Sabrina Carpenter swaps sequins and suspenders for lace and fringe at the VMAs 2026

Sabrina Carpenter made it a double feature.

Though the “Espresso” singer skipped the red carpet on Sunday night, she joined Madonna for a performance of “Bring Your Love” to open the show. The duet was also up for Song of the Year.

Seated at a grand piano for the number, Carpenter wore a black beret, a white button-down shirt open over a bra and black sequined boyshorts held up by suspenders. The outfit recalled Deborah Feingold’s 1982 photo shoot of the “Material Girl” singer, taken before her debut album was released.

For her post-performance change, Carpenter, 27, chose one of Madonna’s go-to labels, Dolce & Gabbana, opting for a romantic blush-pink gown with a rose at the center of the bodice and black beaded fringe throughout.

She added peep-toe Christian Louboutin stilettos to accept the award for Best Collaboration with Madonna. Soft waves and rosy makeup completed the classic look.

Carpenter has paid tribute to Madge before, posing in a cone bra on the March 2025 cover of Vogue. For the 2024 VMAs, she borrowed the Bob Mackie gown Madonna wore to the 1991 Oscars.

In April, Madonna surprised fans with a cameo during Carpenter’s Coachella set, singing her classics “Vogue” and “Like a Prayer.”

Carpenter is nominated for a total of nine awards this evening, including Artist of the Year, Video of the Year, Best Album and Song of the Year.

The “Manchild” hitmaker is a VMAs regular; Last year, she slipped into a sheer red lace Valentino gown with a pale purple feathered boa.

Later that evening, she hit the stage in a Britney Spears-inspired look, wearing a bedazzled fringe bra and sheer black tights.

And for the after-party, she channeled yet another pop legend, wearing a vintage Bob Mackie gown previously worn by Cher.