Lauren Jauregui doesn’t need to live up to societal expectations. 

In fact, the Fifth Harmony singer is more than happy in the skin she’s in.

“Honestly, I feel like it's punk as f--k to not be a twig right now, and that's kind of where I'm at,” she told E! News’ Keltie Knight on the carpet at the 2026 MTV VMAs. “I am a woman. I fluctuate like all women do. I struggle with PCOS [polycystic ovary syndrome] as well, which not a lot of people like to talk about.”

She added, “I think I'm beautiful. And I think that when you're centered on something bigger than people's opinion of you and like external validation, I really feel like my aura, my light comes from within. Like I'm still doing my thing, and I'm still a star.”

It also helps that the 30-year-old has long learned to live with—and rise above—the constant scrutiny that a life in the spotlight can bring.

“I think I've grown and matured to a point where like the hatred doesn't really phase me,” Jauregui said. “Because I've realized a lot of what people get online when people get online to be to like wield vitriol, it's usually because they hate themselves, and they are not doing better than you. So, I don't really give a f--k.”

As for the positive online comments, Jauregui—who donned a sleek black dress to the VMAs, which she paired with bold silver rings—added, “I read the love, and I feel the love.”

And that includes the love she’s felt from fans for her new song, “Everybody’s On Drugs,” which she dropped Sept. 16. 

“It's been amazing, honestly,” Jauregui added of fans’ reactions. “I think that they're really excited for this because I'm in my like alternative rock bag right now, and I think that people have been really wanting—my fans, especially, have been really wanting that for me.”

As she noted, “Because I'm a very honest songwriter, and I feel like the sound really lends to where I'm at lyrically and what I want to talk about and how I'm feeling.”

For a closer look at Jauregui’s VMAs look, and the many other arresting blue carpet looks at this year’s ceremony, read on.