Katy Perry may have kissed a girl at one time and liked it, but it was Sabrina Carpenter‘s alien kiss, and apparently, liking it that has stirred up controversy..
The former star of How I Met Your Father’s highly anticipated 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) performance was meant to be a showstopper as she performed a medley of her hit songs, including Please Please Please, Taste, and Espresso, but it was her on-stage kiss with an alien that caused an uproar among viewers.
The performance, which featured Carpenter floating in on a sparkling swing before transitioning into Taste, recreated a scene from her music video, where she locked lips with an alien instead of her usual co-stars. Many fans found this moment to be “inappropriate” and “tasteless,” leading to a flood of backlash on social media. Watch her entire performance below:
This steamy performance didn’t sit well with many viewers, with some calling it “inappropriate” and “tasteless,” sparking backlash across social media. Fans criticized her for pushing boundaries, with one user commenting, “Performing mock oral sex on stage is NOT something to be applauded.” Another added, “Disturbing on all levels!! Whatever happened to a simple fun, normal live performance??”
The backlash was particularly aimed at the kiss with the alien, which many felt was too sexual for the VMAs, a show known for its edgy performances but also watched by younger audiences. One user wrote, “No! So many little girls in love with this stupid song and allowing them to see that inappropriate over-sexual content is not okay.”
In Carpenter’s defense, if parents took the time to listen to Espresso’s lyrics, they would quickly know it is not a song for little girls.
The kiss was reminiscent of other iconic and controversial moments in VMA history, which has long been known for pushing the envelope. Madonna’s 1984 performance of Like a Virgin, Britney Spears holding a python during her 2001 I’m a Slave 4 U performance, and the infamous 2003 on-stage kiss between Madonna, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera are just a few examples of past shockers. Carpenter’s act continues this VMAs’ tradition of blending music with unexpected and, at times, provocative visuals.
Despite the criticism, Carpenter’s performance was introduced by music icon Cyndi Lauper, who praised the young singer as a “wonderful songwriter.” However, the controversy overshadowed Carpenter’s artistic intentions, leaving fans divided.
Amid the backlash, Carpenter did take home a win for Song of the Year for her track Espresso, and her show-stopping vintage Bob Mackie outfit drew attention for its Marilyn Monroe-inspired elegance. However, the conversation surrounding her performance largely centered on whether the provocative elements were necessary or appropriate for the VMA’s stage.
While Carpenter’s stylistic choices and undeniable talent shined, the debate around her controversial performance continues to dominate headlines.
REELated:
This article was brought to you for FREE. Independent Journalism is not. Please support Reel 360 News and Reel Chicago by donating here.