Sabrina Carpenter took a bold risk with her summer hit, “Espresso,” and it certainly paid off. In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter on December 30, the 25-year-old pop sensation revealed her initial doubts about the track’s potential success.
Despite her reservations, “Espresso” went on to achieve monumental success, becoming the most-streamed song on Spotify with over 1.6 billion streams.
Released in April 2024, Carpenter was initially unsure about the timing of the song. As she explained, she thought of coffee, particularly espresso, as more of a fall beverage, which led her to question whether the track would resonate with listeners.
“I remember deciding to put this song out in the beginning of summer and thinking espresso, coffee is kind of more of a fall beverage,” she recalled.
Despite her doubts, the “Please Please Please” singer believed in the song’s message and the confidence it conveyed. “I really didn’t know if it would connect, but the sentiment and the sound of the song and the confidence that it kind of just carries along with it was something that I really believed in,” Carpenter shared. “I liked it, and that was kind of all that mattered to me in that moment.”
Sabrina’s faith in the song’s vibe and her authenticity resonated with fans, propelling it to unexpected heights.
The single, which was part of her album Short n’ Sweet, became a sensation, helping Carpenter secure multiple Grammy nominations for 2025.
Adding to the song’s success, Carpenter partnered with Dunkin’ Donuts to promote “Espresso” with a special Sabrina’s Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso drink.
Carpenter described the collaboration as “kismet,” remarking on how it perfectly aligned with the track’s success. This partnership further cemented her presence in both the music and commercial worlds.
Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” is a testament to trusting your instincts and taking risks, showing that even when expectations are low, confidence and passion can lead to extraordinary results.