American pop star Sabrina Carpenter has faced fierce criticism from the prominent animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) following her controversial performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards. The 26-year-old singer incorporated a live white dove into her act, prompting the group to label her actions as "stupid and cruel" in a strongly-worded public statement.
Grammy Performance Sparks Animal Welfare Outcry
During her rendition of the hit single Manchild at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Carpenter theatrically produced a live dove, cradling the bird in her palm as part of the show's climax. The unconventional staging choice immediately divided opinion across social media platforms, with some viewers praising the theatricality while others expressed concern for the animal's welfare.
PETA officials were unequivocal in their condemnation, directly referencing the lyrics to Manchild in a post published on the social media platform X. The organisation stated: "Hey Sabrina, bringing a live bird onto the Grammys stage is stupid, slow, useless … and cruel!" They elaborated that "bright lights, loud noise, and handling cause fear and distress for a bird who belongs flying free in the open sky."
PETA's Broader Grammy Commentary
The animal rights group did not limit its criticism to Carpenter alone. They also addressed fellow performer Lady Gaga, who appeared in a costume featuring what seemed to be real feathers during her performance of Abracadabra. PETA remarked: "Whether they're plucked out while the bird is alive, or after they are killed, the bird always suffers. Lady Gaga, let birds keep their feathers. Feathers belong on birds and birds should be free."
However, the organisation offered praise for other Grammy participants. They applauded pop icon Cher, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, for her lifelong dedication to animal rights advocacy. Additionally, they commended Billie Eilish, who won Song of the Year for Wildflower, for her vegan lifestyle and "respect for animals."
Carpenter's Theatrical Grammy Spectacle
Sabrina Carpenter's performance formed part of an elaborate aviation-themed production. The singer emerged from a moving baggage conveyor belt onto a stage designed as a terminal branded "SCA" for Sabrina Carpenter Airlines. Dressed in a white corset-style bodysuit with matching knee-high boots and a pilot's cap, she announced: "Hey Grammys, how ya doing? It’s your captain Sabrina speaking."
The performance featured an eclectic ensemble of backup dancers costumed as airline passengers and crew, including an astronaut and a priest. Manchild, the lead single from Carpenter's 2025 album Man's Best Friend, is widely interpreted as a commentary on emotional immaturity, with many believing it references her brief, highly-publicised romance with Irish actor Barry Keoghan.
Mixed Public Reaction and Industry Context
Despite the controversy, Carpenter's performance rapidly became one of the most discussed moments of the Grammy ceremony. Fans flooded social media with comments, many applauding her daring stagecraft. One viewer wrote: "From the moment this performance started I was captivated from start to end ladies and gentlemen Sabrina knows how to put on a show." Another noted: "My favorite thing about a Sabrina Carpenter performance is that you can tell she's truly having the time of her life."
This marked Carpenter's second consecutive Grammy performance, following her debut at the awards show just one year prior as a first-time nominee. Her 2025 album Man's Best Friend received six nominations, solidifying her status among music's A-list performers. The incident highlights the ongoing tension between artistic expression and animal welfare considerations within major entertainment events.
