Sabrina is one of few modern day pop stars with a cult-like fanbase. Walking through the concourse of the Pacific Coliseum, I find myself equally lost and invested in the fanfare. Adorned in Sabrina’s iconic motifs — hearts, lace, satin slip dresses — her fanbase echoes Taylor Swift-level procession of devotion. Despite her predominantly younger demographic likely having seen the entire concert on their TikTok feed, the dimming of the lights and the blare of Diana Ross’s “I’m Coming Out” sends the crowd into frenzy, eagerly dashing to their seats to hit record on the shows intro.

Channeling the spirit of vintage 1970s late-night television, a grainy scene of Carpenter in a bubble bath illuminates the massive LED screen, casting a retro glow over the crowd. Calling back to her beginnings as an actress, she appears to be “late” to her own show, frantically running across the stage in a towel, which she later removes to reveal a shimmering royal blue bodysuit. Kicking off her set and taking the stage with her latest single, “Taste,” Carpenter is flanked by a troupe of dancers, their movements a perfect complement to her dynamic presence, showcasing a magnetic star power that commands the room’s attention. 

The night pulses with an overflow of campy quotes and humour, most notably including “the only thing wetter than Vancouver is my…” before abruptly cutting to the intro of the comically raunchy “Nonsense.” Further into the night, and prior to the salacious “Juno,” she places a random concertgoer “under arrest for being too hot,” dropping her skirt to reveal a matching, shorter skirt. And it comes as no shock that she closes the night with “Espresso,” 2024’s song of the summer.

Effortlessly blending her charm with a dash of hypersexualized chaos, Vancouver’s thirst for Sabrina Carpenter’s return was undeniable, a buzz that lingered long after the lights came up.