What Sabrina Carpenter Just Said About Her Critics Will Leave You Speechless
Pop star Sabrina Carpenter is no stranger to the challenges of navigating a career in the limelight, especially when it comes to how she expresses her sexuality through her music and performances. As one of today’s leading voices in pop music, Carpenter has found herself the target of the same kind of sexist commentary that once plagued icons like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. In a candid interview with Time published this week, the 25-year-old reflected on how times might have changed, but some criticisms remain frustratingly the same.
Facing Down the Critics: Carpenter’s Advice to Her Doubters
Carpenter has faced a wave of criticism for her revealing costumes and provocative stage presence, a stark reminder of the double standards that continue to plague women in the music industry. In the Time interview, Carpenter admitted, “It’s definitely tough to ignore the negative comments. You know, it feels like I’m the only one being targeted for doing something others seem to get away with more easily. But I’ve learned something important—most people don’t see those comments. My friends, the people who matter, they’re not focused on what strangers think of my decisions.”
Her advice to those bothered by her choices? “To those who have a strong opinion on my costumes or my music videos, I say, don’t come to the show. And that’s OK,” Carpenter shared. “I’ve had to learn that not everyone will understand my journey or feel comfortable with my choices, but this is how I perform, how I express myself. The scariest thing in the world is getting on stage and baring your soul, and if what helps me do that is feeling confident in what I wear, then that’s what I’m going to do.”
Carpenter’s Rise to Pop Stardom
Carpenter’s journey to pop stardom has been marked by both successes and challenges. Rising to fame on the Disney Channel series Girl Meets World from 2014 to 2017, she transitioned smoothly into music with her debut album “Eyes Wide Open” in 2015. However, it was her recent smash single “Espresso,” released in April, that truly propelled her into the pop stratosphere. The song, and her latest album “Short ’n Sweet,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard chart, showcasing Carpenter’s ability to blend catchy pop hooks with personal, poignant lyrics.
This past year has also seen Carpenter supporting Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour as the opening act, a role that took her around the world and allowed her to connect with fans in a new way. It’s clear Carpenter is not just following in the footsteps of her idols—she’s blazing her own trail. Her latest album has spawned hits like “Please Please Please” and “Taste,” and she recently embarked on her own global tour to promote the album, demonstrating her undeniable staying power in the industry.
Aligning with Music Legends: Carpenter’s Influence and Future
As Sabrina Carpenter continues to carve out her niche in the pop world, she’s also making strategic moves to align herself with industry legends. Just last month, she made headlines at the MTV VMAs by wearing a vintage Bob Mackie gown—an outfit previously donned by Madonna—and performing a new version of Christina Aguilera’s “What a Girl Wants” in honor of Aguilera’s debut album’s 25th anniversary. This symbolic connection was not lost on Aguilera herself, who, in an essay for Time 100, described Carpenter as “a fellow 5-ft. female with a similar working-adolescent Disney history.”
“Through Sabrina, I see a young woman who is navigating the pressures of fame, but also managing to stay true to herself,” Aguilera wrote. “I recognize the strength it takes to maintain clarity while balancing career demands—something I’ve been through myself.” The full-circle connection between these two pop powerhouses is evident in Carpenter’s career choices, from her music to her style, making her not just a pop star but a cultural icon in the making.
As Sabrina Carpenter continues to inspire and challenge the status quo, her journey reminds us that in the age of social media, every performer faces a new set of critics. But Carpenter’s message is clear: Ignore the noise, stay true to yourself, and keep performing because it’s what you love. Whether her critics like it or not, Sabrina Carpenter is here to stay, and her bold, unapologetic approach to her artistry will continue to define her place in the pop music landscape.
