Sabrina Carpenter has spoken about her time in the limelight and what important lessons she has taken from Taylor Swift. This pop star, known for her latest album Short n’ Sweet, has been opening for Swift on the Eras Tour and now speaks to what it means to be accepted by such a big icon within the music industry.
In an interview with CBS This Morning that ran on October 6, Sabrina talked about how Taylor impacts the people around her not so much through advice but rather through example. “You just watch her walk into a room,” Sabrina said. “She’s so composed, she’s graceful, and she’s incredibly gracious.”
For Sabrina, lessons are learned just from Taylor being there. She says very little about words but more about how Taylor carries herself through ups and downs of stardom. Indeed, Sabrina said it had been an eye-opener seeing the way Taylor handles fame and, therefore, the import of composure and staying true to herself.
Carpenter has been a fan of Taylor Swift since well, the beginning of her career, and over time that fandom blossomed into a close companionship. Sabrina used to be a fan of Swift’s music; she covered Swift back in 2009 on YouTube. The more time went by, the more Carpenter’s own career took flight; she looked to Swift for musical inspiration but also as her personal role model.
“Taylor’s always been an idol of mine, even before I ever met her,” Carpenter said. “But once I got to know her, it became clear that her grace, composure and how she carries herself in any room are the real lessons.”
Pressed for any advice that Swift may have given her regarding how to navigate the trappings of fame, Carpenter let it be known it wasn’t just a matter of words. “I wouldn’t say it’s, like, a verbal thing as much as just, like, she’s very supportive of me and knows who I am as a person,” explained Carpenter. This is the kind of support that means a lot in such an overwhelming industry.
Having been in the spotlight since her Disney Channel days, Carpenter can attest that fame is overwhelming at times, but she really believes every person has a different journey and there’s just no universal way to handle it. She similarly echoed Swift’s approach: “I would say surround yourself with the right people.
Everyone has such an individual, unique experience that there’s no kind of blanket statement or advice on how to not let it rattle you. You just kind of have to exist and figure out what you can handle and what you don’t want to deal with,” she added.
That is definitely one of those perspectives that didn’t divert much from Carpenter’s own experience in the limelight. From overnight sensation in 2014 with her single “Can’t Blame a Girl for Trying” to evolving into 2018’s musical pieces that include “Thumbs” and “Skinny Dipping,” Carpenter made it clear: a support system-family, friends, or mentor- figures like Swift-has been crucial to maintaining a life in balance.
She also spoke of how Taylor Swift’s career inspires her as an artist. Swift’s ability to balance the commerciality of her success with deeply personal and reflective songwriting is something that Carpenter deeply admires. “Taylor never asks for permission in her music; she just goes for it. That’s been one of the most empowering things for me to see as an artist,” said Carpenter.
This has given Carpenter the ability to love her voice, allowing her most recent records: Emails I Can’t Send, 2022, and Short n’ Sweet, 2024. Both are testament to Carpenter’s advanced lyrical ability, including songs that deeply connect with her fanbase. “Taylor’s ability to write with such vulnerability yet maintain her strength is something I try to channel in my own music. It’s all about connecting with people through honest storytelling.”
That bond has only deepened over the years. In 2023, that came full circle: Carpenter began opening for Swift during the international leg of Swift’s Eras Tour. For Carpenter, it was one of those surreal moments-a dream come true.
“Touring with Taylor was so surreal-I’ve always looked up to her, and sharing the stage with someone who has been such an influence in my life felt like everything coming full circle,” says Carpenter. Swift even sent her a care package during Red (Taylor’s Version)’s 2021 release-a sweet moment in their growing friendship.
With Carpenter’s career on a well-oiled trajectory that sees no signs of slowing, she stresses that much of her confidence comes from within-thanks to the lessons learned from Swift. Whether it be navigating fame, staying true to herself, or pushing creative boundaries, Carpenter feels empowered by the support received.
