The Bold Rise of Sabrina Carpenter: A New Era in Pop
“I’m so fking horny!” As the fresh face of pop music, Sabrina Carpenter delighted a sold-out audience at the O2 Arena with her rendition of the provocative lyric from the film Juno. Behind her, the word ‘horny’ lit up in vibrant pink lights, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Among the crowd was a nine-year-old girl with her mother, and a cluster of perhaps eleven-year-olds nearby; we all screamed the line back to her, joining the chorus of 20,000 enthusiastic fans. This clever branding has proven to be remarkably effective.
Since Carpenter catapulted into the mainstream in April 2024 with her infectious summer hit “Espresso,” she has been at the center of controversy, facing backlash over accusations of a “hypersexual” image, lyrics, and performances. Many parents of her young fans have expressed outrage, claiming that the 5-foot singer plays into a child-like aesthetic reminiscent of the controversial Lolita theme. While it’s not Carpenter’s duty to parent her audience, lyrics that speak of doodling hearts by a crush’s name and references like “make me Juno” (an allusion to teenage pregnancy from the early 2000s film) certainly evoke a schoolgirl connotation, prompting much debate.
Critics and Celebrations
Recently, her lingerie-clad performance at the Brit Awards sparked a frenzy of criticism, labeled as “soft porn,” leading to hundreds of complaints to Ofcom. Carpenter, however, maintains that her performances are all in good fun, relishing the playful innuendo.
For the past year, it seems almost impossible to go a day without hearing Carpenter’s name. Yet, discussions about her often focus more on her sex appeal and personal life rather than her music. As a fan, I have been listening to her Short n’ Sweet album on repeat since its release in late August 2024. While I appreciate her catchy tunes, I find myself conflicted about her seemingly sex-obsessed persona and the cringe-worthy moments in her Netflix Christmas special. Nonetheless, her music is undeniably fun and uplifting, which is what many seek from a pop artist.
Unlike some of her contemporaries, Carpenter offers genuine emotion in her work. She deviates from the more subdued, polished style of artists like Dua Lipa. Regardless of personal opinions on her approach, one cannot overlook her meteoric rise to fame. Just a year ago, she was primarily known as Taylor Swift’s opening act; now, her chart-topping album Short n’ Sweet has garnered two GRAMMYs and a BRIT, she’s graced the cover of Vogue, and she has performed alongside icons like Dolly Parton. In July, she will headline two nights at BST Hyde Park, with 140,000 tickets selling out in mere minutes.
The Show: A Celebration of Sisterhood
While it may appear that Carpenter achieved stardom overnight, this is actually her sixth album. As she reminded the audience during the concert, she first graced the O2 stage as a support act at the age of 18 for The Vamps in 2017. Now, her fan base extends globally. The pressing question remains: can she meet the expectations set by her TikTok-fueled fame? The answer is a resounding yes.
The concert was a visual spectacle, featuring a 60s variety show theme and a Barbie dreamhouse-inspired set that left the audience in awe. Carpenter’s signature bouffant curls and dazzling outfits evoked a sense of classic Hollywood glamour, far removed from any child-like imagery.
- The show kicked off with the powerful anthem “Taste,” a big dance number that set the tone for the night.
- Next came the more subdued yet emotionally resonant “Slim Pickins,” whose lyrics about loneliness and the trials of dating resonated deeply with many in the crowd.
- Chills ran through the audience during “Lie To Girls,” as the lyrics echoed back from a sea of girls, women, and mothers.
- As we sang in unison for songs like “because I liked a boy,” “Coincidence,” and “Good Graces,” a profound sense of sisterhood enveloped the venue.
While the performance of “Bed Chem” included a notably risqué scene reminiscent of Grease, the overall vibe felt more focused on shared experiences of navigating relationships rather than catering to a male gaze. When we shouted “I’m so fking horny!”, it transformed into a moment of candid, girl-to-girl honesty. Although Carpenter may not be overtly marketed as a “girl’s girl,” it was clear she resonated with her audience.
Her polished exterior contrasts beautifully with her relatable lyrics. Carpenter commanded the stage with poise, her voice powerful and effortless. While she may present a glamorous image, she is sharp, witty, and undeniably strong. The sight of young girls in Carpenter’s football shirt crop tops emblazoned with “69” and adorned with temporary red lipstick tattoos may have been shocking, but I left the concert feeling genuinely empowered—and on International Women’s Day, no less.
Perhaps Carpenter sums up her unique blend of humor and empowerment best with this quote: “Happy International Women’s Day! Just remember, you’ve never done anything wrong in your life.” If you take her words literally, you might miss the deeper message she conveys.
