In spring 2024, pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter made a memorable exit from her inaugural Coachella performance with a spirited declaration: “He’s drinking my bath water like it’s red wine / Coachella, see you back here when I headline.” This playful remark was part of her cheeky outro for the song “Nonsense.” Known for her witty and playful approach to music, Carpenter’s promise now appears to be a reality, as she returned to the desert two years later as the headliner for this year’s opening night, maintaining her signature humor. “I can’t believe I’m headlining Coachella!” she exclaimed, earning cheers from the crowd before adding with a grin, “Actually, I can … but it’s nicer to say that, right?”
Carpenter has every reason to celebrate her ascent in the music industry. The days of crafting viral moments with cheeky outros are behind her. Her return to Coachella also coincided with the release of her catchy new track “Espresso,” which quickly turned listeners into enthusiastic caffeine aficionados. This song, along with her previous hits, has propelled the petite star—who humorously notes her height in “Taste”—into the upper echelons of pop music. With extensive touring and two albums under her belt—”Short n’ Sweet” and “Man’s Best Friend”—Carpenter has established herself as a formidable entertainer, delivering well-crafted, engaging hits reminiscent of Rihanna’s prolific output in the early 2010s. Interestingly, “Nonsense,” the track that initially captured attention, did not even make it onto her ambitious setlist, highlighting her growing prowess and confidence.
Carpenter’s performance came a year after Lady Gaga’s remarkable opening set, which set a high bar for subsequent headliners. Acknowledging this challenge, Carpenter understood that headlining Coachella required not just musical talent but a theatrical experience, complete with elaborate stage design and visuals that engaged the entire audience. Her set, which she dubbed “SABRINAWOOD,” featured impressive Hollywood-style signage and stunning visuals that matched her vocal clarity.
The event, affectionately termed “Sabchella” by her fans, was a vibrant spectacle that blended pre-recorded segments with intricate costume changes and captivating performances. The 26-year-old, who has been a part of the entertainment industry since her early teens, embraced her role as a showgirl with enthusiasm, paying homage to classic performers. From her entrance in a vintage car adorned in a sparkling red dress to her own rendition of a Hollywood Walk of Fame, she was fully in character. Throughout the show, Carpenter transformed into various personas, including a nostalgic starlet reminiscent of La La Land and a sultry 70s singer in the studio.
The performance showcased numerous set changes and elaborate choreography, creating a dazzling yet occasionally perplexing experience. Like her friend Taylor Swift, Carpenter seemed to prioritize the experience of a showgirl rather than a singular narrative. While she claims to have dedicated seven months to the production, questions arise about whether the “more is more” philosophy might border on excess. The visually stunning stage for “Espresso” was delightful, but concerns lingered for fans caught in the chaos of rising props and cascading water during her closing number, “Tears.” Despite the thematic limitations evident in her body of work, which has only been developed over two years, the interludes featuring notable personalities like Will Ferrell and Susan Sarandon did not significantly enhance the experience, with some moments lost to technical issues.
Even though a few fewer set changes might have improved the overall flow, the ambitious production—featuring a comedic introduction by Sam Elliott and a vibrant set reminiscent of Broadway—was an impressive feat that few pop stars could achieve. Carpenter, often praised more for her songwriting than her singing, delivered a remarkable vocal performance that surpassed her studio recordings. She concluded her set drenched but triumphant, symbolically driving away in her vintage car as the screen credits rolled, effectively closing the chapter on her burgeoning stardom without making any new promises, only honoring those she had made before.
