“This world, as we all know, can be so full of criticism and discrimination and negativity,” Sabrina Carpenter said at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. “So to get to be part of something, so more often than not, that is something that can bring you light, make you smile, make you dance, make you feel like the world is your fucking oyster—I am so grateful.”

It’s a perfect summary of pop fandom — but also everything that was missing from the VMAs this year. MTV’s annual bash came up mighty short on star power, pop flash, celebrity egomania, humor, sleaze, madness, glitter-cringe misbehavior — you know, the kind of thing you watch the VMAs to see. It’s one thing to begin with a Kenny G cameo. But it’s another when Kenny G turns out to be one of the damn highlights.

The night’s best li

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