Sabrina Carpenter Considers Banning Phones
Sabrina Carpenter, one of pop music’s fastest-rising stars, is contemplating a bold move that could change the way her fans experience her live performances. The 25-year-old singer and actress, whose chart-topping singles like “Espresso” and “Feather” have made her a Gen Z icon, recently revealed that she is open to the possibility of banning phones at her future concerts.
In a candid interview promoting her upcoming tour and new music, Carpenter spoke about her growing desire to cultivate more genuine, present-moment experiences at her shows. While she emphasized how much she appreciates the support and enthusiasm of her fans, she also expressed concerns about how phone use during live performances can sometimes disrupt the flow and energy of the event.
“It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately,” Carpenter admitted. “There’s such a unique and powerful energy that happens when you’re fully engaged in the moment—when everyone is truly there, not just trying to film everything for later. I think we’ve all been in situations where you look around and see a sea of phones, and you kind of wonder what we’re missing while trying to capture it.”
The singer’s reflections come at a time when more artists are grappling with the challenges posed by a smartphone-obsessed audience. With fans eager to post content from concerts on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, the culture of sharing has sometimes come at the expense of being mentally and emotionally present. Carpenter, who herself rose to stardom with the help of a devoted online following, acknowledges the dilemma.
“Social media helped me build a relationship with my fans. I love that they want to record moments and share them with their friends. But at the same time, I’ve noticed that it can take away from the vibe in the room. When you’re constantly trying to get the perfect shot, you’re not dancing, you’re not singing along—you’re not truly feeling it,” she said.
Sabrina’s comments have sparked a flurry of conversation online, with fans and industry professionals alike weighing in on the pros and cons of a phone-free concert experience. Some artists, such as Jack White, Alicia Keys, and Chris Rock, have already adopted policies where audience members are required to place their phones in locked pouches during the performance—a method designed to reduce distractions and enhance connection between performer and audience.
Carpenter says she’s intrigued by that approach.
“I think the idea of using pouches or designated phone-free zones could be a cool compromise. It’s not about punishing people. It’s about helping them really take in the show and the community around them. My favorite moments on stage are when I can lock eyes with a fan and just know that we’re sharing something that will never happen the same way again.”
Reactions among her fans have been mixed. Some welcome the idea, citing how phone-free shows create a more immersive and emotionally resonant atmosphere.
One fan posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Honestly, I’d love to see Sabrina go phone-free. Her vocals, the visuals, the whole vibe—it deserves your full attention. You can’t really experience it through a tiny screen.”
Others, however, feel differently.
“I totally understand the concept,” wrote another fan on Instagram. “But I paid money for this ticket, and if I want to record a little piece to remember it by, I should be allowed. There’s a balance to be found.”
Carpenter herself acknowledges that balance is key. She emphasized that any decision to restrict phone use at her concerts would be made thoughtfully, with the fan experience in mind.
“If I did move forward with something like that, I’d want it to be because it truly enhances the show, not because I’m trying to control how people experience it. At the end of the day, these shows are about joy, connection, and freedom. Whatever I do, I want to protect that.”
As she prepares to launch a new era of music and embark on an international tour, Carpenter says she remains in active conversation with her team and fans about how to evolve the concert experience. Whether or not phones are ultimately banned at her shows, her intention is clear: she wants her performances to feel authentic, electric, and unforgettable.
“We spend so much time on our phones every day,” Carpenter concluded. “Maybe live music can be a rare space where we let go of that—where we can really be together, fully, for just a couple of hours. That’s something I think is worth exploring.”
For now, fans can expect more information in the coming months as tour plans are finalized. And if Carpenter does decide to take the phone-free route, she might just help lead a growing movement toward more meaningful, undistracted concert experiences.
