Sabrina Carpenter named Variety’s hitmaker of the year

Sabrina Carpenter accepted Variety’s Hitmaker of the Year award Saturday at the publication’s annual brunch in Los Angeles, where she was presented the honor by longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff and advised industry insiders to “write the music you want to listen to yourself” rather than aiming for hits.variety

The 26-year-old pop star is currently nominated for six Grammy Awards for the 2026 ceremony, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year for her album “Man’s Best Friend” and single “Manchild,” following her first two Grammy wins in February for “Espresso” and “Short n’ Sweet.”variety

Antonoff praised Carpenter’s natural songwriting talent and willingness to take creative risks, noting her “profound respect for her audience” and highlighting the key change in “Please Please Please” as an example of details that are “significant and intriguing.”variety

Sabrina Carpenter Named Variety’s Hitmaker of the Year Amid Six Grammy Nominations

Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter accepted Variety’s Hitmaker of the Year award Saturday at the publication’s ninth annual Hitmakers brunch in Los Angeles, capping a remarkable year that saw her transition from Disney Channel alumna to chart-topping superstar.variety

The 26-year-old singer received the honor from longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff, who praised her natural songwriting ability and respect for her audience. “What’s truly remarkable is her ability to write like that,” Antonoff said, commending Carpenter’s willingness to take creative risks. He specifically highlighted the key change in “Please Please Please” as an example of her artistic boldness.variety

In her acceptance speech, Carpenter offered candid advice to the industry crowd, drawing from her experience writing songs since age 10. “The simplest way to compose a poor song is to aim for a hit,” she told attendees. “Instead, write the contrary of what you believe a hit should be. Create something that resonates with you—something only you can produce”.variety

Grammy Recognition and Recent Success

The accolade arrives as Carpenter enjoys widespread recognition for her seventh studio album, “Man’s Best Friend,” released in August. The album earned her six nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards, announced in November, including the prestigious Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year categories—all for lead single “Manchild”. She also received nominations for Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Pop Solo Performance, and Best Music Video.imdb

This marks Carpenter’s second consecutive year with six Grammy nominations. In February, she won her first two Grammys—Best Pop Solo Performance for “Espresso” and Best Pop Vocal Album for “Short n’ Sweet”.thenews

“Manchild,” co-written with Antonoff and Amy Allen, debuted at No. 1 upon its June release and has charted in the top ten across multiple countries. The album “Man’s Best Friend” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, amassing over 180 million streams in its first week.consequence

During her speech, Carpenter thanked Island Records for trusting her artistic vision and emphasized that songs only become hits when they resonate with listeners. “Thank you to the fans who turn these songs into hits,” she said.variety