The MTV Video Music Awards is a night where celebrities and audiences come together to celebrate the music industry's best talent. This year, Sabrina Carpenter leaned into that concept, channeling not one, but two pop legends through her costume.

The “Espresso” singer first appeared at the 2024 awards show in a sequined gown from celebrity favorite Bob Mackie's archives, styled by Jared Ellner. Bob Mackie has created some of the most iconic looks in music history, providing dresses for stars such as Tina Turner, Diana Ross, and most famously Cher. The Carpenter dress, in particular, is Madonna's legacy; the singer graced the cover of Vanity Fair magazine in 1991 and wore the sparkling gown to the Academy Awards that same year.

After following in Madonna's footsteps on the red carpet, Carpenter moved on to another iconic VMA look by Britney Spears. She showed up to the after-party at Electric Lady Studios wearing a white lace mini-dress with '70s-style bell sleeves tied with a bow. This see-through dress was originally seen on the Gucci runway in 1996. It was unlined, and fans could see Carpenter's coordinating bra and underwear.

Carpenter's playful style was in full bloom in the form of a lunchbox Balmain handbag covered in a lipstick print. This cheeky motif was a nod to her other pop star. The design was used in the cover art for Carpenter's new album, Short n' Sweet.

Other details included chandelier earrings by Messika and dazzling high platform pumps by Giuseppe Zanotti.

Although the outfit was Carpenter's signature all-white (she has attended nearly every VMA), her look was reminiscent of a Spears moment a few years ago. The “Baby One More Time” singer wore an almost identical dress to the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards.

Carpenter understood her duties three times over.