On a vibrant summer evening in London’s iconic Hyde Park, pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter lit up the stage for her biggest shows yet, captivating a crowd of 65,000 fans over two sold-out nights. The highlight of Sunday, July 6, 2025, came when Carpenter surprised the audience by inviting British pop legends Duran Duran to join her on stage, creating a moment that bridged generations of music lovers.
Carpenter, known for her dynamic performances and relatable lyrics, had the crowd primed for a unique collaboration. Before bringing out Duran Duran, she engaged the audience in a playful prelude, encouraging them to practice howling at the moon. “I’m going to need you guys to put that howling to good use,” she said, before introducing the band’s lead singer Simon Le Bon and bassist John Taylor with infectious enthusiasm. “Could everybody please give it up and make so much noise for the legendary Duran Duran.”
The legendary band, whose 1982 hit “Hungry Like the Wolf” remains an enduring classic from their acclaimed album Rio, joined Carpenter for a spirited rendition of the track. Simon Le Bon took the lead vocals at the start, setting the tone with his unmistakable voice. Carpenter then added harmonies and took on the second verse, seamlessly blending her youthful energy with the band’s timeless sound. John Taylor anchored the performance with his bass and backing vocals, while Le Bon and Carpenter harmonized on the choruses. The crowd’s enthusiastic howls punctuated the performance, echoing the song’s wild spirit and creating an electric atmosphere that transported everyone back to the early 1980s.
Sharing her excitement on Instagram the following day, Carpenter expressed gratitude for the unforgettable experience. “I can’t thank you enough for two sold out nights. Some of the most fun shows I’ve ever done in my life. I feel so lucky to have had the legendary @duranduran join me on stage amidst their insane schedule to give the UK such a special treat. Been a fan since I could howllll!!” she wrote, capturing the joy and surreal nature of the collaboration.
The evening was more than just a nostalgic duet. Carpenter’s setlist showcased her impressive range and growth as an artist. Opening with “Busy Woman,” she took the audience through hits from her recent Short n’ Sweet album, including “Taste,” “Bed Chem,” and “Please Please Please.” She also delighted fans with favorites from her 2022 album Emails I Can’t Send, such as “Feather,” “Because I Liked A Boy,” and her viral hit “Nonsense.” Her performance was a blend of polished choreography, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, and glitzy costumes, all contributing to a show that was as visually stunning as it was musically rich.
Midway through the concert, Carpenter led the crowd in a line dance during her hit single “Manchild,” showcasing her ability to connect with fans through both music and movement. She took a heartfelt moment to thank her audience, reflecting on her journey from playing to crowds of about 5,000 at the same venue just two years prior to selling out Hyde Park twice. “I don’t really understand how this is possible but you guys sold out two nights, 65,000 people, at Hyde park,” she said. “I was just dreaming of this day and this moment and I am just so grateful to everybody that came here, so thank you for spending your evening with us.”
Adding a playful touch to the night, Carpenter incorporated her trademark “arrest” introductions during her song “Juno,” featuring screens with alarms and captions like, “You’re under arrest for being too hot,” highlighting celebrities such as The Bear star Ayo Edebiri and singer Clairo. The concert culminated in a dazzling finale with her hit “Espresso,” accompanied by a spectacular firework display that lit up the London sky, leaving fans exhilarated and eager for what’s next.
This electrifying performance comes on the heels of Carpenter’s announcement of a new album titled Man’s Best Friend, set to release later this summer. It also follows a banner year for the artist, who garnered the global success award at the 2025 Brit Awards. Notably, in 2024, she made history as the first woman to simultaneously hold the top three spots on the UK singles chart with “Taste,” “Please Please Please,” and “Espresso.”
Carpenter’s rise to stardom has been marked by versatility and determination. She first gained widespread attention as a teenager starring in the Disney Channel series Girl Meets World, before launching her music career with the 2015 debut album Eyes Wide Open under Hollywood Records. Since then, her move to Island Records and subsequent releases have solidified her status as a formidable pop artist with a dedicated fanbase.
The collaboration with Duran Duran at Hyde Park not only celebrated Carpenter’s meteoric rise but also honored the enduring legacy of one of Britain’s most iconic bands. For a night, the past and present of pop music melded seamlessly, reminding everyone why live music remains a powerful and unifying force.
