Sabrina Carpenter reveals her ambitious Coachella 2025 headlining show plans. Get exclusive details on her creative process and special performances.
- April 9, 2026
AceShowbiz - Sabrina Carpenter is gearing up for what she calls the "most ambitious show" of her career as she readies to headline Coachella in April. In an exclusive interview with Marc Jacobs for Perfect, Carpenter shared insight into her upcoming performances scheduled for Friday, April 10 and Friday, April 17.
Carpenter described this project as unique compared to her previous experiences. "It's probably the most time I've ever had to actually just sit down and talk about a show as I'm building it," she said. Unlike past tours where rehearsals start abruptly, this time the preparation began approximately seven months ago, allowing for a more thoughtful creative process. "It will be very special," she added.
Reflecting on her earlier Coachella appearance in 2024, Carpenter recalled performing on the main stage during sunset but not as a headliner. "I was playing around 5:30 p.m. on the main stage two years ago," she said. That day was memorable not only because of the festival but also because it marked the debut performance of her song "Espresso." Now, returning as a headliner, Carpenter expressed how surreal it feels to celebrate the growth of her music catalog since then.
Discussing her onstage persona, Carpenter explained that performing activates a distinct "pop star mode." She said, "There’s a button that turns on when you’re performing." Since she began touring at age 16, this ability to compartmentalize has been essential. During shows, Carpenter transforms the personal stories behind her songs into a dynamic performance. Offstage, however, she returns to her full self, acknowledging her emotions and daily struggles.
Carpenter elaborated on this balance: "For me, it really just has been compartmentalising the moments where I feel like the show must go on and then moments where I can really allow myself to be a little all over the place and allow that to be OK." She noted that her perspective on managing these two sides differs from how others might see it, requiring conscious reminders to herself.
She further explained how she channels different versions of herself depending on context. "Part of me needs to channel a version of myself that maybe doesn’t take it all so seriously," she said. Offstage, she adopts a more focused, business-oriented mindset. Maintaining this separation helps her keep a healthier balance when these aspects inevitably overlap.
In addition to her reflections on Coachella, Carpenter touched on the impact her Short 'n' Sweet Tour had on her career. The tour was significant as it fostered meaningful connections with fans, an aspect she finds deeply inspiring. "Concerts are still one of the most inspiring things that I get to be a part of in my work," she shared, emphasizing the importance of live audience interaction.
With these upcoming headline sets, Carpenter is poised to deliver a performance that not only highlights her artistic growth but also celebrates the journey she has taken over the past years. Fans can look forward to a meticulously crafted show that merges her personal narrative with an ambitious live production.