It's Britney B****! The Princess of Pop Dominated the 2024 VMA's Even in Her Absence
Britney Spears hasn’t dropped a new album since 2016’s Glory, yet her presence was felt all throughout the 40th annual MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday night.
From the red carpet to the performances, numerous rising stars paid homage to the Princess of Pop. Tate McRae, who frequently cites Spears as a major influence—and whose dance moves are often compared to Britney’s—wore a see-through Roberto Cavalli lace mini dress reminiscent of Spears’ famous Dolce & Gabbana look from the 2001 VMAs. Even McRae's hairstyle, with its cascading waves, was a direct nod to how Spears wore her hair at that iconic ceremony two decades ago.
Addison Rae, known for her love of the pop icon, arrived in a white satin bra-and-panty set topped with a voluminous tutu designed by Claire Sullivan. Her look brought to mind Britney’s bridal outfit from the unforgettable 2003 VMAs performance with Madonna and Christina Aguilera. It was a subtle reference, but also a clever one—while many other celebrities leaned heavily into literal recreations of Britney's famous looks, Rae’s interpretation was more understated, avoiding the reference fatigue that’s rampant in celebrity fashion.
Instagram/ @addisonraee
The tributes to Spears didn’t stop there. Sabrina Carpenter kicked off her performance with a sparkling ceiling swing that evoked Britney’s iconic Lucky music video. Later, Carpenter even worked in a snippet of the spoken-word monologue from Oops!… I Did It Again and danced with a group of astronauts—a clear nod to Britney's video for the same song.
Instagram/ @sabrinacarpenter
Even the night’s host, Megan Thee Stallion, got in on the Britney love. She appeared in a replica of the iconic outfit Spears wore for her I’m a Slave 4 U performance at the 2001 VMAs, which remains one of Britney’s most memorable career moments.
The fact that the 2024 VMAs marked its 40th anniversary could explain why so many stars felt drawn to honor their favorite pop icons. However, it’s clear that Britney Spears had the biggest influence on the younger generation’s fashion choices. It’s interesting, especially when you consider that during the height of her career, Britney often landed on worst-dressed lists, criticized for her revealing outfits and “Southern” style. Fast forward to today, and her daring looks—whether they be graphic tees, lingerie-inspired dresses, or sparkly stilettos—are celebrated as vintage gems, showing how much she shaped the way we now think about pop star fashion.
Britney Spears has become synonymous with the VMAs. Unlike other award shows, such as the Grammys (where Britney’s appearances were sparse and she only took home one trophy—Best Dance Recording for Toxic in 2005), the VMAs truly embraced her, making it her domain. Over the years, her legendary appearances at this event have deeply influenced the new generation of pop stars, inspiring them to embrace bold fashion and playful experimentation with their style.
Sometimes, the most impactful cultural figures are those who don’t actively seek the spotlight. After the new wave of pop stars paid their tributes on the VMAs red carpet last night, Britney posted a video to her Instagram, dancing solo in her living room in a sparkling mini dress.
Instagram/ @britneyspears
It was as if she didn’t need to be at the VMAs; she was already the star of the night. Britney Spears may not always be in the limelight, but her legacy, timeless influence, and career-defining moments continue to captivate—and inspire—generations of artists.