Why Sabrina Carpenter’s Performance Had Malfunctions, Dancers Missed Their Cues

Sabrina Carpenter stole the spotlight—quite literally—at the 67th Grammy Awards held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 2, 2025. While the “Espresso” singer celebrated her first Grammy wins for Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album, her unexpectedly hilarious performance became one of the night’s most talked-about moments.

A Performance Full of “Malfunctions”

Carpenter took the stage in a dazzling sparkly tux jacket, but right from the start, things didn’t go as planned—or did they? As she tried to step into the spotlight, it kept moving away, leaving her chasing the light to the amusement of the audience. When she finally found her mark, she attempted to twirl a baton, only to have it fly out of her hands in a comically awkward moment.

Undeterred, the Grammy-winning artist transitioned into a jazzy rendition of her hit song “Espresso” while descending from the top of an elegant white staircase. However, as she kept walking down, she disappeared behind the front set of stairs, further fueling the audience’s laughter and confirming that this was all part of a brilliantly staged vaudeville act.

More Mishaps—Or Perfect Comedy?

The set continued with Sabrina changing into a crystal-studded blue bodysuit before launching into the next segment. As she performed alongside her backup dancers, the comedic chaos didn’t stop:

• The lights flickered unexpectedly.

• A set wall collapsed, prompting Carpenter to scream and jump into a dancer’s arms.

• Dancers tripped over each other, adding to the carefully choreographed mayhem.

• A tap dance break further showcased her ability to mix humor and talent effortlessly.

Even Grammy host Trevor Noah couldn’t resist commenting, jokingly calling out Carpenter for being both “amazing and funny.” “You’re gonna do funny too, Sabrina? Really? You’re just gonna take my job like that?” he quipped.

A Career Milestone and Unforgettable Grammy Moment

This was Carpenter’s first time as a Grammy nominee—a moment she had long dreamed of. When the nominations were announced in November, she shared a behind-the-scenes reaction video with her team, writing: “Us on the tour bus this morning—take a shot every time we scream! This is the first year I’ve watched the livestream where I heard my name! I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t dreamt about this day my whole life, so I am filled with gratitude. Thank you!”

Despite already having six albums under her belt, she humorously referred to herself as the “best old artist” in reaction to her Best New Artist nomination.

Sabrina Carpenter’s Signature Bold Performances

Carpenter’s Grammy debut follows a series of bold performances throughout her Short N’ Sweet tour. At the MTV Video Music Awards, she performed alongside a spacesuit-wearing astronaut and a seductive blue alien, engaging in a playful on-stage kiss that left audiences buzzing.

Known for her cheeky and NSFW stage antics, Carpenter has built a reputation for pushing boundaries, even incorporating suggestive choreography in her concerts. During her hit song “Juno”, she playfully mimed an explicit gesture while singing, “Have you ever tried this one?“

Final Thoughts

While some may have been caught off guard by the unexpected mishaps during Sabrina Carpenter’s Grammy performance, it’s clear that every “malfunction” was carefully staged to create one of the most memorable moments of the night. With her humor, charm, and undeniable stage presence, Carpenter continues to prove she’s more than just a pop sensation—she’s an entertainer who knows how to keep the world watching.