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Sabrina Carpenter encourages creators to pursue personal musical interests while receiving Variety’s Hitmaker of the Year honor


Sabrina Carpenter winner of the Song of the Year Award.
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Sabrina Carpenter at Award Show

Sabrina’s standout night

Sabrina Carpenter stepped on stage glowing with excitement as she accepted her Hitmaker of the Year honor, sharing a warm, bright smile that lifted the room. She playfully nodded to her busy, unforgettable year.

She thanked the people who supported her throughout her journey and kept her grounded, even in the face of sudden success. Her speech captured a mix of joy and amazement, reminding everyone how far dedication can take someone.

Musician Jack Antonoff.

Jack Antonoff’s warm praise

Jack Antonoff praised Sabrina’s drive, humor, and unique talent for turning bold ideas into polished songs. He said working with her is inspiring, as her creativity constantly pushes him to explore fresh and exciting sounds.

He also praised her ability to handle rising fame with grace, calling her grounded and thoughtful, even during busy schedules. His words reflected years of teamwork and trust, showing how their partnership helps shape meaningful music.

Close-up portrait of songwriter Amy Allen.

Creative support around her

Sabrina read her speech from a small diary, thanking songwriter Amy Allen for being part of her creative circle. She said having trusted friends encourages her to explore bold ideas while staying fully supported.

Their guidance brings stability while she experiments with fun sounds. Sabrina loves having collaborators who listen closely and help her grow through every challenge and accomplishment along the way.

Yellow beach sign pointing right towards the ocean says 'DREAMS'.

Earlier dreams taking flight

Sabrina discussed writing songs since the age of ten, explaining how her early passion shaped her voice and taught her to trust her instincts. She encouraged young artists to lean into creativity and enjoy exploring ideas without fear, creating music that feels personal and filled with real emotion.

She shared that staying true to herself helped her move forward despite challenges from fame. Her words highlighted patience, growth, and curiosity, reminding listeners that strong art begins with honesty and evolves in response to life’s changes.

A girl writing a song.

Her advice for real songwriting

Sabrina said chasing a hit can weaken a song and urged creators to focus on meaning, not pressure. She encouraged writing brave, unusual ideas, letting surprising melodies, bold lines, and personal truths guide inspiration naturally.

She explained that the best songs start when artists draw from their own experiences. Trusting creative instincts allows music to connect deeply, emphasizing expression, personality, and courage as the core of storytelling that truly matters.

Cutout of letters spelling out 'respect' thumb-pinned on a wall.

Respect for her listeners

Jack highlighted Sabrina’s belief that audiences enjoy smart, surprising choices in music. She writes expecting listeners to understand complex ideas, giving her freedom to use unexpected chords and playful turns, making her songs unique and charming.

He highlighted the thrilling key change in “Please Please Please” as proof of her confidence in listeners, showing her willingness to take musical risks that create a stronger emotional impact and keep fans eager for new releases.

Studio microphone radio technology.

Finding magic in the studio

Sabrina described being in a room full of instruments as magical, where ideas transform into exciting moments. She said each session creates energy, giving her chances to explore new melodies that often surprise her.

She shared how those creative days motivate her to keep learning and pushing boundaries. The sound, rhythm, and atmosphere keep her inspired, helping her imagine new directions her music can take. She finds joy in discovering songs she never expected to write at all.

'Trust' word written on a stone.

A label that trusts her

Sabrina thanked Island Records for letting her guide her own artistic choices without pressuring her to follow trends. She said a supportive team helps her stay confident while shaping albums exactly as she envisions them.

She explained that trust from her label fuels her creativity, giving her space to follow her instincts. This freedom reduces pressure and keeps her music honest, allowing experimentation and fresh sounds that excite her fans.

Closeup of Gratitude word with pen on notebook over wooden table.

Gratitude for her fans

Sabrina closed her speech by thanking fans who sing her lyrics and share her songs. She said their excitement turns her work into real hits, creating moments bigger than charts through genuine connection and love for music.

She acknowledged how fans bring life to each melody, turning concerts, streams, and everyday listening into powerful support. Their passion keeps her inspired while she creates new projects.

Sabrina Carpenter winner of the Song of the Year Award.

A milestone Grammy year

Sabrina earned six major Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year. These honors highlighted her growing influence in the music industry, marking a proud milestone and a thrilling moment in her career.

Earlier in the year, she won two Grammys for “Espresso” and “Short n’ Sweet,” proving the strength of her recent work. Those wins boosted her confidence, inspiring her to explore bold ideas and energize fans everywhere.

Sabrina Carpenter performs at a concert.

Touring with new energy

Sabrina launched her first arena tour in 2024, performing for huge, excited crowds. She brought confidence and energy to every show, blending sharp vocals, personality, humor, and heartfelt moments that made fans feel deeply connected throughout.

After taking the tour across Europe, she returned to the U.S. with the “Man’s Best Friend” edition, adding new songs and energy. Each stop drew massive enthusiasm as audiences responded to her upbeat style. The tour marked a major step in her live career.

Curious to see more of Sabrina’s bold style? Check out how she brought short king energy to the stage.

Tate McRae arrives at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards.

A room full of stars

Variety’s Hitmakers event brought together major artists like Rosé, Tyler, the Creator, Tate McRae, and Addison Rae. Their presence created an exciting celebration full of creativity, recognition, and appreciation for music shaping today’s culture.

Presenters like Laufey, Benny Blanco, and Jimmy Jam honored honorees with warm stories that highlighted dedication and talent. The event felt like a gathering of bold voices who continue to influence music today.

Curious to see Sabrina bring her energy to the SNL stage? Check out her big debut and see why fans can’t stop talking about it.

Which Hitmaker moment surprised you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments and give a like if you’re loving Sabrina’s rise.

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