Singer and songwriter Sabrina Carpenter turned heads at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards with a debut performance with her song ‘Tears’ to advocate for transgender rights.
The performance was inspired by Carpenter’s music video, which features Colman Domingo in drag, and she brought that vision to life on stage. Joining her were some of the biggest names in drag, including Honey Balenciaga, Symone, Dashaun Wesley, Richie Shazam, Jewels Sparkles, Lexi Love, Jonte’ Moaning, and Denali.
Male dancers in police uniforms and performers in retro ‘90s streetwear added energy and movement.
Throughout the show, drag queens carried picket signs promoting trans rights. Messages like “Protect Trans Rights” and “In Trans We Trust” appeared prominently.
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Carpenter entered the awards show with nine nominations. Her album ‘Short ’n Sweet’ was in the running for Album of the Year, while her lead single ‘Manchild’ from the album ‘Man’s Best Friend’ received nominations across multiple categories, including Video of the Year, Best Pop, Best Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Visual Effects, and Song of the Summer.
She took home Best Album for ‘Short ’n Sweet’ and Best Visual Effects for the ‘Manchild’ video.
Fans of Carpenter may remember her first VMA appearance in 2024, when she performed a medley of her hits “Please Please Please,” “Taste,” and “Espresso.” That year, she also celebrated her first VMA win, taking home Song of the Year for “Espresso.”