Not everyone was excited that Sabrina Carpenter was performing at the Grand Ole Opry.
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As we reported back in September, country music fans expressed doubts about the "Espresso" singer joining Riders in the Sky, Laci Kaye Booth, Cameron Marlowe, Kaitlin Butts, Marcus King, Jamey Johnson, and Ernest on stage at the historic venue.
Carpenter's last record featured a version of her song "Please Please Please" with Dolly Parton. Others have noted a country influence in some of her music.
That didn't stop people from sharing their opinions. "Ok, I love her so much, but why is she at the Opry?" one commenter asked. "I mean, I'm not hating here...I just don't get what a non-country artist is going to play at the Opry," another added.
However, on Oct. 7, Carpenter showed everyone that she belonged on the Opry stage.
Sheryl Crow Introduced Sabrina Carpenter on Stage
After the rest of the lineup performed, the red curtains of the Opry were lowered. Soon after, Sheryl Crow took the stage to address the audience.
"I am so pleased to welcome a two-time Grammy Award-winning global superstar whose new album Man's Best Friend debuted at No. 1," Crow said.
"Making her Opry debut, please welcome Sabrina Carpenter!"
The curtain lifted, and Carpenter, dressed in a sparkling black dress, began performing "Please Please Please."
"I just want to say thank you to the Grand Ole Opry for opening your doors to me, to this incredible band," Carpenter said.
She expressed gratitude that Crow introduced her, saying, "I can't even tell you what that means to me."
Carpenter Acknowledged Her Lack of Country Cred
Carpenter acknowledged that her music differed from the traditional Nashville sound but emphasized her appreciation for the opportunity to perform at the Opry.
"My mom raised me on the artists that have stood right here like Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, of course, my favorite, Dolly Parton," Carpenter said.
"I'm not technically a country girl 'cause I'm from Pennsylvania, but I've seen a couple of cows in the middle of the road," she added. "You guys are my people, too."
Carpenter then added some fiddle to "Go Go Juice." She went on to perform "Slim Pickins," another country-influenced song from 2024, and closed out with "Manchild."
"If you're a fan of country music ... I want to give you all my thanks because I know that you guys are very picky," Carpenter told the crowd.
"I know you don't welcome people onto your stage and into your world so easily, but you really raised me with your music. You being fans of this music is what is continuing this legacy and allowing artists to be able to experiment and feel inspired."
