By Emma Ford
L ike any other teenager during the COVID-19 pandemic, the empty days and abundance of free time came forward as an opportunity for me to explore the world around me. With the world at a standstill, the internet became my escape, introducing me to Sabrina Carpenter’s music — a discovery that would shape my playlists for years to come. Her “Eyes Wide Open” album was particularly captivating, and it was not long before her songs took over my YouTube playlist. Her voice is refreshingly honest, and each song offered a story I had not heard told that way before. Her raw emotion, wry humor and storytelling resonated with me in a way few artists have. So, after moving to the U.S. and hearing she was bringing her “Short n’ Sweet” tour to Portland, I knew I had to experience her live. Instagram had spoiled a few concert details for me, but even that could not prepare me for what I would feel seeing her on stage.
The lights dimmed, and as the opening notes of her song “Taste” filled the Moda Center, Carpenter walked out casually draped in a towel over a stunning purple outfit. In that moment, the entire arena seemed to collectively hold its breath, then burst into cheers. Carpenter’s charm and presence were magnetic, and I knew then I was in for an unforgettable night. The next hour and a half felt like a fever dream as she performed tracks from “Short n’ Sweet”, alongside iconic songs like “Nonsense,” “Feather” and “Because I Liked a Boy.” Then she surprised us with a cover of Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” which sent the entire place over the edge. Nearly 20,000 voices harmonized into one electrifying mass, and as I looked around, I felt lucky to be a part of it.
While the whole concert was an absolute blast of dopamine for me, certain highlights really kept me invested throughout. One thing that has impressed me in Carpenter’s music is her ability to tell stories through her songs. This extended to the concert, which created a well-designed narrative of Carpenter’s daily life. She crafted a day in her life on stage, taking us through her morning routine, lounging in bed, going out with friends for a wild night and grabbing a piping hot cup of espresso with “Espresso” playing in the background.
The stunning visuals used throughout the concert also played a huge role in building this storyline. These visuals were not just limited to projections, including various props, beautiful stage designing and effective use of lighting. The overall sense was a portal into her world, each scene a seamless part of her story. One moment, we were in her bedroom; the next, we were at an impromptu late-night party. It was as if she was letting us into her life through the music, showing us the relatable, mundane moments and making them feel cinematic. The storyline was simple but told with so much energy and flair that it felt as if we were getting an intimate and exclusive experience.
Of course, Carpenter’s quick wit made her music and the moments between songs feel all the more personal. She did not miss a beat, and her humor kept the atmosphere playful and fun. One such moment was when she pretended to lose her mic during the outro “Nonsense,” which once offered punny one-liners unique to each tour stop. Having tired of writing new jokes for each city, this workaround was one great example of her never failing to deliver something new and fresh on each of her tours.
Even without
her formerly signature outros, the show felt personalized to Rose City. “Text your ex, ‘You just Port-landed in my mind,’” she suggested with a grin, as we cringed and chuckled. Her quick-witted humor kept the crowd in good spirits, and it was clear she had a real connection with the audience. The hearty laughs were loud and visible in the crowd.
What truly elevated the night was her ability to engage with the audience. From arresting a fan from the crowd and dedicating her song to them to playing Spin the Bottle (where she spun a literal bottle on the stage and played the song that it landed on), she did a great job establishing those direct connections with the audience. In a space as huge as the Moda Center, Carpenter still managed to make each person feel like she was performing just for them. The “arrest” had everyone gasping, and was the best transition intro anyone could expect for her next song, “Juno”. It was one of those rare concert moments where you feel like the artist genuinely sees their audience, even from a distance.
By the time the last notes of “Espresso” rang out, it was clear Carpenter had earned her spotlight. Her talent is undeniable, but it is her charisma, humor and authentic connection with her audience that truly stood out. Her “Short n’ Sweet” tour stop may have been brief, but it was unforgettable — a performance that lingers long after the applause fades. As I left the Moda Center, I felt an even deeper appreciation for her music and her unique brand of storytelling. And I, for one, cannot wait to witness all her amazing future creations.
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