Sabrina Carpenter Mulls Phone-Free Concerts to Elevate Experience

Rising pop star Sabrina Carpenter (26), known for hit singles like “Espresso” and “Please, Please, Please”, has revealed she’s considering asking fans to leave their phones behind at some of her upcoming shows. The proposal comes after attending a Silk Sonic concert in Las Vegas—where phones were confiscated—that she described as magical and immersive.

She told Rolling Stone that during the no-phone portion, she felt transported back to the 1970s, experiencing a sense of connection and engagement among the audience: collective singing, dancing, and genuine eye contact. Carpenter acknowledged that smartphones at concerts are now commonplace and that she understands fans wanting to capture moments. But she believes that removing phones could restore a live performance’s authenticity.

“I’ve grown up during this era where fans record everything with iPhones,” Carpenter commented. “But being forced to lock it away made the concert feel more real.” She admitted that enforcing such a ban “will honestly piss off my fans”, but believes it could foster a deeper communal experience.

Still, Carpenter made it clear she’s not ready to implement the policy right away. “Not until later in my touring career,” she clarified with a laugh. “Maybe when I’m older and don’t want people zooming in on my face.”

Her remarks have stirred a range of reactions online. Some fans worry about emergencies and losing personal access, arguing that concert-goers paid to record memories. Others praise the idea, saying it could help them stay truly present and enjoy the moment without a screen between them and the performance.

In the same interview, the singer also addressed the heightened scrutiny female artists often face. Revealing her provocative new album Man’s Best Friend, Carpenter criticised how women in entertainment are instantly judged—whether it’s for their outfits, artwork, or personal choices. She expressed her frustration at society’s tendency to nitpick female artists while promoting the illusion of “women supporting women”.

Why This Matters:

• Carpenter’s idea joins a growing trend: performers like Bob Dylan, Jack White, and Silk Sonic have already experimented with phone-free shows.
• The move challenges modern concert culture, which often prioritises digital documentation over real-time enjoyment.
• It also sparks debate around personal autonomy, safety, and fan rights.

Whether or not Sabrina Carpenter ultimately enforces a phone ban, her comments have opened a fascinating conversation about how we enjoy live music — and whether a little nostalgia might just bring it all back into focus.

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