trump administration eroding lgbt+ rights daily exactly what pop stars should be doing.” Yuppp!
Performers held up signs that read “PROTECT TRANS RIGHTS” during Sabrina Carpenter’s #VMAs performance. pic.twitter.com/hPc2gTSxtJ
— Pop Base (@PopBase) September 8, 2025
This isn’t the first time Sabrina’s spoken out in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Back in June, she and other musicians signed a letter advocating to keep federal funding in place for LGBTQ+ suicide prevention. Sabrina also launched the ‘Sabrina Carpenter Fund’ to support LGBTQ+ rights as well as mental health and animal welfare.
Hoping other pop stars are taking notes!!
