Sabrina Carpenter Delivers Show-Stopping Mashup Of Hits At 2024 MTV VMAs

Sabrina Carpenter gave attendees a “Taste” of “that me Espresso.”

By

Melanie Rooten

Originally from Southern California and currently residing in Music City, Melanie graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a BA in Journalism before beginning her career as a music and entertainment journalist. Beginning to write for Music Mayhem in August of 2023, she has also contributed to Holler, Country Now, Country Chord, Celeb Secrets, Celeb Secrets Country, We Got This Covered and Decider throughout her career thus far. When she is not writing, Melanie enjoys going to concerts and music festivals, binging her favorite television shows, spending time with her friends and family and cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners (of course).

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Posted on September 11, 2024

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Sabrina Carpenter; Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV

It is safe to say that Sabrina Carpenter put on quite a show at the 2024 MTV VMAs, with attendees at UBS Arena singing and dancing along from start to finish.

Beginning with “Please Please Please,” Carpenter appeared onstage in a white leotard — complete with sequin and fringe detailing — sitting on a diamond-studded swing hanging above the stage, which lowered for her to sing her newest single, “Taste.”

As she sang the smash hit, she had a “Moon Man” and an alien join her onstage as background dancers — even locking lips with the latter at the end of the song — putting on a performance that definitely channelled her sassy side. Given the fact that “Taste” is rumored to be about Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, fans via social media are describing the choice to sing the brand-new tune as an “iconic” one, as both individuals are in the crowd this evening as well.

Nonetheless, to conclude her performance, Carpenter sang her chart-topping hit “Espresso,” having dozens of “Moon Persons” join her onstage as background dancers. Concluding her show-stopping set by being lifted in the air by said “Moon Men,” she clearly made a statement at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, paving the way for future performances of hers that are certain to come.

Sabrina Carpenter; Photo by Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for MTV
Sabrina Carpenter; Photo by Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for MTV

Sabrina Carpenter Turned Heads on the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet

Prior to her performance, Carpenter walked the red carpet at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards in a gorgeous beaded gown that gave some serious “Old Hollywood” energy.

According to Vogue, Carpenter’s stylist, Jared Ellner, selected a silver, beaded Bob Mackie dress from 1991 for her VMAs look tonight. Although it was inspired by Marilyn Monroe — specifically Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes — it was designed for Madonna to wear for her performance at the Academy Awards. Making headlines when she wore it then, Carpenter is the one making headlines now, looking as classy as can be at just 25 years old.

Sabrina Carpenter at 2024 MTV VMAs; Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTV
Sabrina Carpenter at 2024 MTV VMAs; Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTV

To accessorize the dress, Carpenter wore dangling silver earrings and a necklace to match. As far as the glam goes, she turned heads with some big, bouncy curls in her beautiful blonde hair, as well as a bold red lip to add some color to the overall look.

Just one accessory was missing from her ensemble, though, as Carpenter failed to walk the red carpet alongside her boyfriend, Saltburn star Barry Keoghan. Although fans were hopeful the couple would make another red carpet appearance together — following their debut at the Met Gala earlier this year — the “Espresso” singer proved to be a strong, independent woman that she doesn’t need a man tonight at the 2024 VMAs.

Is Sabrina Carpenter nominated at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards?

Aside from her stellar performance and her stunning red carpet look, Carpenter joins Morgan Wallen, Teddy Swims, Tyla and more as a first-time nominee at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, leading the pack as the most nominated performer of the evening.

Garnering a whopping six nominations at the 2024 VMAs, the talented singer-songwriter is up for Artist of the Year, as well as Song of the Year and Best Editing for “Espresso” and Best Pop, Best Direction and Best Art Direction for “Please Please Please.”

Only time will tell whether or not she gets to bring home a “Moon Man” of her own, but after her performance, she proved that she is as deserving as can be.

Sabrina Carpenter; Photo by Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for MTV
Sabrina Carpenter; Photo by Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for MTV

2024 MTV Video Music Awards

Hosted by Megan Thee Stallion, the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) aired on Wednesday, September 11 via MTV (8:00-11:00 PM EST).

The star-studded show featured performances by Anitta (feat. Fat Joe, DJ Khaled + Tiago PZK), Benson Boone, Camila Cabello, Chappell Roan, Doechii, Eminem, GloRilla, Halsey, Jessie Murph, KAROL G, Lenny Kravitz (with Quavo), LISA, LL COOL J, Megan Thee Stallion, Rauw Alejandro, Sabrina Carpenter, Shawn Mendes, Teddy Swims and more.

Addison Rae, Alessandra Ambrosio, Amelia Dimoldenberg, Big Sean, Busta Rhymes, Cyndi Lauper, Carson Daly, Damiano David (Måneskin), DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Flavor Flav, French Montana, Halle Bailey, Jordan Chiles, Lil Nas X, Miranda Lambert, Naomi Scott, Paris Hilton, Sasha Colby, Suki Waterhouse, Thalía and Tinashe appeared to present during the VMAs.

Sabrina Carpenter at 2024 MTV VMAs; Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTV
Sabrina Carpenter at 2024 MTV VMAs; Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTV

Katy Perry was honored with the night’s most prestigious honor: the Video Vanguard Award.

Additionally, the 2024 VMAs will be available to watch on-demand via Paramount+ on Thursday, September 12

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Written by

Originally from Southern California and currently residing in Music City, Melanie graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a BA in Journalism before beginning her career as a music and entertainment journalist. Beginning to write for Music Mayhem in August of 2023, she has also contributed to Holler, Country Now, Country Chord, Celeb Secrets, Celeb Secrets Country, We Got This Covered and Decider throughout her career thus far. When she is not writing, Melanie enjoys going to concerts and music festivals, binging her favorite television shows, spending time with her friends and family and cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners (of course).

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