Sabrina Annlynn Carpenter (born May 11, 1999) is an American singer and actress. She first gained recognition starring on the Disney Channel series Girl Meets World (2014–2017), and signed with the Disney-owned Hollywood Records. She released her debut single, “Can’t Blame a Girl for Trying” in 2014, followed by four studio albums: Eyes Wide Open (2015), Evolution (2016), Singular: Act I (2018), and Singular: Act II (2019); three of her singles—”Alien”, “Almost Love”, and “Sue Me”—topped the US Dance Club Songs chart.
Carpenter moved to Island Records in 2021 and released the standalone single “Skin”, which became her first entry on the US Billboard Hot 100. Her fifth album, Emails I Can’t Send (2022), was supported by the TikTok viral single “Nonsense” and the US Pop Airplay number one “Feather”. She opened for Taylor Swift at the Eras Tour in 2023, and achieved wider commercial success with her sixth album Short n’ Sweet (2024). It became her first album to debut atop the US Billboard 200 chart and spawned the Billboard Global 200 number one singles “Espresso” and “Please Please Please”.
Carpenter has appeared in films such as the comedy Adventures in Babysitting (2016), the coming-of-age drama The Hate U Give (2018), the road drama The Short History of the Long Road (2019), the musical drama Clouds (2020), and the thriller Emergency (2022). She has also starred in the Netflix productions Tall Girl (2019), Tall Girl 2 (2022), and Work It (2020), the latter of which she executive-produced. On Broadway, she played a lead role in the musical Mean Girls (2020).
Early Life
Sabrina Annlynn Carpenter was born on May 11, 1999, in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, to David and Elizabeth Carpenter. She was raised in East Greenville, a small town in Pennsylvania. Sabrina’s family played an important role in her upbringing. Notably, she is the niece of Nancy Cartwright, an accomplished actress, best known for voicing Bart Simpson on the animated series The Simpsons. Growing up, Sabrina had three older sisters, and she was homeschooled, which allowed her to focus on her early interests in music and acting. At a young age, Sabrina started posting videos on YouTube, singing popular songs by Christina Aguilera and Adele. This online presence helped her develop a following and attract the attention of industry professionals. Around the age of 10, Sabrina’s father, recognizing her musical talent, built a recording studio in their home to nurture her passion for music. This early support was crucial in her development as an artist. In 2009, she gained more attention by finishing third in the singing competition The Next Miley Cyrus Project, a contest run by Miley Cyrus. This accomplishment marked the beginning of her entertainment career.
2011–2014: Breakthrough with Disney
Sabrina’s first acting role came in 2011, when she appeared in a guest role on the NBC drama series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. This was an important step as it introduced her to acting in a professional environment. At the same time, she was gaining recognition internationally. She performed in China as part of the Hunan Broadcasting System’s Gold Mango Audience Festival, where she sang “Something’s Got a Hold on Me.” In 2012, Sabrina landed a recurring role in the Fox sitcom The Goodwin Games, which showcased her acting ability in a comedic setting. She also had minor roles in films such as Horns (2013) and contributed to the compilation album Disney Fairies: Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust, recording the song “Smile.” Her involvement with Disney continued with a recurring role as Princess Vivian in the animated series Sofia the First, where she performed the song “All You Need” alongside Ariel Winter.
In January 2013, Sabrina received a major breakthrough when she was cast in the Disney Channel series Girl Meets World, a spin-off of the popular show Boy Meets World. She played the character Maya Hart, which became her most notable role and ran for 72 episodes until its conclusion in January 2017. As part of her role, Sabrina recorded the show’s theme song alongside her co-star Rowan Blanchard. Her growing involvement with Disney led to her signing a five-album deal with Disney-owned Hollywood Records before 2014, marking a pivotal moment in her music career. In March 2014, she released her debut single, “Can’t Blame a Girl for Trying,” which was co-written by Meghan Trainor. The single received positive reviews and was followed by her debut EP of the same name. Later that year, Sabrina contributed to the Disney Channel’s Circle of Stars cover version of “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and released a Christmas single, “Silver Nights.”
2015–2017: Eyes Wide Open and Evolution
In January 2015, Sabrina released “We’ll Be the Stars,” the lead single from her debut studio album Eyes Wide Open, which was released in April of that year. The album debuted at number 43 on the Billboard 200 and was met with positive reviews. It was a teen-pop album with elements of pop folk, and it sold over 12,000 copies in its first week. Eyes Wide Open also won two Radio Disney Music Awards, solidifying Sabrina’s position as a rising star. The album’s second single, “Eyes Wide Open,” was released shortly after. In addition to her music, Sabrina continued to build her acting career. In 2016, she starred in the Disney Channel Original Movie Adventures in Babysitting, where she performed the theme song “Wildside” with Sofia Carson. That same year, she voiced the character Melissa Chase in the animated series Milo Murphy’s Law and appeared in a production of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell: A Pirate’s Christmas at the Pasadena Playhouse.
Sabrina’s second studio album, Evolution, was released in October 2016 and debuted at number 28 on the Billboard 200. It included singles like “On Purpose” and “Thumbs,” the latter of which became a breakout hit, reaching number one on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart and eventually earning Platinum certification. Sabrina embarked on her first headlining concert tour, the Evolution Tour, in late 2016, which further expanded her fan base. Throughout 2017, she continued to release music and collaborate with other artists. In March, she performed the theme song for Andi Mack, another Disney Channel show. In May, she featured on the single “Hands” with The Vamps and Mike Perry. Later in 2017, Sabrina released the single “Why,” which became another Billboard-charting hit. Sabrina also embarked on her second headlining concert tour, the De-Tour, and opened for Ariana Grande on her Dangerous Woman Tour in São Paulo.
2018–2020: Singular and Films
Sabrina Carpenter’s career reached new heights in 2018 with the release of the song “Alien” in collaboration with DJ Jonas Blue. The song reached number one on the US Dance Club Songs chart and was followed by the release of her third studio album, Singular: Act I, in November 2018. The album received positive reviews and included hits like “Almost Love” and “Sue Me,” both of which topped the US Dance Club Songs chart. Sabrina later split the album into two acts, with Singular: Act II released in July 2019. This second part of the album explored more personal themes and featured singles like “Pushing 20” and “Exhale.” Sabrina also starred in the Netflix film Tall Girl (2019), in which she played a lead role, further expanding her film career. Her acting career continued to blossom, and in June 2019, she starred in The Short History of the Long Road, a drama that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and received critical acclaim for her performance.
In 2020, Sabrina transitioned into more mature music, releasing an R&B single titled “Honeymoon Fades,” which was well-received by critics. She also made her Broadway debut in the musical Mean Girls, although the show was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Later in 2020, Sabrina starred in the Netflix film Work It, which she also executive produced. The film’s soundtrack featured Sabrina on a remix of Zara Larsson’s “Wow,” and her performance was praised. Additionally, Sabrina appeared in the Disney+ film Clouds, contributing to the soundtrack. That same year, she was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in the Hollywood and entertainment category.
2021–2023: Emails I Can’t Send
In 2021, Sabrina signed with Universal Music Group’s Island Records and released her first single under the label, “Skin,” which debuted at number 48 on the Billboard Hot 100. This marked a new chapter in her music career. Sabrina also performed the song on The Late Late Show and at the GLAAD Media Awards. In 2021, she released the lead single “Skinny Dipping” from her upcoming album and later followed it with “Fast Times” in 2022. That same year, Sabrina appeared in Tall Girl 2 and starred in Emergency, a comedy-drama that premiered at Sundance.
In 2022, Sabrina released her fifth studio album, Emails I Can’t Send, which debuted at number 23 on the Billboard 200. The album was well-received, with singles like “Vicious,” “Because I Liked a Boy,” and “Nonsense” gaining widespread popularity. “Nonsense” went viral on TikTok, helping Sabrina gain even more traction. She also embarked on the Emails I Can’t Send Tour in support of the album. In 2023, Sabrina released a deluxe edition of the album and performed the single “Feather,” which became a chart-topping hit. Despite facing some controversy regarding the music video for “Feather,” Sabrina continued to rise in prominence, with her music and career showing no signs of slowing down.
Sabrina Carpenter’s career has been a testament to her versatility as both a musician and an actress. From her early days as a YouTube singer to becoming a prominent figure in both Hollywood and the music industry, she has continuously evolved, garnering a dedicated fanbase along the way.
Artistry and Influences
Sabrina Carpenter’s musical style is influenced by a variety of artists across different genres. She has specifically cited R&B as a key genre that influences her sound, alongside the vocal prowess of Christina Aguilera and Rihanna, both of whom she considers major musical inspirations. Carpenter admired Aguilera’s 2002 hit “Beautiful,” which she believes helped her find and develop her own voice. Carpenter has also expressed admiration for legendary vocalists such as Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Etta James, who served as early musical influences, shaping her appreciation for powerful vocals. Additionally, Carpenter draws inspiration from modern songwriters like Taylor Swift and Lorde, crediting them for shaping her own approach to songwriting. Swift’s live performances and strong work ethic have particularly influenced Carpenter’s career choices. Furthermore, Carpenter has mentioned that pop icons such as Madonna, Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, and Aguilera were pivotal in introducing her to the world of pop music.
Musical Styles
Carpenter’s music has evolved significantly over the course of her career, reflecting a shift from her earlier “teen pop” sound to a more mature and diverse musical style. Early on, she was primarily known as a pop singer, but after the release of her album Emails I Can’t Send, critics began to describe her as a “fully fledged popstar,” indicating her growth as an artist. Her transition from being a Disney Channel star to a pop artist was a gradual one, and she has acknowledged that it wasn’t always easy. Carpenter’s music blends several genres, including folk pop, acoustic, country, electropop, and house music in her earlier works, while her later albums have incorporated elements of dance-pop, trap, hip-hop, and R&B. She has emphasized that her music contains “elements of everything,” indicating her willingness to experiment with different sounds. Carpenter has also noted that she feels a distinct separation from her earlier albums, particularly due to her personal and artistic growth, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Her voice is often described as a soprano, adding a distinct layer to her versatile musical style.
Other Activities
Activism and Philanthropy
Carpenter has used her platform for social good, supporting numerous charitable organizations throughout her career. In 2016, she became an ambassador for the Ryan Seacrest Foundation and visited children’s hospitals to spread joy. The same year, she released merchandise linked to her single “Smoke and Fire,” with proceeds going to the American Red Cross to raise awareness about fire safety. Carpenter’s philanthropic work has extended to social issues as well; in 2017, she participated in the We Day California event and partnered with DoSomething’s Love Letters Challenge, which aimed to alleviate senior citizens’ loneliness. Carpenter is also a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, participating in writing a love letter to the community for Billboard in 2018. She expressed that she hopes her fans feel a sense of love and safety when they attend her shows, especially when they carry pride flags. Her charity work continued during the COVID-19 pandemic, as she appeared in a charity version of “If the World Was Ending” to raise funds for Doctors Without Borders. In 2024, she partnered with the nonprofit PLUS1 on her Short n’ Sweet Tour to create the Sabrina Carpenter Fund, which supports mental health, animal welfare, and LGBTQ+ causes. She also collaborated with Van Leeuwen for an ice cream flavor, with proceeds benefiting the Ali Forney Center, which helps homeless LGBTQ+ youth. Carpenter’s activism extends into politics, as she partnered with HeadCount in 2024 to register voters in the lead-up to the U.S. presidential election.
Endorsements and Products
Sabrina Carpenter’s career also includes significant work in the endorsement and product sectors. She has been the face of several high-profile campaigns, including Converse’s Forever Chuck campaign in 2017, alongside celebrities like Rowan Blanchard and Cole Sprouse. In 2018, Carpenter became a brand ambassador for Aéropostale, and in 2021, she joined Samsung’s “Team Galaxy” partnership program. Her collaborations with Samsung included performing at the Galaxy Creator Collective event in 2022. Additionally, Carpenter launched her own fragrance line, debuting Sweet Tooth in 2022, which was nominated for a Fragrance of the Year award. She followed up with Caramel Dream in 2023 and Cherry Baby in 2024. In 2024, she also modeled for Skims’ Fits Everybody and Stretch Lace collections, noting her appreciation for the femininity and creative vision of the brand. Carpenter’s role in promoting products further extends to major events, such as appearing in an NBC advertisement for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Personal Life
Sabrina Carpenter’s personal life has been a subject of public interest, particularly her romantic relationships. She was in a relationship with actor Joshua Bassett from 2020 to 2021, and briefly dated Shawn Mendes in early 2023. Since December 2023, Carpenter has been in a relationship with Irish actor Barry Keoghan, and the couple resides in a luxurious $4.4 million home in the Hollywood Hills.
Discography
- Eyes Wide Open (2015)
- Evolution (2016)
- Singular: Act I (2018)
- Singular: Act II (2019)
- Emails I Can’t Send (2022)
- Short n’ Sweet (2024)
Tours
- Headlining:
- Evolution Tour (2016–2017)
- The De-Tour (2017)
- Singular Tour (2019)
- Emails I Can’t Send Tour (2022–2023)
- Short n’ Sweet Tour (2024–2025)
- Opening Acts:
- Ariana Grande – Dangerous Woman Tour (2017)
- The Vamps – Middle of the Night Tour (2017)
- Taylor Swift – The Eras Tour (2023–2024)
Filmography
- Film:
- Noobz (2012) as Brittney
- Horns (2013) as Young Merrin
- The Hate U Give (2018) as Hailey
- Tall Girl (2019) as Harper Kreyman
- Work It (2020) as Quinn Ackerman (also executive producer)
- Clouds (2020) as Samantha “Sammy” Brown
- Tall Girl 2 (2022) as Harper Kreyman
- Emergency (2022) as Maddy
- Television:
- Law & Order: SVU (2011) as Paula
- Phineas and Ferb (2012) as Girl (voice role)
- Girl Meets World (2014–2017) as Maya Hart
- Milo Murphy’s Law (2016–2019) as Melissa Chase (voice role)
- Saturday Night Live (2024) as Herself (musical guest)
- Stage:
- Peter Pan and Tinker Bell: A Pirate’s Christmas (2015) as Wendy Darling
- Mean Girls (2020) as Cady Heron (Broadway)
- Video Games:
- Just Dance Kids 2 (2011) as Coach
Awards and Nominations
Sabrina has received multiple accolades throughout her career:
- 2015: Radio Disney Music Awards, Best Crush Song for “Can’t Blame a Girl for Trying” (Won)
- 2019: SCAD Savannah Film Festival, Best Performance for The Short History of the Long Road (Won)
- 2023: Variety Hitmakers, Rising Star Award (Won)
- 2024: BMI Pop Awards, Most Performed Song of the Year for “Cupid” (Won)
- 2024: MTV Video Music Awards, Best Pop and Song of the Year for “Espresso” (Won)
- 2025: Grammy Awards, Pending nominations for multiple categories, including Best New Artist and Record of the Year for “Espresso”
Her career continues to evolve with ongoing success, as seen in her upcoming Short n’ Sweet tour and her recent recognition at major award shows.
