Sabrina Carpenter has been steadily climbing the ranks of pop stardom over the past decade, and her September 2024 show at Madison Square Garden made it abundantly clear why. Performing in one of the most iconic venues in the world is no small feat, yet Carpenter carried the evening with poise, energy, and a surprising depth that belied her years. While the show may not have redefined the live pop experience, it was an entertaining, well-executed display of her talent, personality, and connection with her fans.
The energy in Madison Square Garden was palpable from the moment fans began filing in. Young adults, teens, and diehard Sabrina fans alike packed the arena, many sporting merch from her latest album and earlier tours. The excitement was tangible—screams, chatter, and the occasional burst of laughter filled the air as anticipation built. Carpenter has cultivated a fanbase that is loyal, vocal, and fiercely supportive, and that loyalty became the driving force of the night.
Act I: Sweet Beginnings
The show opened with a brief video introduction called “The Short n’ Sweet Show”, setting the tone with playful visuals, quick cuts, and hints of Carpenter’s personality. The video, lighthearted and energetic, acted as a warm-up, a cinematic prelude to the live energy that would take over the arena in moments.
When Carpenter finally appeared on stage with “Taste,” the crowd erupted. The song, one of her more upbeat pop tracks, immediately engaged the audience, giving fans the opportunity to sing along with its catchy chorus. Her vocals were strong, though there were moments where it was clear she was relying on backing tracks to support the more demanding parts. Still, her stage presence compensated, with expressive movements, confident engagement, and frequent eye contact with the front rows.
Next came “Good Graces”, a slightly more contemplative track that allowed Carpenter to slow the pace while still maintaining audience attention. The transition from high-energy opener to a song with more melodic focus worked well, giving the show some breathing room while allowing fans to fully immerse themselves in her vocal delivery.
“Slim Pickins” followed, bringing the tempo back up. The production here was fun and flashy, with colorful lighting and dynamic stage visuals complementing the song’s playful tone. Carpenter’s energy was consistent, her choreography precise, and her connection with the band and background performers visible, highlighting the collaborative nature of her live show.
The first act closed with “Tornado Warnings” and “Lie to Girls / Decode”, pairing her most rhythmically energetic songs with more introspective lyrics. Fans responded with enthusiasm, shouting lyrics, and clapping along, particularly during the chorus of “Tornado Warnings.” The act ended on a strong note, leaving the audience eager for more while establishing Carpenter as a confident performer capable of balancing fun pop tracks with more thoughtful moments.
Act II: After Dark
After a brief interlude, Act II opened with “Sabrina After Dark,” an elaborate segment introducing the band and backup singers. The visuals were sophisticated, the lighting darker and moodier than the first act, signaling a shift in tone. Carpenter embraced the theatricality, strutting confidently across the stage and emphasizing every movement with intent. This segment allowed the audience to see another side of her artistry—her ability to command a space beyond just singing and dancing.
“Feather,” a jazzy remix of one of her earlier tracks, was particularly striking. Carpenter paused mid-song to shout, “I’m playing MSG and you’re not!” eliciting a wave of cheers and laughter. The jazz elements were unexpected in a predominantly pop set, giving the show a hint of experimentation. Fans responded well, some dancing along, others simply soaking in the performance.
The tempo picked up again with “Fast Times” and “Read Your Mind”, two tracks that showcased Carpenter’s rhythmic sensibilities. Her live vocals were strong on these tracks, though occasionally slightly overshadowed by the production-heavy instrumental. Even so, her confidence and interaction with the crowd more than made up for minor vocal inconsistencies.
Next came “Sharpest Tool / Opposite”, a medley that demonstrated her songwriting versatility. Carpenter effortlessly transitioned between moods and melodies, her voice clear and expressive. This section was followed by “Because I Liked a Boy” and “Coincidence,” slower, more narrative-driven songs that gave the audience a moment to breathe while highlighting Carpenter’s ability to connect emotionally with her material.
A particularly surprising moment was the inclusion of “Mamma Mia” (ABBA cover) combined with a spin on “Spin the Bottle.” It was playful, unexpected, and a perfect moment of crowd engagement. Fans sang along enthusiastically, laughing and clapping, adding to the lighthearted energy of this act. Act II closed with “Nonsense,” which had a slick, danceable beat that energized the crowd and set the stage for the final act.
Act III: Peak Performance
Act III kicked off with “Don’t Touch That Dial!”, immediately pulling the audience back into high energy territory. The choreography was precise, Carpenter’s vocals strong, and the audience fully engaged. This section emphasized her strengths as a live performer: stage presence, timing, and audience connection.
“Dumb & Poetic” and “Juno” were more subdued, allowing for vocal nuance and subtle emotional expression. Fans were attentive, many swaying to the rhythm, captivated by her ability to balance theatricality with intimacy.
“Please Please Please” and “Don’t Smile” brought the show toward a crescendo, increasing the tempo and re-engaging fans in the more pop-centric aspects of her performance. Carpenter’s energy remained high, her choreography tight, and her interaction with the band and dancers seamless. She clearly thrives in live settings, her comfort on stage evident in every movement and vocal inflection.
Encore: Espresso
After a brief pause and the roar of the audience, Carpenter returned for the encore with “Espresso.” The song served as a perfect closing track: energetic, catchy, and reflective of her pop sensibilities. The audience sang along with abandon, waving arms and clapping in unison. It was a celebratory moment, a fitting end to a show that highlighted both her musical talent and her ability to engage an audience across multiple moods and styles.
Performance Highlights
One of the strengths of this concert was Carpenter’s ability to balance high-energy pop with more introspective moments. Tracks like “Good Graces” and “Because I Liked a Boy” provided emotional depth, while “Taste”, “Tornado Warnings”, and “Espresso” kept the momentum fast and exciting. Carpenter’s interaction with the crowd—shouting encouragement, making jokes, and gesturing expressively—made fans feel directly connected to the performance.
The visual production was also impressive. Each act had its own color palette and lighting design, enhancing the emotional impact of the songs. Background visuals were playful, sometimes abstract, sometimes narrative, but always engaging. Costume changes and choreography were on point, emphasizing Carpenter’s versatility as both a vocalist and performer.
While Carpenter’s vocals were generally strong, there were moments where backing tracks or pre-recorded elements seemed to support her, especially during highly choreographed sections. This is common in pop performances of this scale and did little to detract from the overall enjoyment of the evening.
Audience Engagement
Madison Square Garden was fully alive throughout the evening. Fans sang along to nearly every chorus, danced in their seats or on the floor, and cheered after every song. Carpenter’s rapport with the audience was evident—she acknowledged the crowd frequently, made jokes, and clearly appreciated the energy being sent her way. There was a sense of intimacy despite the size of the venue; Carpenter managed to make tens of thousands of fans feel like they were part of a shared, personal experience.
Full Setlist
Act I
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The Short n’ Sweet Show (video intro)
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Taste
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Good Graces
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Slim Pickins
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Tornado Warnings
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Lie to Girls / Decode
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Bed Chem
Act II
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Sabrina After Dark (contained names of singers and band)
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Feather (jazz remix; said “I’m playing MSG and you’re not!”)
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Fast Times
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Read Your Mind
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Sharpest Tool / Opposite
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Because I Liked a Boy
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Coincidence
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Mamma Mia (ABBA cover) / Spin the Bottle cover
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Nonsense
Act III
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Don’t Touch That Dial!
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Dumb & Poetic
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Juno
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Please Please Please
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Don’t Smile
Encore
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Espresso
Final Thoughts
Sabrina Carpenter’s Madison Square Garden show in September 2024 was a display of confident, polished pop performance. While the set occasionally relied on backing tracks and pre-recorded elements, Carpenter’s stage presence, choreography, and interaction with the audience more than made up for it. She balanced energetic, catchy tracks with slower, emotionally resonant songs, creating a dynamic flow that kept fans engaged from start to finish.
The production design, including lighting, visuals, and video elements, was vibrant and thematic, enhancing the overall concert experience. Carpenter clearly understands how to navigate a large venue, making tens of thousands of fans feel connected and involved.
For long-time fans, the night was a celebration of her growth as an artist. For newcomers, it was an impressive introduction to her versatility and talent. While it wasn’t groundbreaking in terms of pop spectacle, it was thoroughly entertaining, engaging, and reflective of Carpenter’s skill and charisma as a live performer. By the time the final notes of “Espresso” faded, fans left energized, satisfied, and eager to see where she takes her live shows next.
In the end, this performance solidified Sabrina Carpenter’s reputation as a capable, confident pop artist who can command one of the world’s most famous stages while keeping her fans at the heart of the experience. Madison Square Garden may have witnessed countless legendary performances, but for those in attendance that night, Carpenter proved she’s very much capable of standing among them.