Sabrina Carpenter's SNL Performance Sparks Cultural Debate

Pop superstar Sabrina Carpenter pulled off double duty as host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live, but one of her performances quickly became the center of a thoughtful debate initiated by fellow artist Rina Sawayama.

TL;DR: Quick Takes on Sabrina's SNL Buzz

Sabrina Carpenter hosted and performed two songs, "Nobody's Son" and "Manchild," on Saturday Night Live.
Her "Nobody's Son" performance, featuring a martial arts-inspired set, drew criticism from Japanese-British artist Rina Sawayama for cultural insensitivity, specifically regarding shoes on tatami mats.
Beyond the cultural discussion, Carpenter also created buzz with uncensored profanity during her performance and a memorable hosting debut tackling various comedic characters.

Talk about a busy Saturday night! Sabrina Carpenter, the "Espresso" singer who's been dominating the charts, truly did it all on Saturday Night Live. On October 18, she not only graced the iconic stage as the musical guest but also took on the challenging role of host. It's a rare feat for any artist, showing off her versatility and charm, but her "Nobody's Son" performance quickly stirred up a fascinating and important cultural conversation.

From the moment she stepped out, Carpenter captivated audiences with her energy. She performed her hit "Manchild" with a playful bedroom set, complete with a "It's Saturday Night" emblazoned on her undies, and later delivered "Nobody's Son" with a high-impact, martial arts-inspired backdrop. However, it was this second performance that caught the discerning eye of another celebrated artist, Rina Sawayama.

Unpacking the Martial Arts-Inspired Performance of "Nobody's Son"

For her second musical number, Sabrina Carpenter chose "Nobody's Son," a track from her latest album, Man's Best Friend. The performance was a spectacle, set against the backdrop of what appeared to be a traditional martial arts studio, complete with tatami mats on the floor. Carpenter herself wore a sparkly karate uniform and a black belt, getting into the spirit of the aesthetic.

Her dancers mirrored the theme, performing martial arts-inspired choreography, creating a dynamic and visually engaging scene. Carpenter even incorporated some physical comedy, breaking blocks of wood and delivering a powerful kick to a man's stomach as she sang the song's viral bridge, "That boy is corrupt [POW!]." It was an energetic display, blending pop performance with elements of a combat sport. But while the visuals were certainly striking and memorable, they also sparked an important cultural critique that soon made headlines.

Rina Sawayama's Thoughtful Critique: Why "Shoes on Tatami is Jail"

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The day after Sabrina Carpenter's performance, Japanese-British singer, actor, and model Rina Sawayama took to her Instagram Story to offer some "constructive criticism." Sawayama, known for her sharp artistry and keen cultural awareness, expressed "big love" for Sabrina but quickly pivoted to a crucial point about the set design for "Nobody's Son."

Her main point of contention? The dancers, and briefly Carpenter herself, were seen wearing shoes on the tatami mats that made up the dojo-inspired set. This might seem like a small detail to some, but for Sawayama and many others familiar with Japanese culture, it's a significant oversight. Tatami mats are traditional woven mats used in Japanese homes and martial arts dojos. They are delicate, easily damaged, and are considered sacred spaces where one typically removes shoes out of respect and practicality, as martial arts are often practiced barefoot.

"Big love to Sabrina, but fellow artists creative teams … if we are clearly referencing a culture please can you do so with the research, respect and care it deserves. Shoes on tatami is jail."

— Rina Sawayama via Instagram Story, October 19

Sawayama's comment highlighted the need for deeper cultural research and respect when referencing specific traditions. She zoomed in on the dancers' footwear, noting they wore sneakers (though some sources suggested they were taekwondo shoes) on the mats, emphasizing the cultural faux pas. It wasn't just a minor visual discrepancy; it pointed to a broader issue of cultural representation in pop media.

Understanding the Deeper Conversation Around Cultural Referencing and Representation

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Rina Sawayama's critique goes beyond just a footwear mishap. Her call for "research, respect, and care" touches on the ongoing dialogue surrounding cultural appropriation versus appreciation, especially in the entertainment industry. When artists draw inspiration from other cultures, the intention is often not malicious, but without proper consultation and understanding, it can inadvertently disrespect or commodify those cultures.

As some cultural commentators have pointed out, the issue isn't always about outright exploitation, but often about a lack of diversity behind the scenes. Could a Japanese expert or designer have been consulted for the "Nobody's Son" set? Such a collaboration could have prevented the misstep and potentially opened a "major opportunity for an Asian creative to get their foot in the door," as one article noted. This broader implication means that while Sabrina Carpenter might not have intended any harm, the performance still missed an opportunity for more thoughtful and inclusive cultural representation.

This discussion isn't new in pop music. Artists like Gwen Stefani have faced similar critiques for their use of Japanese imagery, prompting discussions on the "ping-pong match between Harajuku culture and American culture." Sawayama's intervention serves as a reminder that referencing a culture comes with the responsibility to engage with it authentically and respectfully, ensuring that details—even seemingly small ones like shoes on a mat—are handled with an understanding of their significance.

Beyond the Dojo: Sabrina Carpenter's Engaging Hosting Debut and Musical Moments

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While the "Nobody's Son" performance certainly sparked conversation, it was just one part of Sabrina Carpenter's impressive double-duty night on Saturday Night Live. Her hosting debut was met with widespread enthusiasm, as she fully embraced the comedic challenges of the show.

Carpenter appeared in several sketches, taking on diverse characters, from a middle school dance attendee to a motivational speaker at a "girlboss" seminar where she comically kept delivering platitudes even after getting "tossed through a window." Her monologue was particularly memorable, as she playfully addressed some public "misconceptions" about herself, jokingly stating, "I’m not just horny, I’m also turned on, and I’m sexually charged." She even poked fun at the controversial cover art for her album Man’s Best Friend, offering a humorous "zoom out" explanation involving Bowen Yang and Martin Short.

Fans were also thrilled to see the return of the popular "Domingo" skit, which received a modern pop twist and featured Carpenter in a callback to the viral sketch (though she wasn't in the original "Espresso" version). Her ability to jump from singing to sketch comedy and back again truly showcased her talent and commitment to the demanding live show. She brought a fresh, youthful energy that helped "get Season 51 of 'SNL' back on track," according to some critics.

The Uncensored Buzz: Sabrina's F-Bombs on Live Television

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Adding another layer to her buzzy SNL appearance, Sabrina Carpenter also garnered attention for dropping the F-word twice, uncensored, during her performance of "Nobody's Son." The lyrics "He sure fed me up" aired live on both the East Coast network broadcast and the Peacock simulcast. Interestingly, viewers on the West Coast noted that their broadcast seemed to have a slight delay, with the audio silenced during the profanity.

This isn't the first time Carpenter has used uncensored language on television, having done so previously at the 2025 VMAs. And for Saturday Night Live, off-the-cuff profanity is a recurring topic. The show and NBC creator Lorne Michaels are generally known to be wary of FCC fines, but hosts and musical guests throughout SNL's history—including Kristen Stewart, Sam Rockwell, Ariana Grande, and even cast members like Norm Macdonald—have occasionally let an expletive slip, creating moments that become part of the show's lore.

While some viewers might have been surprised, it also speaks to the raw, live nature of SNL and the occasional unpredictable moments that keep audiences tuned in. It certainly ensured her "Nobody's Son" performance remained a topic of discussion long after the credits rolled.

Sabrina's Grateful Reflection on Her "Least Sleep" and Double Duty

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After a whirlwind weekend of hosting and performing, Sabrina Carpenter took to Instagram on October 20 to share her feelings about the intense experience. She posted a series of candid, nostalgic film-style photos from behind the scenes, capturing the fun and controlled chaos of her SNL journey.

In her caption, Carpenter expressed immense gratitude, writing, "SNL double duty was the least I’ve slept in my life and the best reason to ever not sleep." She thanked Lorne Michaels, the cast, crew, and writers for welcoming her "with open arms." Her post was met with a flood of praise from fans, celebrating her successful and memorable night.

It's clear that despite the cultural critique and the uncensored moments, Carpenter cherished her time on the legendary sketch comedy show, a true milestone in her burgeoning career.

What's Coming Up Next for Saturday Night Live's Season 51

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Following Sabrina Carpenter's impactful episode, Saturday Night Live is taking a brief hiatus but will be back with more exciting hosts and musical guests for Season 51. Fans can look forward to:

November 1: Miles Teller as host with musical guest Brandi Carlile.
November 8: Nikki Glaser making her hosting debut.
November 15: Glen Powell also making his hosting debut.

This lineup promises more laughs, music, and potentially, more viral moments that keep us all talking. And if Sabrina Carpenter's episode taught us anything, it's that Saturday Night Live continues to be a vibrant platform where art, culture, and conversation collide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sabrina Carpenter's SNL Episode

When did Sabrina Carpenter host and perform on SNL?

Sabrina Carpenter pulled double duty as host and musical guest on Saturday, October 18. She later shared her reflections on the experience via Instagram on October 20.

What songs did Sabrina Carpenter perform on SNL?

Sabrina Carpenter performed two songs from her album Man's Best Friend: "Nobody's Son" and "Manchild."

Where can I watch Sabrina Carpenter's SNL episode?

Past episodes of Saturday Night Live, including Sabrina Carpenter's, are typically available to stream on Peacock. The show airs live on NBC on Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET.

What was the main controversy surrounding her "Nobody's Son" performance?

The main controversy involved the martial arts-inspired set for "Nobody's Son," specifically the dancers wearing shoes on tatami mats. Japanese-British artist Rina Sawayama criticized this as a lack of cultural research and respect, noting that shoes on tatami are a cultural faux pas.