Sabrina Carpenter Praises Fans and Collaborators at Variety’s Hitmakers Event

Sabrina Carpenter was honored at Variety’s annual Hitmakers event, receiving the Hitmaker of the Year award. The event took place on a Saturday and featured a star-studded audience of industry executives and fellow artists. Carpenter reflected on her busy year, sharing insights on songwriting from her experience that began at the age of 10.

Sabrina Carpenter’s Insights on Songwriting

During her acceptance speech, Carpenter emphasized the importance of authenticity in writing music. She stated, “The easiest way to write a bad song is to try to write a hit.” Instead, she encouraged songwriters to focus on their unique perspectives, allowing their true voices to emerge.

• Write what speaks to you.
• Incorporate unusual chord progressions and key changes.
• Challenge traditional notions of music if it feels right.

Tribute from Jack Antonoff

Carpenter’s award was presented by Jack Antonoff, her longtime collaborator. Antonoff praised her versatility as an artist and highlighted her songwriting instincts. He noted that she assumes fans are intelligent, allowing for creative freedom in her music.

Antonoff described Carpenter’s work as engaging and innovative, particularly referencing the thrilling key change in her song “Please Please Please.” Carpenter expressed gratitude for her supportive network, including songwriter Amy Allen, who inspires her creativity.

Success and Recognition

Currently, Carpenter is enjoying the success of her latest single, “Manchild,” which released in June and saw strong reviews. She thanked her label, Island Records, for their trust in her artistic choices, emphasizing their support in not defining what a hit should be.

Carpenter also acknowledged her fans, stating, “Thank you to the fans that learn the lyrics and sing the songs and make them hits.” She highlighted the symbiotic relationship between artists and listeners in defining a song’s success.

Grammy Nominations

Sabrina Carpenter is nominated for six Grammy Awards, including:

• Album of the Year
• Record of the Year
• Song of the Year
• Best Pop Vocal Album
• Best Pop Solo Performance
• Best Music Video

In February, she won her first two Grammys for “Espresso” and her album “Short n’ Sweet.” She will embark on her first arena tour in September 2024, with the European leg starting in March, before returning to the U.S. for the “Man’s Best Friend” tour.

Hitmakers Event Highlights

Variety’s Hitmakers event showcased numerous other talented artists. Honorees included:

• Rosé
• Tyler, the Creator
• Megan Moroney
• BigXThaPlug
• Role Model
• Addison Rae
• Tate McRae
• Buddy Guy
• The Marías

Presenters included well-known figures like Laufey, Benny Blanco, and Jimmy Jam, making the event a celebration of musical excellence and collaboration.