“ There is no undivided creative person or person who has shaped this award show more than her . ”
Despite not even being in attendance,Britney Spears’s presence was undoubtedly felt at last night’sMTV VMAsinNew York.
From start to finish, the VMAs was packed full of references to Britney’s career, from clips of her performances playing in the pre-show reels to a recreation of one of her most iconic fashion moments during the actual ceremony.
To kick things off,Tate McRae— who’s copped comparisons to Britney — paid homage to one of her idols by wearing ablack lace Roberto Cavallidress inspired by the Dolce & Gabbana number Britney wore at the VMAs in 2001.
Elsewhere on the red carpet,Addison Raewore a white two-piece and told Billboard that the look waspartly inspiredby Britney’s iconic performance withMadonna and Christina Aguileraat the VMAs in 2003.
During the ceremony, hostMegan Thee Stallionhad her very own Britney moment when she stepped out in a green bikini with a live python draped around her waist, which is, of course, a callback to Brit’s legendary performance of “I’m A Slave 4 U” at the 2001 ceremony.
Sabrina Carpenter also took inspiration from Britney inher performance. In the transition between “Please Please Please” and “Taste,” fans noticed that Sabrina sampled the spoken word section that plays in Britney’s 2000 track, “Oops!… I Did It Again.”
Of course, it makes sense that artists would pay homage to Britney, who — along with other legends like Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé — has been widely credited with producing some of themost iconic momentsin VMAs history.
From her VMAs debut in 1999 with a performance of “…Baby One More Time” to her memorablemashup of The Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction” and “Oops!” a year later in 2000, Britney set the standard very early on.
Her 2001 “Slave 4 U” performance — complete with live exotic animals — inspired Halloween outfits for decades to follow. And who could forget her onstage kiss with Madonna?
There’s no disputing that Britney is one of the greats, and after her decade-spanningconservatorship battle, fans are certainly glad to see hergetting her flowers.
On X, fans relished each Britney reference throughout the ceremony, calling attention to how much she “shaped” the show as we know it today.
One person said there could even be a documentary about “Britney’sImpact” on the VMAs, while another suggested that MTV should bring back itsIconseries to honor her.
As you’ll probably be aware, Britney has opted to lay low and enjoy her freedom since her conservatorship wasterminated in November 2021after nearly 14 years. However, it’s safe to say there’s no shortage of love for the pop icon.
