Sabrina Carpenter’s 2025 VMAs performance marked a big moment in her career and confirmed just how far she has come as a pop artist. The night doubled as the perfect launch for her latest album, “Man’s Best Friend”, which debuted near the top of major streaming charts within its first week.
For fans who have followed Carpenter’s journey from Disney Channel star to rising music powerhouse, this felt like the moment she truly stepped into the pop spotlight.
Her set quickly became one of the most talked-about performances of the night. The stage burst into rainbow-colored lights as soon as the music started, creating a striking visual that carried through the entire number.
A diverse group of dancers joined her, adding even more energy to the routine. Behind them, massive screens lit up with messages promoting love and acceptance, a detail that online viewers were quick to connect to LGBTQ+ themes.
“I saw that she performed at the VMAs with trans dancers and raised visibility for championing trans rights, which I think is amazing and so important in the current political and social climate,” said Sydney Bryant, a senior public health major and English minor.
The single “Tears” was already gaining traction before the VMAs, but this performance pushed it even further. By the end of the night, clips of Carpenter’s set were everywhere: TikTok edits, Instagram reels and reaction posts flooded social media, making the performance one of the most viral moments of the evening. Fans praised the choreography, the staging and Carpenter’s live vocals.
The music video for “Tears” was released on Aug. 29 setting the stage for the song’s momentum. In the video, Carpenter moves through a series of surreal scenes and meets a variety of characters, including actor Colman Domingo in drag, a playful nod to the 70s cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
“I am a huge ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ fan, so I loved seeing all of the references!” said Grayson Riggott, a senior education major.
Viewers also pointed out the music video’s representation of queer relationships, a theme Carpenter has leaned into more in recent years.
“I love how she has impacted LGBTQ+ viewers and supporters! I think she is the next icon,” said Emma Mitchell, a junior special education major.
For many, this new era of Carpenter’s music, with its bold visuals, inclusive casting and strong messages of self-expression, feels like a natural extension of her relationship with LGBTQ+ fans.
Since the VMAs, streams of “Man’s Best Friend” have surged across all major platforms, pushing several songs higher on Billboard’s Hot 100. Merch and physical album sales have also seen a spike, suggesting that Carpenter’s fanbase is not just streaming but actively investing in her music.
Her live audiences are additionally growing noticeably. Comparing footage from her “Emails I Can’t Send” tour to her latest festival performances shows larger crowds, louder sing-alongs and a level of excitement that suggests she’s entering a new tier of stardom. Fans who have been with her since the early days have commented online about how proud they are to see her headline bigger stages and gain mainstream recognition.
The reaction to “Man’s Best Friend” is an indication that her influence, especially among young listeners, is only going to keep growing as she steps fully into this new era of her career.