Sabrina Carpenter’s performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards was one of the most visually striking moments of the night, but it also sparked unexpected controversy. The pop singer, known for her creative stage concepts and polished performances, found herself facing criticism from animal rights organization PETA after incorporating a live bird into her act.
Carpenter performed her hit track “Manchild” during the ceremony, closing the set with a dramatic moment that involved holding a white dove onstage. While some viewers saw the gesture as symbolic and theatrical, others—including activists—argued that using a live animal in such an environment was inappropriate.
The incident quickly became a trending topic online, raising questions about animals in entertainment, performance ethics, and where the line should be drawn in award-show spectacle.
A Grammys Performance That Sparked Debate
The 2026 Grammys took place Sunday night at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, bringing together the biggest stars in music for a celebration of the year’s top achievements.
As one of the first performers of the evening, Sabrina Carpenter delivered a high-energy rendition of “Manchild,” a track that has been dominating charts and earning critical acclaim.
Carpenter’s performance featured a bold, airport-themed stage setup, complete with elaborate visuals and theatrical staging. The concept was designed to match the dramatic tone of the song, drawing audiences into a cinematic experience.
However, it was the final seconds of the performance that truly caught attention.
The Dove Moment That Went Viral
At the end of her performance, Carpenter sat on a platform embedded within a silver airplane prop. As the platform lifted her into the air, she revealed a live white dove, holding it gently in her hands.
The bird flapped briefly as Carpenter looked out over the audience and the music came to a close.
The moment was clearly intended as a dramatic finishing touch—possibly representing freedom, innocence, or peace. But viewers were divided almost instantly.
While some fans praised the imagery as powerful and artistic, others expressed discomfort at seeing a live animal used in a loud, high-pressure environment like an awards show.
The conversation escalated further once PETA publicly responded.
PETA Responds With Strong Criticism
Shortly after Carpenter’s performance aired, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) released a statement condemning the decision to bring a live bird onto the Grammys stage.
On social media, the organization questioned why an animal was involved in the act at all, suggesting that it was unnecessary and irresponsible.
PETA criticized the performance as “childlike behavior,” arguing that animals should not be used as props for entertainment, especially in environments filled with bright lights, loud music, and thousands of people.
The group also warned that such conditions can cause stress and fear for birds, who naturally belong in open spaces rather than crowded arenas.
Their post included an image of Carpenter holding the dove, along with commentary suggesting that the moment was more harmful than artistic.
Concerns About Animals in Live Entertainment
PETA’s criticism reflects a larger conversation that has been ongoing for years: Should live animals be used in performances at all?
Animal rights advocates argue that even if an animal appears calm, the environment of a major televised event can be overwhelming.
They point to factors such as:
- Loud sound systems
- Flashing lights and camera equipment
- Handling by humans
- Unpredictable crowd noise
- Stress from transportation and unfamiliar surroundings
In the case of birds, activists emphasize that they are particularly sensitive creatures and may experience distress even when they appear still.
Supporters of Carpenter, however, argue that the dove was likely handled safely by professionals and that such symbolism has been used in entertainment for decades.
The debate highlights the growing scrutiny artists face when incorporating animals into public performances.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Big Grammys Night
Despite the controversy, Carpenter’s presence at the 2026 Grammys marked a major milestone in her career.
The singer, already a two-time Grammy winner, entered the night with six nominations, solidifying her position as one of pop music’s biggest current stars.
Her song “Manchild” received nominations for:
- Record of the Year
- Song of the Year
- Best Pop Solo Performance
- Best Music Video
In addition, the track’s parent album, Man’s Best Friend, earned nominations for:
- Album of the Year
- Best Pop Vocal Album
The recognition reflects Carpenter’s growing influence in the industry and the massive popularity of her recent work.
No Public Response Yet From Carpenter
As of now, Sabrina Carpenter has not publicly responded to PETA’s criticism or addressed the controversy surrounding the dove.
It remains unclear whether the bird was part of a professionally supervised segment or whether additional precautions were taken backstage.
In many cases, award-show performances involve animal handlers and strict guidelines, but activists argue that even with precautions, animals should not be placed in such settings.
Fans continue to debate online, with some defending Carpenter’s artistic vision and others agreeing that animals should not be used as stage accessories.
The Grammys and the Pressure of Viral Moments
In today’s entertainment world, Grammy performances are no longer judged only on vocals—they are judged on how quickly they trend.
Artists are under pressure to deliver unforgettable moments, but sometimes those moments come with backlash.
Carpenter’s dove finale may have been intended as a symbolic artistic statement, yet it also sparked criticism that has become part of the larger cultural conversation about animal welfare in media.
The incident serves as a reminder that even small creative choices can create massive public discussion.
Final Thoughts
Sabrina Carpenter’s Grammys 2026 performance was undeniably memorable, but it also raised ethical questions about the use of live animals in entertainment.
While PETA strongly condemned the decision to bring a dove onstage, fans remain divided over whether the moment was harmless symbolism or an unnecessary risk for the bird.
As award shows continue to blend music with spectacle, the debate over what is appropriate onstage is likely to continue.