With humor and style, the pop star reveals new “God-approved” visuals for her upcoming album, following controversy over the original artwork.
Sabrina Carpenter is rewriting the narrative — and redesigning the visuals — ahead of the release of her highly anticipated new album Man’s Best Friend. The 26-year-old pop sensation took to Instagram on June 25 to reveal alternate album covers for the project, cheekily noting that one of the new versions was “approved by God.”
One standout cover features Carpenter in an homage to old Hollywood glamour, striking a regal pose beside a man in formal attire — a nod many fans believe channels the spirit of Marilyn Monroe. Dressed in a jewel-encrusted gown with her partner in a black blazer and crisp white shirt, Carpenter looks away from the camera, exuding mystique and elegance. A second, wider shot captures her wearing a surprised expression, injecting a dose of theatrical humor into the scene.
“I signed some copies of Man’s Best Friend for you guys & here is a new alternate cover approved by God,” Carpenter captioned the post. “Available now on my website 🤍.”
These alternate artworks, including vinyl and cassette editions, are now available for purchase via her official website. The drop comes after the original album cover — which depicted the singer on all fours in a black mini dress while a man tugged her blonde hair — stirred backlash for being overtly provocative. The internet was quick to criticize, with one X (formerly Twitter) user questioning whether she “had a personality outside of sex.”
Carpenter, never one to back down, fired back with grace and wit: “Girl yes and it is goooooood.”
Amid both support and critique, legendary singer Carly Simon came to Carpenter’s defense, dismissing the controversy and calling the artwork far from outrageous. Carpenter’s playful yet self-assured response and her latest alternate covers reflect her ability to stay true to her vision while engaging with her audience in a tongue-in-cheek manner.
Man’s Best Friend will officially drop on August 29, following the massive success of her last album Short n’ Sweet, which included chart-toppers like “Espresso,” “Please Please Please,” and “Bed Chem.” The new album’s lead single, “Manchild,” is already making waves. The track, co-written with Amy Allen and Jack Antonoff, captures the emotional contradictions of youth.
“Not only was it so fun to write, but this song became something I can look back on that will score the mental montage to the very confusing and fun young adult years of life,” Carpenter wrote on Instagram. “It sounds like the song embodiment of a loving eye roll and it feels like a never-ending road trip in the summer.”
The upcoming release marks another milestone in Carpenter’s fast-rising career. At this year’s 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards, she took home Best Pop Vocal Album for Short n’ Sweet and Best Pop Solo Performance for her hit single “Espresso.”
As the August release date draws closer, fans can expect a dynamic and daring new chapter from Carpenter — one filled with glitter, grit, and plenty of pop brilliance, all wrapped in visuals both bold and blessed.
