Sabrina Carpenter Unveils “God-Approved” Album Cover After Backlash Over Original Artwork

Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter is pushing back against mounting criticism with a bold artistic pivot. On Wednesday, the singer revealed an alternative cover for her upcoming album Man’s Best Friend, following backlash over the original artwork that some called sexist and demeaning.

The initial album cover—meant to playfully reflect the album’s title—featured Carpenter on all fours while a faceless man pulls her hair. While many fans praised the image for its cheeky humor and commentary on the themes of her first single “Manchild,” others were quick to accuse the former Disney Channel star of perpetuating outdated gender stereotypes.

Now, Carpenter has unveiled a new black-and-white image she claims is “approved by God.” Shared on her Instagram account, the alternative cover evokes classic Hollywood glamour. Carpenter, clad in a shimmering beaded gown, stands poised against a man in a suit whose face remains partially obscured—reclaiming center stage while maintaining the mystique.

The 25-year-old artist has never been a stranger to controversy, especially when it comes to religious imagery and sexually provocative performance. In 2023, Carpenter was sharply criticized by the Catholic Church after scenes from her “Feather” music video were filmed inside the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Brooklyn. The Diocese called the shoot “appalling,” leading to the removal of the priest who granted filming permission.

Carpenter’s response? A cheeky retort during a Variety interview: “Jesus was a carpenter.” She later reinforced the sentiment at Coachella 2024, donning a shirt emblazoned with the phrase.

Currently gearing up to resume her Short n’ Sweet Tour this fall, Carpenter continues to lean into themes of sexual expression and female autonomy. One of the most talked-about elements of her live show is a recurring bit during the song “Juno,” in which she mimics a different sex position each night. Though the moment garners frequent social media attention, the singer says it doesn’t define her artistry.

“It’s always funny to me when people complain,” Carpenter told Rolling Stone in a June cover story. “They’re like, ‘All she does is sing about this.’ But those are the songs that you’ve made popular. Clearly you love sex. You’re obsessed with it.”

She went on to clarify that while sexual expression is part of her stage persona, it’s far from the only thing she offers. “There’s so many more moments than the ‘Juno’ positions, but those are the ones you post every night and comment on. I can’t control that.”

The backlash against the original Man’s Best Friend cover reached a fever pitch earlier this month when a post on X (formerly Twitter) questioned whether Carpenter had “a personality outside of sex.” Her reply—“Girl yes and it is goooooood”—went viral before the original post was deleted.

The controversy even caught the attention of music legend Carly Simon, who voiced her support for Carpenter’s creative choices. Speaking to Rolling Stone, Simon—who herself faced criticism for the provocative cover of her 1975 album Playing Possum—dismissed the uproar.

“She’s not doing anything outrageous,” Simon said. “It seems tame. There have been far flashier covers than hers. One of the most startling covers I’ve ever seen was [the Rolling Stones’] Sticky Fingers. That was out there in terms of sexual attitude. So I don’t know why she’s getting such flak.”

Despite—or perhaps because of—the attention, anticipation is growing for Man’s Best Friend, which is slated for release on August 29. It marks Carpenter’s first full-length project since 2023’s Short n’ Sweet, and includes signed editions as well as physical copies featuring both the original and alternative cover art, now available for preorder on her official website.

As for Carpenter, she seems undeterred by the criticism, using it instead as creative fuel. Whether she’s leaning into camp, glamor, or provocation, the rising pop star is making it clear that her message is unapologetically hers—and this time, she insists, divinely approved.