Sabrina Carpenter cemented her place at the top of pop’s elite with a standout appearance at Variety’s Hitmakers event, where she was honored as Hitmaker of the Year. The singer-songwriter, who began penning lyrics at just ten years old, delivered a sharp, inspiring speech that mixed gratitude with grounded advice about staying true to one’s creative instincts.
Rather than chasing chart-toppers, Carpenter urged artists to embrace their individuality. Her mantra? Write what only you can write. Embrace the unexpected. Add the odd key change. And don’t be afraid to call out men in your lyrics.
Jack Antonoff, her longtime collaborator and Grammy-winning producer, presented the award, hailing her as a fearless songwriter and an artist who trusts the intelligence of her audience. Carpenter’s respect for her fans was a recurring theme—she credited them for turning her songs into hits, reminding everyone that true success happens when listeners connect deeply with the music.
She also gave a nod to fellow songwriter Amy Allen and her creative circle, which she described as instrumental in encouraging her boldest ideas. Carpenter praised her label, Island Records, for backing her vision without trying to shape her work into a traditional hit formula.
Carpenter’s year has been nothing short of spectacular. She’s currently up for six Grammy Awards, including the coveted Album, Record, and Song of the Year categories. Earlier in the year, she picked up her first two Grammy wins for “Espresso” and the critically acclaimed Short n’ Sweet album.
The summer smash “Manchild” marked another milestone, with a fast rise on the charts and strong reviews for the full album released in August. Carpenter’s arena tour, “Man’s Best Friend,” launched globally in 2024 and continues to dominate stages across North America.
The Hitmakers event itself was stacked with talent, honoring a range of artists from Rosé and Tyler, the Creator to Tate McRae and Buddy Guy, with presenters like Benny Blanco and Jimmy Jam on hand to celebrate music’s biggest voices of the year.
Sabrina Carpenter’s moment isn’t just well-earned—it’s redefining what a pop powerhouse looks and sounds like in 2025.