Eric Vetro, the acclaimed vocal coach behind the success of artists like Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, and now Sabrina Carpenter, is offering a unique perspective on the singer’s growth — especially her recent shift toward bolder, sexier lyrics. Vetro, who has worked with Carpenter since she was 12, is not at all surprised by her evolution from the sweet Disney Channel star to a global pop sensation.
Sabrina Carpenter, 25, has been capturing attention not only for her vocal talent but also for her bold musical choices. Her transition from the teen-friendly tracks of her early career to the more mature and provocative lyrics in her latest work, particularly her breakthrough album Short n’ Sweet, is nothing short of remarkable. However, according to Vetro, this evolution has been a natural one, and he has been supporting Carpenter every step of the way.
“I’ve always seen Sabrina’s cheeky, playful side. She has a fun sense of humor, and it was always just a tiny bit risqué,” Vetro shared with PEOPLE. “This shift in her music didn’t surprise me at all, because it didn’t happen overnight. It’s been a gradual evolution.”
Carpenter’s career trajectory took off with the Disney Channel’s Girl Meets World, but her music journey began nearly a decade ago, with her debut album dropping in 2015. Over the years, she released four albums, but it wasn’t until the release of Emails I Can’t Send in 2022 that she truly made a name for herself in the mainstream music scene. Songs like “Nonsense” and “Feather” marked the beginning of her more mature, confident sound.
But it was Short n’ Sweet, released in early 2024, that truly propelled her to A-list status. The album’s singles, “Espresso” and “Please Please Please,” showcased Sabrina’s vocal range and her ability to blend playful, seductive lyrics with her signature style. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, cementing her position as one of the brightest stars in pop today.
From the very beginning of their partnership, Vetro saw something special in Sabrina. He recalls the first time he saw her perform on stage when she was just 16 or 17 years old, noting how confident and charismatic she appeared, strutting across the stage with the presence of a seasoned performer.
“She just had that energy, even at such a young age,” says Vetro. “I remember being blown away by how naturally confident she was. She wasn’t just a great singer, she commanded the stage, and that’s something you can’t teach — it’s just part of her.”
As Carpenter matured both as an artist and a person, so did her music. The shift toward more mature themes, including the sensual and playful lyrics in songs like “Bed Chem” and “Juno,” was an organic progression, according to Vetro.
“I’ve seen Sabrina grow incrementally,” Vetro explains. “There’s always been a playful side to her personality, and her music reflects that. The more mature and sexy lyrics in Short n’ Sweet make total sense. She walks that line between fun and classy, and she’s great at keeping it sexy without crossing into anything inappropriate or trashy.”
It’s this careful balance that Vetro believes sets Sabrina apart. Her ability to be confident, bold, and fun — all while keeping her image intact — is what has made her a standout in the pop world. “She knows exactly how to have fun with her music, but always in a way that feels authentic to who she is,” he adds.
Beyond his work with Carpenter, Vetro has recently launched his own vocal coaching course, Sing Like the Stars, through BBC Maestro. In this eight-hour video series, Vetro shares insights from his extensive career, offering tips from his famous clients, including Carpenter, John Legend, and Marissa Jaret Winokur. Sabrina’s journey from Disney star to chart-topping artist is just one example of the kind of talent Vetro has nurtured over the years.
Vetro’s new course allows aspiring singers to learn from some of the best, offering practical advice on everything from vocal technique to performance confidence. With Carpenter’s impressive rise in the industry, her inclusion in Vetro’s course underscores the importance of developing one’s voice and persona in harmony.
Sabrina Carpenter’s musical evolution highlights an important aspect of health that often goes unnoticed: self-expression and confidence. Music, much like other art forms, allows individuals to communicate their emotions, explore different facets of their identity, and heal. Sabrina’s journey from her early days as a Disney Channel star to her current success as a global pop icon is a testament to how self-awareness and artistic freedom can lead to personal growth and empowerment.
In addition to the health benefits of creative expression, Sabrina’s journey also emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive mentors and communities — something that has been pivotal in her own development. Her relationship with Eric Vetro is a prime example of how collaboration and mentorship can foster growth in an artist’s career.
As Sabrina continues to evolve and break boundaries, she stands as an inspiration not only for her music but for the way she embraces her growth, both as an artist and as a person. Through her lyrics, her stage presence, and her journey, she encourages her fans to embrace their own authenticity and express themselves freely — a valuable message for mental health and well-being in an often challenging world.
With her Short n’ Sweet tour already making waves, fans are eager to see where Sabrina’s journey will take her next, and with the support of coaches like Vetro, the sky’s the limit for this rising star.
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