Paris Hilton just took her Halloween costume game to another level, and this time, she brought a very special guest. The 45-year-old entrepreneur and reality TV icon transformed into her longtime friend Britney Spears, recreating the pop princess's unforgettable 2001 MTV Video Music Awards performance of "I'm a Slave 4 U."
From the sparkling green outfit to the massive yellow python draped around her shoulders, Hilton committed to every detail. But her latest Instagram video revealed something even more entertaining than the finished costume: what actually happened behind the scenes when Hilton came face-to-face with the reptile.
And after experiencing the snake herself, she had a whole new appreciation for Spears.
Paris Hilton Recreates Britney Spears' Iconic 2001 VMAs Performance
On October 23, 2026, Paris Hilton unveiled her Britney Spears-inspired Halloween costume, transporting fans straight back to one of pop music's most memorable performances. Hilton wore a rhinestone-covered green top, butterfly-patterned micro shorts, shimmering accessories, and embellished boots. She completed the look with sparkling body jewels and her signature long blonde hair.
Of course, no recreation of Spears' legendary VMAs performance would be complete without a snake. Hilton posed with a live yellow python named Tango, capturing the spirit of Spears' groundbreaking 2001 performance.
The elaborate costume immediately earned attention for its striking resemblance to the original outfit, but Hilton's behind-the-scenes footage offered a closer look at the preparation involved.
Paris Hilton Shares Behind-the-Scenes Video With a Live Snake
In an Instagram Reel shared on October 24, Hilton gave followers a glimpse into her Halloween transformation. She captioned the video: “#BehindTheSliving for my @britneyspears 2001 @vmas performance #Halloween costume” She also tagged Paramount Reptilez, the reptile company involved in the shoot.
The video showed Hilton handling the enormous python while reflecting on the courage it took for Spears to perform with a similar animal in front of a live audience. Hilton admitted that even walking through her own hallway with the snake was an experience.
After learning firsthand what it felt like to have the reptile wrapped around her shoulders, she described Spears' original performance as an extraordinary achievement.
According to TODAY, the snake's handler estimated that Tango weighed approximately 30 to 40 pounds. That's quite a Halloween accessory.
Britney Spears' 2001 VMAs Snake Performance Is Still Iconic
Britney Spears made music history on September 6, 2001, when she performed "I'm a Slave 4 U" at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York City. Wearing a green, jungle-inspired ensemble, the singer delivered an energetic performance featuring elaborate choreography, a live tiger, and an unforgettable appearance by a large albino Burmese python named Banana.
© Getty ImagesThe moment Spears walked across the stage carrying the snake became one of the most recognizable images of her career.
© WireImageMore than two decades later, the performance remains a major reference point for celebrity fashion, Halloween costumes, and Y2K nostalgia.
