American pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter is contemplating a bold move that could change the concert-going experience for her fans: banning mobile phones during her live shows. The singer and actress, who rose to fame with her debut album in 2014 and is now signed to Records, recently expressed her desire to reintroduce the charm of past decades into the modern concert scene.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Carpenter revealed that she is seriously considering prohibiting phone use at her concerts to recreate the immersive, undistracted atmosphere of the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Although the idea is still under review, she believes that removing phones could allow the audience to fully engage with the music and the moment.
“I know it’ll annoy my fans, but I hope they’ll consider it—for me,” Carpenter said. She shared a personal anecdote about attending a Silk Sonic concert in Las Vegas where her phone was locked away during the show. “It was the best concert experience I’ve ever had. I genuinely felt like I was in the seventies. Everyone was dancing, singing, smiling at each other—it was beautiful.”
While acknowledging that fans often want to capture memories from her concerts, Carpenter insists that the absence of phone screens enhances authenticity. “I grew up in the iPhone era, so I get it,” she said. “But when I’m older, and my skin is wrinkly and I’ve done all the treatments I can, I don’t want to see a video of myself from far away, looking like a blur. Right now my skin is soft and smooth—let’s keep the memories pure.”
Her remarks suggest that beyond aesthetics, she’s seeking to preserve the raw, youthful energy of live performance—something she fears could be lost in an era of endless recording.
If she follows through, Carpenter would join the ranks of other major artists like Bob Dylan, Adele, and Madonna, who have also implemented phone bans during their concerts to create more intimate and focused experiences.
Sabrina’s fame has surged in recent years, especially after the release of her critically acclaimed album Short n’ Sweet last year. Her hit single “Manchild” soared to the No. 2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Currently, she is preparing for the release of her next studio album Man’s Best Friend, which is expected to drop in August 2025.
As the global pop icon considers reshaping the rules of fan interaction during her shows, the industry—and her devoted fanbase—waits to see whether nostalgia will triumph over the impulse to record.