Everyone Was Referencing Britney Spears at the 2024 MTV VMAs

While she may not have attended the 2024 MTV VMAs, Britney Spears’s presence hung around the night’s neck like a python. Videos of her legendary VMAs performances played in the pre-show, and many attendees littered little love letters to the pop star throughout the ceremony.

Spears is known for many iconic VMAs moments, including her famed kiss with Madonna; it’s no wonder several stars tonight couldn’t stop referencing the icon. When asked about the most memorable past performances at the awards show, Addison Rae pointed to Spears’s 2000 rendition of “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” and “Oops!...I Did It Again.” Halsey mentioned the Madonna smooch.

Spears, whose conservatorship battle has been the subject of media attention in recent years, was also nominated tonight—for Most Iconic Performance—marking her first nod in over 10 years. Below, find every star who mentioned or referenced the “Toxic” singer during the VMAs.

Megan Thee Stallion

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While introducing Paris Hilton, Megan Thee Stallion popped out in full Britney drag with a python accessory around her neck. “I’m just playing, come get this thing!” she said after a few seconds. The fit was a reference to Spears’s 2001 VMAs performance of “I’m a Slave 4 U.” Later in the night, a new Pepsi commercial aired featuring Thee Stallion as an empress and Travis Kelce, Josh Allen, Justin Jefferson, and Derrick Henry as gladiators. It was a remake of the iconic 2004 ad with Beyoncé, Spears, and P!NK. Thee Stallion then came out on stage in her ancient Rome-inspired gear.

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Sabrina Carpenter

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During Sabrina Carpenter’s performance of “Espresso,” “Taste,” and “Please Please Please,” she sampled the iconic spoken word in Spears’s “Oops!...I Did It Again.” Following an introduction by Cyndi Lauper, a recording of, “But I thought the old lady dropped it into the ocean in the end,” played in Carpenter’s musical overture. She also mimicked the Britney and Madonna kiss that took the world by storm, smooching one of her extraterrestrial backup dancers.

Tate McRae

The star recreated Britney Spears’s legendary 2001 VMAs look by wearing a sheer lace Roberto Cavalli dress. While Spears originally wore a look by Dolce & Gabanna, the inspiration was clear. McRae has been compared to Spears since the world became aware of her tight dance moves. And, at a recent show in Madison Square Garden, she also debuted a headset microphone while performing her song “It’s ok I’m ok.” The line connecting the two stars has never been bolder.

Lisa

While it may be a small reference, BLACKPINK member Lisa wore a head mic for her performance of “New Woman” and “Rockstar.” The accessory has been popping up all over, along with early aughts fashion. We’re expecting full denim looks soon, because the 2000s really are so back.