To stand in the Grand Ole Opry’s circle is a moment artists spend their lives chasing. On October 7, 2025, Sabrina Carpenter stepped into that circle for the first time. Before her show-stopping debut, the stage belonged to a lineup that felt both nostalgic and electric: Riders in the Sky charmed the audience with a mashup from their Grammy-award winning Disney albums, Kaitlin Butts’ got everyone dancing with ‘You Don’t Gotta Die (to Be Dead to Me),’ and Marcus King delivered a dazzling set. When Sheryl Crow introduced the 2025 Hitmaker of the Year, the energy shifted — anticipation buzzed through the room. As the opening notes of ‘Please Please Please’ (Country Version) rang out, everyone cheered. Dressed in what fans have already dubbed “the noodle dress (Sabrina’s Version)”, Carpenter twirled across the stage with excited ease, spinning as she sang.
She followed it up with the live debut of “Go Go Juice” from her latest album, Man’s Best Friend, laughing as she told the crowd she was performing her “clean versions” tonight. After the quick dancing punches, Carpenter shifted gears into “Slim Pickins,” leaning into its playful country influences with a grin. Every clean chorus came with a sparkling look, daring fans to behave and sing the version with her. By the time she launched into “Manchild” to close her set, she called for everyone to stand and stand they did. Boots and sparkly heels hit the floor as the crowd became one big dancing, clapping family. She thanked the audience again and again for welcoming her and raising her on country music. The answer came as a roaring standing ovation. This wasn’t a borrowing of the stage; this was a claiming. Until next time, Sabrina Carpenter. Nashville is waiting for you.
- Rachel Phinney
