Hollywood’s biggest night in music was another hit, as the Video Music Awards (VMA’s) have continued to push boundaries, create iconic pop culture references, and celebrate music which made cultural shockwaves in the past year. An undeniable stand out of the night was rising pop singer Sabrina Carpenter, who debuted a performance of her newest single “Tears,” off her latest album titled Man’s Best Friend.
Sabrina Carpenter, one of the evening’s headline performers and an eight-time nominee, delivered a set designed to capture attention. She performed on a stage built to resemble a city street, complete with a phone booth, street grates and simulated rain. Carpenter began in a fringe poncho before revealing a sequined top and matching bottoms. The performance echoed early 2000s MTV moments by Britney Spears, drawing on Spears’ choreography and pop persona for inspiration.
Known for her theatrical videos and sensual performances, Carpenter took a new approach for the VMA’s, blending her art with political advocacy and a call for action. Her performance featured many guests, most notably several drag performers such as: Lexi Love, Denali, and Laganja Estranja, who were all featured on various seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Carpenter was surrounded by an arrangement of dancers who held signs reading ‘Protect Trans Rights,’ ‘Support Local Drag,’ and ‘Love Each Other.’
With the rights of transgender individuals being widely threatened across the U.S., artists such as Sabrina Carpenter have turned to their power in the media to advocate for the rights of others. Carpenter’s performance paints music and other forms of art as powerful changemakers, carried by the weight of activists forging new paths in the mainstream. Although the performance has ended, the possibility for discussion and action by various groups, like students and artists, remains strong.. Engaging meaningfully with inclusive pop culture, like Carpenter’s performance, is a small act which can help towards a larger cause. There are also other impactful ways to help support the rights of 2SLGBTQI+ people. This includes donating to 2SLGBTQI+ organizations [like The Trevor Project and Rainbow Railroad], attending your local drag shows, supporting queer artists, or simply discussing the messages in the “Tears” performance,
The VMA’s show pop culture, music, and politics do not have to live in separate spaces. Mainstream artists and influencers can act as the stepping stones for bringing issues such as transgender rights into mainstream media. With that comes the responsibility to amplify that message within our local communities and social spaces. As artists, art enthusiasts, pop culture fans and members of communities, this performance acts as an example that activism can be found in the least likely of places.