Sabrina Carpenter has proven that he not only knows how to dominate the charts, but also how to handle controversy with irony and style. After the controversy generated by the original cover of his new album Man's Best Friendthe American has responded with a dart that is more of a torpedo to the waterline of haters, puritans and other people with no other motivation than complaint and protest. And for this reason, through his social networks, he has shown an alternative cover that he has assured that is “blessed by God.”
The original image of the album, which will be officially released on August 29, sparked an intense conversation on social networks. In it, Sabrina appears on the ground, in a position reminiscent of a dog, dressed in a black minidress and heels, while a man—cut out of the image—pulls her hair. The The photograph was interpreted by some as feminist satire, while others called it offensive and degrading.
Far from apologizing or softening his tone, Carpenter has chosen to double down. On his X account (formerly Twitter), he posted a new promotional image accompanied by the message: “I'll sign some copies of Man's Best Friend for you and here is a new alternative cover blessed by God. Now available on my website.”
WECB
WECB
The alternate cover shows Sabrina in a much more glamorous, less sexual and less socially questionable scene: dressed in a long dress covered in rhinestones, accompanied by a man in a ballgown. In one of the shots, she looks directly into the camera while his back is turned; in another, she appears surprised by something that happens out of shot. The nod to Marilyn Monroe is evident, and the ironic tone of the message has not gone unnoticed.
Signed prints with this new image sold out in less than 15 minutes, proving that, controversial or not, Carpenter knows how to connect with his audience. The edition is available on vinyl, CD and cassette, and joins the standard versions of the album already circulating in pre-sale.
Sabrina's strategy has been celebrated by many as a show of empowerment and narrative control. Instead of letting the controversy define her, she has decided to appropriate the discourse and turn it into a promotional tool.
With Man's Best Friend, Sabrina Carpenter not only releases a new album, but also a declaration of principles. And if she has made one thing clear, it is that she is not afraid to provoke, laugh at herself and, above all, defy expectations. The “blessed by God” cover is just the latest chapter of an artist who knows how to turn every criticism into an opportunity.
