Just after the midpoint of her initial show in Los Angeles for her “Short n’ Sweet” tour, Sabrina Carpenter lit up the stage with her infectious energy. During a playful segment where she spins a bottle to choose a song to cover, Carpenter asked the audience, “Do you guys like to play games here?” Previous shows featured covers like “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer and Madonna’s “Material Girl,” and last night she hinted at a surprise by asking for “a little Christina.”
As if on cue, Christina Aguilera appeared, joining Carpenter for duets of “Ain’t No Other Man” and “What a Girl Wants.” Their collaboration on the latter was recently released on Spotify to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Aguilera’s self-titled debut album. The excitement in the arena reached dizzying heights as fans erupted in enthusiasm over the pair’s chemistry and vocal prowess.
Carpenter’s rise in the pop world has mirrored Aguilera’s, with both artists embracing femininity and bold pop styles. The concert at Crypto.com Arena unfolded like a vibrant 1970s variety show, spanning a dynamic 90-minute set that showcased tracks primarily from Carpenter’s 2022 album “E-Mails I Can’t Send” and her latest, “Short n’ Sweet.” This performance solidified Carpenter’s place among today’s leading pop artists, evidenced by her six Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist.
Unlike some of her contemporaries, Carpenter’s musical style is less about bombast and more about an effortless blend of exuberance and charm. During the show, she entertained the audience with an engaging mix of high-energy choreography and lighthearted moments, including a whimsical segment where she sat on a toilet prop for “Sharpest Tool.” Her ability to infuse humor and authentic joy into her performance made the evening feel special, demonstrating her growth and appreciation for her craft.
Her background in Disney’s “Girl Meets World” adds to her understanding of the entertainment industry, yet she approaches her performances with newfound enthusiasm. Carpenter connected with fans during moments like “Coincidence,” a campfire-style singalong reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac, and through playful interactions, like tossing “fuzzy pink handcuffs” to actress Rachel Sennott, who sat in the front row.
For Carpenter, the show served not only as a tour stop but also as a personal milestone. She expressed gratitude to her supporters, sharing her journey of creativity and joy that led her to performing for a sold-out audience in Los Angeles. She revealed a deep sense of pride and fulfillment in her closing number “Espresso,” a song that marked her ascension in the pop realm.
As the evening concluded, Carpenter thanked her fans with a heartfelt, humorous sentiment: “Thanks for coming to my tour. I love singing. I hope you liked hearing me sing for that long.” Her sincerity radiated, leaving everyone with a memorable experience filled with laughter and music.
Sabrina Carpenter’s journey reflects the realization of a dream built on passion and perseverance. Her ability to engage with her audience while embracing both the ups and downs of her career provides a relatable and hopeful message for aspiring artists everywhere.