ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images Share on Facebook Share on X Share to Flipboard Send an Email Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Print the Article Post a Comment Sabrina Carpenter used her debut performance of her song "Tears" during the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards to advocate for transgender rights on Sunday night. The upbeat performance took place on an outdoor set that resembled the streets of '90s New York City. She was joined by drag queens Honey Balenciaga, Symone, Dashaun Wesley, Richie Shazam, Jewels Sparkles, Lexi Love, Jonte' Moaning and Denali as she took inspiration from the song's music video, which features Colman Domingo dressed in drag. Additionally, she was joined by dancers in retro outfits and male dancers in police uniforms. Related Stories Music Tate McRae Heats Up 2025 MTV VMAs With Performance of "Revolving Door" and "Sports Car" Music Busta Rhymes Performs Medley, Pays Tribute to Ananda Lewis While Accepting Rock the Bells Visionary Award at 2025 MTV VMAs As Carpenter and the performers danced on stage, many of the drag queens walked back and forth with picket signs that promoted trans rights. "Protect Trans Rights," one sign read, while another stated, "In Trans We Trust." Carpenter began the performance by wearing a sparkly dress with fringe details, though she took off the layer to reveal a sparkly bra and black tights as she and the performers did the "dance break" portion of the single. Rain then began to fall on the stage as Carpenter and the performers did a choreographed dance. Sabrina Carpenter performs "Tears" live for the first time ever at tonight's MTV #vmas pic.twitter.com/aiDN6dxZhR- The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 8, 2025 Not only did Carpenter attend the event as a performer, but she was also nominated for nine awards. She was up for best pop artist, as well as album of the year for Short 'n Sweet. Additionally, the lead single off of Carpenter's Man's Best Friend album, "Manchild," was nominated for video of the year, best pop, best direction, best cinematography, best editing, best visual effects and song of the summer. Carpenter is no stranger to the VMAs, as she has previously performed at the awards show during the 2024 event. At the time, Carpenter sang a medley of her hits "Please Please Please," "Taste" and "Espresso." She also won her first VMA during the 2024 awards show in the song of the year category for "Espresso." The 2025 VMAs are being held at New York's UBS Arena, while LL Cool J is serving as the event's host. THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day Subscribe Sign Up VMAs 2025 Busta Rhymes Performs Medley, Pays Tribute to Ananda Lewis While Accepting Rock the Bells Visionary Award at 2025 MTV VMAs VMAs 2025 Rosé Wins Song of the Year at 2025 VMAs: "I Dedicate This to My 16-Year-Old Self" VMAs 2025 Doja Cat Brings the '80s Back by Performing "Jealous Type" With Kenny G at 2025 MTV VMAs VMAs 2025 Ricky Martin Performs "Livin' La Vida Loca" and Accepts Latin Icon Award at 2025 MTV VMAs: "We Just Want to Break Boundaries" VMAs 2025 MTV VMAs: Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande and More Stars on the Red Carpet Bruce Springsteen Bruce Springsteen Gives Performance, Symposium For 50 Years of 'Born to Run' VMAs 2025 Busta Rhymes Performs Medley, Pays Tribute to Ananda Lewis While Accepting Rock the Bells Visionary Award at 2025 MTV VMAs VMAs 2025 Rosé Wins Song of the Year at 2025 VMAs: "I Dedicate This to My 16-Year-Old Self" VMAs 2025 Doja Cat Brings the '80s Back by Performing "Jealous Type" With Kenny G at 2025 MTV VMAs VMAs 2025 Ricky Martin Performs "Livin' La Vida Loca" and Accepts Latin Icon Award at 2025 MTV VMAs: "We Just Want to Break Boundaries" VMAs 2025 MTV VMAs: Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande and More Stars on the Red Carpet Bruce Springsteen Bruce Springsteen Gives Performance, Symposium For 50 Years of 'Born to Run'