Sabrina Carpenter transformed Hyde Park into a glittering spectacle tonight, delivering the first of two sold-out shows at American Express presents BST Hyde Park. The "Espresso" star brought her signature sleek white stage setup, reminiscent of a New York nightclub, for a pop extravaganza that had the massive Day Five crowd dancing from start to finish.
Clad in a sparkling red leotard emblazoned with her name and calf-high white boots, Carpenter burst onto the stage with "Busy Woman," an illuminated "SC" emblem shimmering above. Her 18-song set was dynamically supported by a 12-strong dance crew, adding constant energy to the performance. Mid-set, in a playful moment, a crew member delivered Carpenter a shot, which she downed with a slight wince, much to the crowd's amusement. Interspersed throughout the show were charming 1950s-style advertisements on the big screens, adding a nostalgic touch. Tracks like "Coincidence," "Taste," and "Feather" blended emotional depth with undeniable party vibes, with Carpenter introducing "Sharpest Tool" as a "song that is very important to me."
Carpenter took a moment to express gratitude for her robust supporting lineup, acknowledging every artist who performed across BST Hyde Park's stages today, singling out "Amber Mark – one of my dearest friends." She then challenged the audience, "Now, I expect you to sing… it’s a concert!"
Introducing her new single, "Manchild," and following with a sensual rendition of "Because I Liked A Boy," Carpenter quipped about the British weather, setting up the night's sole cover. With a perfectly timed clap of thunder from the speakers, the familiar intro to The Weather Girls' "It’s Raining Men" began, a fitting and well-received surprise.
Returning for the second half of her set in a slinky black glittery dress, Carpenter introduced "Bed Chem" unfolded on a circular bed draped in white sheets. The performance crescendoed with "Juno" and the inimitable "Please, Please, Please." For the grand finale, Carpenter was lifted high above the electric crowd on a crane-operated platform, leaning over the rail, blowing kisses, and singing "Don’t Smile" to individual fans. As "Espresso" began, she famously declared, "The louder you scream, the more I drink," downing an espresso glass to a roar of screams and a sky full of fireworks, capping a truly dazzling night.
