Sabrina Carpenter is no stranger to commanding attention, but at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, she elevated her red-carpet presence to new heights. With a night full of nominations, a show-stopping performance, and multiple wardrobe changes, the pop star cemented herself as one of the most talked-about artists of the evening.
A Red Carpet to Remember
Carpenter made her grand entrance in a cherry-red gown designed by Alessandro Michele for Valentino. The floor-length creation shimmered under the camera flashes, thanks to intricate floral lace embroidery and sequins that caught the light at every angle. The long sleeves and high neckline gave the gown an elegant silhouette, while the cinched waist carved out a flawless hourglass figure.
But the drama didn’t stop there. Draped across her shoulders was a lavender feather boa that floated behind her as she moved, adding a whimsical burst of color against the fiery red gown. The pairing of bold hues showcased Carpenter’s willingness to embrace risk on the carpet—a reminder that she has stepped firmly into her role as a style icon.
For footwear, she chose towering cherry-red platform heels, elongating her frame and giving the look a powerful finish. Tiffany & Co. diamonds sparkled on her ears and wrists, balancing the gown’s playful theatricality with timeless sophistication. Her hair, styled in loose, voluminous waves, gave off a Jessica Rabbit–inspired vibe that added old-Hollywood glamour to her modern pop-star energy.
A Night of Big Nominations
The VMAs were not just about fashion for Carpenter—they were a night of recognition. With eight nominations, she tied with Blackpink’s Rosé for the third-most nominations of the evening. Only Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars surpassed her in the tally, placing her squarely among the industry’s heaviest hitters.
Among her nominations was the coveted Video of the Year category for Manchild, a track that has become a fan favorite and critical success. The song’s visual, blending sharp choreography with cinematic storytelling, has already amassed millions of views, further solidifying her growing influence in pop music.
A Galactic Performance
Carpenter’s performance later in the evening was nothing short of interstellar. Leaning into a space-age theme, the stage transformed into a futuristic world filled with alien dancers, metallic set pieces, and dramatic lighting. Wearing a silver fringe bra paired with black sequined underwear, sparkly tights, and sky-high black heels, Carpenter owned the stage with effortless confidence.
The setlist drew heavily from her recent album Man’s Best Friend, released on August 29. With its mix of playful lyrics and sleek production, the record has become one of the most talked-about pop releases of the year. On stage, Carpenter leaned into the album’s boldness, delivering high-energy choreography and live vocals that earned her one of the night’s loudest ovations.
Wardrobe Changes Fit for a Star
Carpenter’s style story didn’t end on the carpet. As the evening went on, she continued to impress with multiple outfit changes, each one carefully chosen to match the moment.
When she accepted the award for Best Album for Short n’ Sweet, she stepped onstage in an asymmetrical black gown with daring cutouts. Rainbow sequins caught the light with every movement, giving the dress an edgy but celebratory feel. Black platform shoes completed the look, while her beauty team added bold purple eyeshadow in a distinctly 1980s style—a choice that highlighted her playful willingness to experiment with her aesthetic.
The outfit shift wasn’t just fashion for fashion’s sake—it showed Carpenter’s ability to embody different moods throughout the evening. From red-carpet glamour to intergalactic pop star to edgy award-winner, she managed to make each transition feel effortless.
A Defining VMAs Moment
The 2025 MTV VMAs may well be remembered as a career-defining night for Sabrina Carpenter. With a red-carpet look that blended Valentino sophistication and theatrical fun, a dynamic performance that left fans buzzing, and a collection of nominations that placed her alongside the biggest names in music, Carpenter demonstrated that she is no longer just a rising star—she’s arrived.
More than just a singer with catchy hooks, she has become a cultural force, seamlessly balancing artistry, fashion, and personality. Whether dazzling in a sequin-covered gown or commanding the stage in silver fringe, Carpenter proved that she can captivate on every level.
As the lights dimmed on the night’s festivities, one thing was clear: Sabrina Carpenter is not only shaping the sound of modern pop but also redefining what it means to be a star in today’s music industry.