Sabrina Carpenter Shows up at the 2025 Met Gala Pantsless, Igniting Online Buzz

She might be known for “Espresso,” but the 25-year-old pop star brought something even bolder to the stylish event — and it wasn’t a songSabrina Carpenter made a headline-grabbing entrance at the 2025 Met Gala when she appeared on the red carpet in an outfit that featured no pants. Her fashion choice quickly drew attention online, sparking widespread conversation and mixed reactions.

She wore a burgundy structured blazer with silver buttons and a flowing train. Underneath, she paired it with a matching corset top and high-cut bodysuit.

The 25-year-old singer completed the look with platform heels and styled her platinum blonde hair in soft waves, creating a striking silhouette.

According to her Vogue red carpet interview, the outfit was designed by Louis Vuitton under Pharrell Williams. Carpenter shared that attending the Met Gala with the “Happy” hitmaker had been a dream of hers, and this year it came true.

The standout pantless design, she explained, came from Williams himself, who jokingly told her, “You’re quite short, so no pants for you.” She embraced the look with humor and added that super high platform heels — part of her signature style — completed the outfit, even if they made walking a little risky.

Netizens reacted swiftly, with comments ranging from amused to critical. One netizen said, “Kindergarten children’s clothing.” Another wrote, “disappointing.” A third asked, “Why do people think wearing next to nothing is sexy?????” while a fourth commented, “Oh my, she forgot pants.”

More netizens shared a range of reactions. One remarked on how the overall look made it seem like Carpenter had no visible neck, while another echoed the sentiment, suggesting that wearing her hair up would have balanced the high-collared blazer more effectively.

Another netizen appreciated Carpenter’s beauty but expressed fatigue over her frequent choice to go without pants. Someone else made a lighthearted comparison, likening the outfit to a dream where one accidentally leaves the house without bottoms.

Not all feedback was critical. One netizen enthusiastically called it the best look they had seen, while another praised Carpenter’s look as flawless, suggesting she fully met the fashion expectations of the event.

Whether praised for her confidence or critiqued for pushing boundaries, Carpenter succeeded in doing what the Met Gala often demands — making a statement.

In an October 2024 interview with Time, Carpenter reflected on the criticism that continues to follow women who embrace sexuality in their performances. Responding to whether she has avoided the kind of backlash that earlier pop stars faced, she said, “No, I definitely get that as well.”

She shared how difficult it can feel when she’s the only one facing criticism for things others seem able to do without backlash.

To manage that pressure, she holds on to advice that helped shift her perspective, “Whenever I would get upset or feel like I’m the only one getting criticized for something other people are able to do seemingly so freely: I’m the one that’s seeing all the negative [expletive] about myself. My friends don’t see that.”

She credited artists like Madonna, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé, and Rihanna for making space for performers like herself. Still, she noted that judgment hasn’t disappeared.

“You’ll still get the occasional mother that has a strong opinion on how you should be dressing. And to that I just say, don’t come to the show and that’s OK,” she added.

For Carpenter, what’s most unfortunate is that such criticism continues at all. “The scariest thing in the world is getting up on a stage in front of that many people and having to perform as if it’s nothing. If the one thing that helps you do that is the way you feel comfortable dressing, then that’s what you’ve got to do,” she shared.

That outlook shaped her most recent tour wardrobe, where she leaned into expressive femininity. “Femininity is something that I’ve always embraced. And if right now that means corsets and garter belts and fuzzy robes or whatever the [expletive], then that’s what that means,” she said.

Her stage outfits expanded on that vision with lingerie-inspired designs, lace bodysuits, and crystal-embellished sets. She also wore tights printed with rotating lyrics for each performance.

She had duplicate versions of her costumes — a practical change from earlier tours, when she had to repeat outfits even if they were stained or worn.

That same attention to detail carried into her stagecraft, most notably her previous show in Paris, France.

During the beloved artist’s performance of her hit song “Juno” in March, one particular move stirred backlash online, with many viewers calling it inappropriate.

Carpenter’s performance was nothing short of a spectacle — equal parts playful, commanding, and brimming with pure pop star charisma. Dressed in a dazzling green ensemble that sparkled under the stage lights, she radiated confidence, her blonde curls bouncing in sync with every beat.

The singer’s energy was infectious as she belted out “Juno” with effortless precision, her glittering boots stomping in time to the electrifying rhythm.

As the song built in intensity, Carpenter leaned fully into the theatricality of her performance. During the now-infamous moment, she bent forward between two male dancers, who linked their hands above her in an arch, executing the move with a knowing grin, just as she delivered the provocative lyrics, “Have you ever tried this one?”

The audience roared in approval, fully immersed in the show. But Carpenter’s performance didn’t peak there — it only escalated. With her voice soaring effortlessly over the pulsing instrumental, she commanded the stage with undeniable star power.

The highlight came when she was lifted into the air on a massive heart-shaped platform — a striking visual that amplified the euphoric energy of the song.

Below her, thousands of fans followed her lead as she urged them to crouch down before leaping up in unison, a moment of collective exhilaration that seemed to shake the venue itself.

As the song surged into its final, electrifying moments, Sabrina Carpenter handed the mic to the crowd, letting their voices take over.

With a blazing guitar solo driving the finale, she danced wildly, fully immersed in the energy of the moment. The online reaction to Carpenter’s Paris performance was swift, passionate, and deeply divided.

While the live audience in attendance celebrated the high-energy spectacle, many online viewers were far less enthusiastic.

Criticism flooded social media, with several people expressing concern over the appropriateness of the performance for younger viewers. “i’m [sic] sorry but there are little kids in the audience and this is taking it way too far,” one person remarked, while another echoed, “That doesn’t look appropriate for children.”

Others went beyond concern, voicing outright disapproval. “the fact that we are normalizing what sabrina carpenter did on her stage is kinda alarming [sic],” pointed out someone on X, attaching a GIF of a puzzled-looking woman.

Another observer went even further, writing, “This is just disturbing… world has gone down hill [sic].” Someone else took issue with Carpenter’s influence over younger fans, sarcastically penning, “What a role model.”

A fellow disappointed viewer didn’t hold back in emphasizing their disdain, expressing how “disgusted” they were. However, not everyone agreed with the backlash Carpenter received.

Some defended the singer, arguing that responsibility lay with the parents, not Carpenter. “She always starts her shows with an age rating. It’s the parents’ negligence if they ignore that,” one person stated.

Another bluntly dismissed the child-centered concerns altogether, “Yall need to quiet down about the children. Last time I checked the children in the audience were brought by their PARENTS. Take it up with the parents not the artist 💀 [sic].”

For those who are familiar with Carpenter’s song “Juno,” the entire track is premised on suggestive and flirtatious themes. In fact, the song is a reference to the 2007 teen pregnancy movie, which stars famous actor Elliot Page.

With lyrics such as, “Oh late at night, I’m thinking ’bout you,” “Give it to me baby,” and “Wanna try out some freaky positions?” it’s no wonder why Carpenter performed the song the way she did in Paris.

Each night, at the song’s climactic lyric — “Have you ever tried this one?” — she dramatically drops into a provocative pose before ascending high above the audience on a glowing heart-shaped platform.

At Madison Square Garden last year (2024), she took things even further, whipping her hair as she sank to her knees before leaping up, exuding pure exhilaration.

Even with the suggestive choreography, Carpenter revealed that her own family members have been in the crowd, unbothered by the spectacle.

She laughed off the reaction some fans had about her performing in front of her mother, father, and grandparents, recalling how people online were shocked by the idea. “I’m like, ‘girl, they are not paying attention to that.’ They’re just like, ‘I can’t believe all these people are here,'” divulged the star.

The pop sensation was in the midst of her highly successful Short N’ Sweet Tour, a global spectacle that kept expanding due to overwhelming demand.

Carpenter took the stage at Uber Arena in Berlin on March 19, 2025, followed by performances at Brussels’ ING Arena on March 22 and Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome on March 23. From there, the tour continued across major cities, including Milan, Zurich, Oslo, Copenhagen, and Stockholm.

But her European takeover was only part of the journey. Later in the year, Carpenter brought her powerhouse performances to massive venues such as BST Hyde Park in London on July 5 and 6, before returning stateside for a series of highly anticipated shows.

She performed at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh and followed with a monumental run of dates at Madison Square Garden in New York City, spanning October 26 through November 1.

Carpenter then continued across North America, including stops in Nashville and Los Angeles. She also performed in Toronto.

Her success wasn’t limited to sold-out arenas — she also made waves at major award ceremonies. At the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, the musician emerged victorious, solidifying her place at the forefront of pop music.

The singer-songwriter was among the most nominated artists at this year’s ceremony. When the winners were announced, Carpenter didn’t leave empty-handed — she took home two of the most prestigious honors of the night.

She was crowned Pop Artist of the Year, beating heavyweights like Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Tate McRae — a victory that underscored her rapid ascent to mainstream superstardom.

Carpenter also won Pop Song of the Year for her smash hit “Espresso,” besting Doja Cat’s “Agora Hills,” Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things,” McRae’s “Greedy,” and Hozier’s “Too Sweet.”

When it came time to accept her Pop Artist of the Year award, Carpenter may not have been able to attend the awards ceremony in person, but that didn’t stop her from delivering a heartfelt and charming speech from afar.

Appearing via a pre-recorded video from the European leg of her Short N’ Sweet Tour, Carpenter expressed both gratitude and disbelief at receiving such a prestigious honor.

“There’s so many incredible artists, so I feel very, extremely honored that you guys listen to the songs and love them and bring life to them, and come to the shows,” she added.

As she reflected on her journey, she credited her fans for allowing her to flourish creatively. “You give me the ability to be the artist that I’ve always wanted to be. So thank you so, so much for this award, iHeartRadio, and to all the fans,” highlighted the singer.

Of course, in true Carpenter fashion, she wrapped up her speech with an endearing touch of humor and affection. “I wish I could kiss you, but I can’t, so I will kiss the award,” she said, proceeding to plant a kiss on her trophy before signing off with a playful, “I’ll see ya very soon.”

Carpenter also had a stellar night at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards earlier this year, where she not only earned an impressive six nominations but also walked away with two major wins.

Her nominations spanned multiple categories, including Best New Artist, Album of the Year (“Short n’ Sweet”), Song of the Year (“Please Please Please”), Record of the Year (“Espresso”), Best Pop Vocal Album (“Short n’ Sweet”), and Best Pop Solo Performance (“Espresso”).

When the envelopes were opened, Carpenter took home two of the night’s most coveted trophies. Her chart-topping hit “Espresso” won Best Pop Solo Performance. Meanwhile, her album “Short n’ Sweet” triumphed in the Best Pop Vocal Album category.

The wins not only marked a career-defining moment for Carpenter but also proved that her evolution from Disney star to full-fledged pop star was complete.

Carpenter’s journey from Disney star to Grammy-winning pop sensation wasn’t a sudden leap — it was a carefully crafted evolution, one built on persistence, self-discovery, and an unshakable passion for music.

Born and raised in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, Carpenter’s love for performance was instilled early on by her older sisters who attended performing arts high schools. They introduced her to the 2008 musical “13,” which starred Ariana Grande, whom Carpenter would later open for on tour.

Encouraged by her family, she started auditioning for acting roles, securing a manager who, while realistic about her chances, believed in her talent.

Her first major break? A role in an episode of “Law & Order,” where she played a very young victim of abuse. “It was such a sad plotline,” Carpenter reflected during a 2024 interview with Variety, explaining that her natural comfort around adults helped her navigate the industry at a young age.

By the time she landed her role as Maya Hart in the Disney Channel series “Girl Meets World,” Carpenter was simultaneously pursuing a music career.

Signing with Hollywood Records at just 12 years old, she balanced both acting and singing — a challenge she embraced rather than endured. “I wasn’t, like, grinding and working for hours on end as a child. But I always felt I had a point to prove,” she noted.

That drive was apparent to those around her. Eric Vetro, Carpenter’s longtime vocal coach and friend, recognized her exceptional work ethic early on.

“Not only did she have a great voice for a 12-year-old, she also had an incredibly mature attitude about what she wanted to achieve in her career and how she was going to accomplish it,” he recalled. While many young artists risk burnout, Carpenter only became more dedicated over time, consistently refining her craft and paving her own way.

Now, standing at the pinnacle of pop stardom — with Grammy wins, sold-out tours, and chart-topping hits — Carpenter’s journey is proof that patience, authenticity, and relentless ambition are the true ingredients of lasting success.

The person who was once a Disney starlet with something to prove is now a global pop force with an unstoppable career trajectory — and she’s only just getting started.