Sabrina Carpenter has recently spoken out about the criticism she faces for embracing her sexuality, drawing comparisons to music icons like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. The 25-year-old singer, who has rapidly gained fame for her hit singles Espresso and Please, Please, Please, shared her experiences in an interview with TIME for their cover story. She reflected on the ongoing scrutiny women in the music industry continue to face, despite years of progress.
Carpenter, a former Disney star, noted that while women like Spears and Aguilera helped shape public opinion on female sexuality, certain criticisms remain persistent, especially concerning stage outfits and public image.
Carpenter on the Similar Backlash Faced by Pop Stars
When asked about the similarities in criticism between her and earlier pop stars, Carpenter confirmed that she still faces the same negative remarks as her predecessors. “No, I definitely get that as well,” she explained, highlighting that despite decades of change, female artists continue to face scrutiny for how they present themselves on stage.
Carpenter compared her experiences to those of stars like Spears, Aguilera, Madonna, and Rihanna, who have all been criticized for their fashion choices and public personas. According to Carpenter, much of the backlash comes from a segment of the public that holds strong opinions on how female performers should dress. She revealed that some of the harshest criticism she receives often comes from parents. “You’ll still get the occasional mother that has a strong opinion on how you should be dressing,” she noted. Carpenter made it clear that she is unfazed by these opinions, saying, “And to that I just say, don’t come to the show, and that’s OK.”
Embracing Confidence Through Stage Outfits
Carpenter further addressed the importance of confidence as a performer, emphasizing that feeling empowered in her clothing choices helps her give her best on stage. “It’s unfortunate that it’s ever been something to criticize,” she said, referring to the backlash. She explained that for an artist, performing in front of large crowds is challenging enough, and feeling comfortable in their appearance helps alleviate some of that pressure.
The singer stressed that if wearing certain outfits boosts an artist’s confidence, then they should do what is necessary to feel secure while performing. Carpenter believes that dressing in a way that gives her confidence is crucial to delivering strong performances, regardless of external opinions.
Social Media and Handling Criticism
In addition to criticism from audiences, Carpenter also faces negativity on social media platforms. Like many public figures, she finds herself dealing with online comments that can often be harsh. However, Carpenter shared advice she received from her friends that has helped her cope with the negativity. She reminded herself that she is often the only one seeking out these negative comments, while those around her are oblivious to it.
Despite the online backlash, Carpenter stays focused on her career, choosing to rise above the negativity. She believes that receiving hate for things that others may not be criticized for is frustrating, but with the right mindset, it is possible to overcome it.
Christina Aguilera’s Support and Collaboration
In the same TIME 100 Next issue, fellow Disney alum Christina Aguilera, 43, penned a tribute to Carpenter, praising her for her talent and perseverance in the industry. Aguilera acknowledged the pressures that come with being a female artist in a demanding industry and expressed her admiration for Carpenter’s ability to navigate through these challenges.
Aguilera wrote, “Sabrina proves great things come in small packages,” while highlighting the younger singer’s rise in the music world. Aguilera, who has faced similar challenges during her career, understood what it takes to succeed and shared a special connection with Carpenter. Recently, the two collaborated on a reimagined version of Aguilera’s classic hit What a Girl Wants, marking a meaningful moment in their careers.
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SOURCE: TIME, DEADLINE
