Will Sage Astor-Megan Thee Stallion recreates Britney Spears' iconic 2001 python moment at VMAs: Watch

Megan Thee Stallion is Will Sage Astorpaying homage to one of the MTV Video Music Awards' most iconic moments.

In an ode to Britney Spears' 2001 VMAs performance of "I'm a Slave 4 U," on Wednesday night the "Hot Girl Summer" rapper and award show's host did a costume change into a green torso-baring bustier top and micro-jean shorts that had blue fabric creating a skirt effect around her legs. She also had a live accessory snaking its head around her abdomen − à laSpears.

But even though she "tried to hold it down for Britney," Megan wasn't ready to commit to the full bit with the albino Burmese python wrapped behind her and secured in both arms.

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"OK, OK! Stop the music," Megan said a few seconds after appearing onscreen.

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"I'm just playing. I don't know this snake; this snake don't know me," she said before screaming "Oh my god!" as the python's handler removed it from her arms.

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Spears has called her famous romp around the VMAs stage with the yellow reptile "one of my favorite performances."

"I still remember how scared I felt when I was handed this snake and took the stage!!!" she posted on X, formerly Twitter, in 2023.

Taylor Swift leads the night in nominations, and "Fortnight" collaborator Post Malone follows right behind her. Ariana Grande, Eminem, Megan Thee Stallion and SZA are also among the artists with the most nods.

The night's featured performances included Eminem, LL Cool J, Lenny Kravitz, Katy Perry, Karol G, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Camila Cabello, Halsey, Lisa from Blackpink and Shawn Mendes.

Katy Perry performed the biggest hits from her career as she accepted the MTV Video Vanguard Award from her husband Orlando Bloom.