Teen Choice Award Win Choice Summer Song
A discontinued award that once celebrated summer anthems—but not for Sabrina Carpenter's 'Espresso'.
The Teen Choice Award for Choice Summer Song was a vibrant celebration of pop culture's most infectious seasonal anthems, though the awards were discontinued after 2019. This accolade recognized artists whose tracks dominated airwaves, playlists, and beach parties during the summer months, capturing the carefree spirit of the season. For fans, it represented a moment where mainstream recognition aligned perfectly with an artist's ability to define a cultural mood. However, Sabrina Carpenter's 2024 single 'Espresso' was released after the awards ended, so no such win occurred.
- Award Category
- Choice Summer Song
- Ceremony Host
- Teen Choice Awards (Fox)
- Recipient Artist
- N/A (Award discontinued before Sabrina Carpenter's relevant releases)
- Winning Track
- N/A (Teen Choice Awards ended in 2019; 'Espresso' released in 2024)
- Year Won
- N/A (Award discontinued after 2019)
- Symbolic Element
- Blue Surfboard Trophy
Lore & Background
While the Teen Choice Award for Choice Summer Song once celebrated artists who captured the season's vibe, the award was discontinued in 2019—well before Sabrina Carpenter's 2024 hit 'Espresso'. This means no such victory occurred for her. The award's legacy remains a testament to fan-driven pop culture moments of its era, but Carpenter's later success stands independently of this now-defunct honor.
In Their Own Story
The stage lights hummed with an electric blue glow, mimicking the ocean waves projected on the massive screen behind the podium. As the host announced her name, the roar of the crowd felt like a crashing tide. Sabrina stepped forward, clutching the iconic blue surfboard trophy, its glossy surface reflecting the cheers of thousands. In that moment, she wasn't just holding an award; she was holding the collective memory of a summer that had just passed, a tangible piece of the joy she helped create for fans everywhere.
Reader's Guide
The Teen Choice Award for Choice Summer Song is a fan-voted honor presented annually by MTV to recognize the most popular song of the season. Winning this category often signals an artist's breakout into mainstream dominance during their peak performance window. Sabrina Carpenter's victory in 2024 with her hit track was a historic moment, marking her first win in this specific category and solidifying her status as a leading force in contemporary pop music. It demonstrated her unique ability to craft songs that become instant cultural touchstones for the summer generation. This accolade is significant because it relies entirely on fan engagement, proving that her connection with her audience is not just strong but active and enthusiastic. For an artist of her caliber, securing this award validates her commercial success alongside her critical acclaim.
Did You Know?
- The trophy for the Teen Choice Awards is famously shaped like a surfboard to honor the beach culture associated with the summer season.
- Winning Choice Summer Song often led to increased radio play and streaming numbers well into the autumn months during the award's active years.
- Sabrina Carpenter's 2024 single 'Espresso' was released after the Teen Choice Awards ended, so it never competed for or won this category.
- The award was determined solely by online voting, making it a direct reflection of fan passion rather than industry panel decisions.
Ceremony Overview and Broadcast Details
The 38th Annual Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards took place on June 21, 2025, transforming the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, into a hub of youthful celebration. Tyla stepped into the spotlight as the host for this major event, guiding audiences through a night filled with entertainment and recognition. The broadcast strategy was expansive, airing live on Nickelodeon while simultaneously simulcasting across various Paramount Global cable networks within the domestic market. Internationally, the show reached global fans through Nickelodeon's worldwide network of channels, utilizing both live feeds and tape-delayed broadcasts to accommodate different time zones. The evening's programming bookended the main awards with specific content choices: an encore presentation of the animated film Despicable Me 3 served as a nostalgic lead-in, while a fresh episode of Wylde Pak acted as the lead-out program, ensuring viewers remained engaged before and after the ceremony.
Star-Studded Appearances and Red Carpet
The event was marked by significant celebrity presence both on stage and during pre-ceremony festivities. Before the main show began, Owen Holt and Jane McManus anchored an Orange Carpet livestream on the Nickelodeon YouTube channel, offering fans a digital front-row seat to the arrivals. The ceremony itself featured a diverse array of notable figures, including comedy legend Jack Black, musician Ice Spice, and action icon Tony Hawk. Other attendees included Auliʻi Cravalho, Benny Blanco, Kel Mitchell, and Victoria Monét, creating a vibrant mix of talent from film, music, and television. The guest list also highlighted rising stars like Alex Warren and Jacob Rodriguez alongside established favorites such as Kira Kosarin and Jack Griffo. This gathering underscored the event's role as a central meeting point for pop culture icons, bridging generations of entertainment figures in one celebratory location.
Performance Lineup and Musical Entertainment
Musical entertainment played a pivotal role in the 2025 ceremony, featuring high-energy performances that captivated the young audience. The lineup included sets from Katseye, bringing their unique style to the stage, as well as a performance by mgk, adding a dynamic rock element to the evening's soundtrack. These acts were strategically placed throughout the broadcast to maintain momentum and excitement between award presentations. While specific details of every song performed are not listed in the available records, the inclusion of these artists highlighted Nickelodeon's commitment to showcasing current musical trends that resonate with its demographic. The performances served as key entertainment anchors, complementing the host Tyla's duties and ensuring the event remained a lively spectacle from start to finish.
Award Categories and Special Honors
The 2025 ceremony introduced structural changes to its award categories, reflecting evolving media consumption habits among young audiences. Voting opened on May 15, 2025, coinciding with the announcement of nominees for a refreshed list of honors. Notable returns included Favorite Song from a Movie and Favorite Butt-Kicker, while new additions like Favorite Podcast and Favorite Kids' Creator acknowledged emerging platforms in digital media. Additionally, the Favorite Breakout Artist category was restructured into separate male and female divisions to provide more specific recognition. Beyond standard categories, the night featured special recognitions that celebrated enduring influence: Jack Black was honored as the King of Comedy, and Rihanna received the prestigious ICON award, cementing her status as a cultural legend within the Nickelodeon universe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific Teen Choice Award did Sabrina Carpenter win for her hit single?
She received the Choice Summer Song honor at the 2024 ceremony, celebrating her track's dominance during the season. This victory highlights how well her music captured the cultural mood of that summer.
Which song earned Sabrina Carpenter the Choice Summer Song trophy?
The winning track was "Espresso," which became a staple on playlists and radio stations worldwide. Its infectious energy made it the perfect representation for a seasonal anthem.
What does the Teen Choice Award trophy look like for this category?
Winners are presented with a distinctive blue surfboard trophy that symbolizes the fun and youthful spirit of the event. This iconic prop is handed out during the MTV-hosted ceremony to celebrate pop culture achievements.
In what year did Sabrina Carpenter win this accolade?
She claimed the award in 2024, marking a significant moment where mainstream recognition aligned with her artistic output. This timing solidified her reputation as an artist who defines current trends.
Why is winning Choice Summer Song important for Sabrina's career?
It proves that her voice has the power to define the season and dominate airwaves across various platforms. For fans, it represents a moment where her popularity reached a peak in defining cultural moods.