In 2025, Sabrina Carpenter performed at the 67th annual Grammy Awards with a high-energy performance featuring hits from her Short n’ Sweet album, “Please Please Please” and “Espresso”. With a vintage airport-themed set, Carpenter showcased her theatrical talent, engaging in a dramatic Goldie Hawn-inspired sketch-comedy style routine on a set of stairs, all while still delivering polished vocals. Even though this was her first performance on the big Grammy stage, Carpenter definitely made an impact.
So much so that Carpenter was re-welcomed to the Grammys stage again, on February 1, 2026, she took the stage, now pulling from her newest album, Man’s Best Friend, and obviously, using her biggest hit of them all.
Opening the performance with an elaborate airport set, Carpenter appeared on the conveyor belts, singing “Manchild” while dressed in a white pilot outfit, sparkling jewels covering her from head to toe. With backup dancers behind her, dressed in various costumes, such as a nurse and an astronaut. Bringing together the visuals to represent the “baggage” that comes with relationships gone wrong. To create her big finish, Carpenter rose above the stage on a silver plane prop and revealed a dove, which briefly fluttered as she held it. After her finish, she was applauded and praised by celebrities and fans.
However, shortly after her performance ended, the internet went wild. But not in a good way. It was all about this one little dove that Carpenter brought on stage for no longer than 5 seconds. Activist organizations and outspoken individuals commented that bringing a live bird on stage is stupid, slow, useless, and cruel. Claiming that the bright lights, loud noise, and handling caused fear and distress for the bird. Continuing, saying that the bird belongs flying free in the open sky and not used as a prop on a stage for human entertainment.
After receiving this backlash, Carpenter reassured everyone within the next couple of days. Stating that the bird trainer, Sara Brown, claimed the dove, named “Tina”, was trained for the event and not harmed in any way during the performance. Even more, Carpenter practiced multiple times handling the bird in the trainer’s presence, learning all the proper techniques.
So, Sabrina Carpenter continues to leave her mark at the Grammys, but will it be enough to ensure her spot next year?
