Feather (song)
{{Featured article}}{{Use American English|date=October 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Feather
| cover = Sabrina Carpenter - Feather.png
| alt = Sabrina Carpenter crying while surrounded by fog and a black metallic structure
| border = yes
| type = single
| artist = Sabrina Carpenter
| album = Emails I Can't Send Fwd:
| released = {{Start date|2023|8|4}}
| genre = *Pop
| length = 3:05
| label = Island
| writer = *Sabrina Carpenter
| producer = John Ryan
| prev_title = That's Not How This Works
| prev_version = Sabrina's version
| prev_year = 2023
| next_title = Cupid
| next_version = Twin version
| next_year = 2023
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|kLbn61Z4LDI|"Feather"}}}}
}}
"Feather" is a song by American singer Sabrina Carpenter from Emails I Can't Send Fwd:, the 2023 deluxe edition of her fifth studio album, Emails I Can't Send (2022). Carpenter wrote it with songwriter Amy Allen and its producer, John Ryan. Island Records released its sped-up version on August 4, 2023, and Republic Records promoted its original version to radio stations by November that year. A combination of pop, dance, disco, and bubblegum genres, "Feather" is a post-breakup track which celebrates the freedom and relief one feels upon ending a relationship and shedding its weight.
Music critics praised the production of "Feather", describing it as light and airy. In the United States, the song peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Carpenter's first song to reach the top 40; it was also her first number 1 on the Pop Airplay chart. The song reached the top 20 in Honduras, Latvia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. It received a diamond certification in Brazil and platinum or higher in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States.
Mia Barnes directed the horror-inspired music video for "Feather", which was released on Halloween in 2023. It depicts the deaths of several men who mistreat Carpenter, who then dances at their joint funeral in the Our Lady of Mount Carmel/Annunciation Parish church. The video received a positive critical response but caused controversy when the Catholic Bishop of Brooklyn issued a statement criticizing the church scenes and suspended the priest who allowed them to be filmed. Carpenter performed the song at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards pre-show and at the 2023 Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve. She included it in her set list for the Emails I Can't Send, Eras, and Short n' Sweet tours.
Background and release
Sabrina Carpenter signed a five-album contract with Hollywood Records at the age of 14.{{cite magazine |last=Cullins |first=Ashley |title=Girl Meets World Star Sabrina Carpenter Sued by Ex-Music Managers |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/girl-meets-world-sabrina-carpenter-sued-7889718/ |magazine=Billboard |accessdate=July 23, 2024 |date=August 2, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109020016/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/girl-meets-world-sabrina-carpenter-sued-7889718/ }}{{cite magazine |last=Lipshutz |first=Jason |title=That's That Sabrina Carpenter, Superstar: 10 Steps She Took to Score Her Breakthrough |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/sabrina-carpenter-superstar-espresso/she-spent-a-really-long-time-developing-a-fan-base/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=October 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517031821/https://www.billboard.com/lists/sabrina-carpenter-superstar-espresso/ |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |date=May 16, 2024 |url-status=live}} She released several albums in the following years, which charted outside the top 25 on the American albums chart and did not produce any top 40 singles.{{cite web |last=Molanphy |first=Chris |title=How Sabrina Carpenter Became America's Newest Pop Superstar |url=https://slate.com/culture/2024/06/sabrina-carpenter-please-please-please-espresso-billboard-lyrics.html |website=Slate |accessdate=July 23, 2024 |date=June 28, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722150945/https://slate.com/culture/2024/06/sabrina-carpenter-please-please-please-espresso-billboard-lyrics.html }} In January 2021, Carpenter signed a deal with Island Records.{{cite magazine |last=Chan |first=Anna |title=Sabrina Carpenter Signs with Island Records: 'It's the Perfect Place for Me' |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/sabrina-carpenter-signs-with-island-records/ |magazine=Billboard |accessdate=July 23, 2024 |date=January 26, 2021 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-date=July 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724035757/https://www.billboard.com/pro/sabrina-carpenter-signs-with-island-records/ }}{{cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |title=Sabrina Carpenter Signs with Island Records |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/sabrina-carpenter-signs-island-records-1234891659/ |website=Variety |accessdate=July 23, 2024 |date=January 26, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721080445/https://variety.com/2021/music/news/sabrina-carpenter-signs-island-records-1234891659/ }} She achieved her first Billboard Hot 100 chart entry with "Skin" (2021), perceived to be an answer song to Olivia Rodrigo's 2021 single "Drivers License" by critics.{{cite magazine |title=Five Burning Questions: Sabrina Carpenter's 'Skin' Answer Song Debuts at No. 48 on the Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/sabrina-carpenter-skin-hot-100-five-burning-questions/ |magazine=Billboard |accessdate=July 23, 2024 |date=February 2, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715214257/https://www.billboard.com/pro/sabrina-carpenter-skin-hot-100-five-burning-questions/ }} Carpenter pursued a more personal songwriting style on her first album with the label, Emails I Can't Send (2022), which was conceived during the COVID-19 lockdowns and inspired by emails she would write to herself.{{cite web |last=Hess |first=Liam |title=Sabrina Carpenter on the Radical Honesty of Her New Album, Emails I Can't Send |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/sabrina-carpenter-emails-i-cant-send-interview |website=Vogue |url-access=limited |accessdate=July 23, 2024 |date=August 3, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815111740/https://www.vogue.com/article/sabrina-carpenter-emails-i-cant-send-interview }}{{cite web |title=Sabrina Carpenter on Channeling Vulnerability and Her Influences on New Album Emails I Can't Send |url=https://consequence.net/2022/08/sabrina-carpenter-emails-i-cant-send-kyle-meredith/ |website=Consequence |accessdate=July 23, 2024 |date=August 24, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723130435/https://consequence.net/2022/08/sabrina-carpenter-emails-i-cant-send-kyle-meredith/ }} The album was released on July 15, 2022, and included the single "Nonsense", which reached number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100.{{cite web |last=Avila |first=Daniela |title=Sabrina Carpenter Says Emails I Can't Send Will 'Forever' Mark a 'Pivotal Time' in Her Life |url=https://people.com/music/sabrina-carpenter-new-album-emails-i-cant-send-will-forever-mark-pivotal-time/ |website=People |accessdate=July 23, 2024 |date=July 18, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725182707/https://people.com/music/sabrina-carpenter-new-album-emails-i-cant-send-will-forever-mark-pivotal-time/ }}{{cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |title=Sabrina Carpenter Scores Her First Top 40 Hit on Billboard Hot 100 with 'Feather' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sabrina-carpenter-feather-first-hot-100-top-40-hit-1235593948/ |magazine=Billboard |accessdate=January 31, 2024 |date=July 23, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-date=January 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131173744/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sabrina-carpenter-feather-first-hot-100-top-40-hit-1235593948/ }}
Shortly before embarking on the Emails I Can't Send Tour in September 2022, Carpenter recorded the song "Feather", which she wrote with Amy Allen and John Ryan.{{cite AV media notes|title=Emails I Can't Send Fwd|others=Sabrina Carpenter|year=2023|author=Island Records}}{{cite magazine |last=Bowenbank |first=Starr |title=Sabrina Carpenter to Embark on 'Emails I Can't Send' U.S. Tour: Here Are the Dates |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/concerts/sabrina-carpenter-us-tour-dates-2022-1235126680/ |magazine=Billboard |accessdate=July 23, 2024 |date=August 15, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815200311/https://www.billboard.com/music/concerts/sabrina-carpenter-us-tour-dates-2022-1235126680/ }}{{cite magazine |last=Havens |first=Lyndsey |title=How Sabrina Carpenter's 'Feather' Became the Biggest Hit of Her Career |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/sabrina-carpenter-feather-biggest-hit-ever-how/ |magazine=Billboard |accessdate=July 23, 2024 |date=March 29, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-date=June 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616195408/https://www.billboard.com/pro/sabrina-carpenter-feather-biggest-hit-ever-how/ }} They conceived it within two hours while "just literally dancing around" according to Carpenter, as Ryan played "a cool, feathery thing" on a piano.{{cite web |last=Ledonne |first=Rob |title=Sabrina Carpenter's Big Year: The Pop Songstress Gushes On The Eras Tour, Her Christmas EP & More |url=https://www.grammy.com/news/sabrina-carpenter-feather-eras-tour-interview-big-year |publisher=Grammy |access-date=August 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221060443/https://www.grammy.com/news/sabrina-carpenter-feather-eras-tour-interview-big-year |archive-date=December 21, 2023 |date=December 20, 2023 |url-status=live}} It was included on the album's 2023 deluxe edition, Emails I Can't Send Fwd:, which she did not view as a follow-up to the original album but "just a few songs that belong in the Emails world" to thank her fans.{{cite web |last=Shutler |first=Ali |title=Sabrina Carpenter Announces Deluxe Edition of Emails I Can't Send |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/sabrina-carpenter-announces-deluxe-edition-of-emails-i-cant-send-3412115 |website=NME |accessdate=July 23, 2024 |date=March 12, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316202133/https://www.nme.com/news/music/sabrina-carpenter-announces-deluxe-edition-of-emails-i-cant-send-3412115 }} Carpenter's manager thought the song would help extend the album campaign and aligned its release with the promotion for "Nonsense". Island released a sped-up version of "Feather" as a single on August 4, 2023, and included it on a 7-inch vinyl alongside the original version. Carpenter's manager wanted to employ a "traditional pop single campaign" and waited for the song to gain popularity following its music video's release before sending it for airplay. Carpenter also gained more recognition while serving as an opening act on Taylor Swift's 2023–2024 concert tour, the Eras Tour.{{cite web |last=Keates |first=Emma |title=Sabrina Carpenter's Catholic Church Scandal Rocks |url=https://www.avclub.com/sabrina-carpenter-catholic-church-feather-scandal-1851061144 |website=The A.V. Club |accessdate=July 24, 2024 |date=November 30, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240724004755/https://www.avclub.com/sabrina-carpenter-catholic-church-feather-scandal-1851061144 }} Republic Records promoted the song to US radio{{cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |title=Sabrina Carpenter's 'Feather' Hits No. 1 on Pop Airplay Chart: 'I Feel Incredibly Thankful' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sabrina-carpenter-feather-number-one-pop-airplay-chart-1235644393/ |magazine=Billboard |accessdate=July 23, 2024 |date=March 29, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-date=April 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405032454/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sabrina-carpenter-feather-number-one-pop-airplay-chart-1235644393/ }} by November 2023, as reported by the trade magazine Hits.{{cite web |title=Your Radio Add Recaps |url=https://hitsdailydouble.com/pop_mart&id=338329 |website=Hits |access-date=November 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117022959/https://hitsdailydouble.com/pop_mart&id=338329&title=YOUR-RADIO-ADD-RECAPS |archive-date=November 17, 2023 |date=November 7, 2023 |url-status=live}}
Composition
Critics identified "Feather" as a pop,{{cite web |last=Hopper |first=Alex |title=The Meaning Behind Sabrina Carpenter's Singles Anthem, 'Feather' |url=https://americansongwriter.com/the-meaning-behind-sabrina-carpenters-singles-anthem-feather/ |website=American Songwriter |accessdate=July 24, 2024 |date=November 15, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722192821/https://americansongwriter.com/the-meaning-behind-sabrina-carpenters-singles-anthem-feather/ }} dance,{{cite web |last=Campbell |first=Erica |title=Sabrina Carpenter, Superstar |url=https://www.papermag.com/sabrina-carpenter-cover |website=Paper |access-date=August 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821183623/https://www.papermag.com/sabrina-carpenter-cover |archive-date=August 21, 2024 |url-status=live}} dance-pop, disco,{{cite web |last1=Pareles |first1=Jon |last2=Zoladz |first2=Lindsay |title=Sabrina Carpenter Drops a Perky Bop, and 10 More New Songs |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/12/arts/music/playlist-sabrina-carpenter-girl-in-red.html |website=The New York Times |url-access=limited |access-date=August 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412180759/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/12/arts/music/playlist-sabrina-carpenter-girl-in-red.html |archive-date=April 12, 2024 |date=April 12, 2024 |url-status=live}} bubblegum,{{Cite web |date=2024-08-21 |title=Sabrina Carpenter: How the Espresso singer became queen of Gen Z pop |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/sabrina-carpenter-short-n-sweet-tour-b2599050.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123192546/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/sabrina-carpenter-short-n-sweet-tour-b2599050.html |archive-date=2025-01-23 |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=The Independent |language=en}} neo-disco, and disco-pop song.{{cite web |last=DeVille |first=Chris |title=Sabrina Carpenter – 'Espresso' |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2259152/sabrina-carpenter-espresso/music/ |website=Stereogum |access-date=March 2, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412170549/https://www.stereogum.com/2259152/sabrina-carpenter-espresso/music/ |archive-date=April 12, 2024 |date=April 12, 2024 |url-status=live}} The song lasts for three minutes and five seconds.{{cite web |title='Feather' – Song by Sabrina Carpenter |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/feather/1676555529?i=1676555853 |publisher=Apple Music (US) |access-date=November 13, 2023 |archive-date=November 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113225954/https://music.apple.com/us/album/feather/1676555529?i=1676555853 |url-status=live }} Ryan produced, programmed, and engineered it. Chris Gehringer mastered "Feather" at Sterling Sound in New York City, and Josh Gudwin helmed mixing with assistance from Heidi Wang. Carpenter's vocals are delicate on the song, including during the titular lyric: "I feel so much lighter like a feather with you off my mind."{{cite web |last=Hopper |first=Alex |title=The Meaning Behind Sabrina Carpenter's Singles Anthem, 'Feather' |url=https://americansongwriter.com/the-meaning-behind-sabrina-carpenters-singles-anthem-feather/ |website=American Songwriter |accessdate=July 24, 2024 |date=November 15, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722192821/https://americansongwriter.com/the-meaning-behind-sabrina-carpenters-singles-anthem-feather/ }} Its "do-do-do" melody is reminiscent of Paula Cole's 1997 single "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?", according to Rolling Stone India{{'}}s Amit Vaidya.{{cite magazine |last=Vaidya |first=Amit |title=Top 100 Songs of 2023 |url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/top-100-songs-of-2023/ |magazine=Rolling Stone India |accessdate=July 24, 2024 |date=December 29, 2023 }}
"Feather" is a post-breakup song which celebrates the freedom and relief one feels upon ending a relationship and shedding its weight.{{cite web |last=Bell |first=Sadie |title=Sabrina Carpenter Kills Boys in the Horror-Inspired Music Video for 'Feather' — Watch! |url=https://people.com/sabrina-carpenter-releases-feather-music-video-8385092 |website=People |access-date=October 31, 2023 |date=October 31, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=October 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031231311/https://people.com/sabrina-carpenter-releases-feather-music-video-8385092 }} Carpenter begins by describing a toxic relationship characterized by immaturity and inconsistency, illustrating the dynamic where her partner initially seems thrilled but then becomes distant and uncommitted when she attempts to make plans. She resolves to not get entangled in a back-and-forth and decides to step away from him to unwind, and in the pre-chorus, expresses that she will block and ignore him in the future. Carpenter compares the lightness she feels upon leaving him to a feather.{{cite magazine |last=Dailey |first=Hannah |title=Sabrina Carpenter Brings on Bloody Karma for Obnoxious Men in 'Feather' Music Video |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sabrina-carpenter-feather-music-video-1235458721/ |magazine=Billboard |accessdate=July 24, 2024 |date=October 31, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723174153/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sabrina-carpenter-feather-music-video-1235458721/ }} Reminiscing about their memories together, she refers to him as a "waste of time" who used to "act like a bitch".{{cite web |last=Lane |first=Lexi |title=Sabrina Carpenter Channels Some Spooky Siren Energy in Her Fittingly Timed 'Feather' Music Video |url=https://uproxx.com/pop/sabrina-carpenter-feather-video/ |website=Uproxx |accessdate=July 24, 2024 |date=October 31, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723174153/https://uproxx.com/pop/sabrina-carpenter-feather-video/ }}
Reception
Music critics praised the production of "Feather", describing it as light and airy.{{cite magazine |last=Goldberg |first=Madison E. |title=10 Essential Pre-Short n' Sweet Sabrina Carpenter Songs: Critic's Picks |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/sabrina-carpenter-best-songs-early-pre-short-n-sweet/feather-emails-i-cant-sendfwd-2023/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=August 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823015029/https://www.billboard.com/lists/sabrina-carpenter-best-songs-early-pre-short-n-sweet/ |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |date=August 22, 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Barnes |first=Kelsey |title=How Sabrina Carpenter Became a Pop Queen: Tracing Her Journey to Short n' Sweet |url=https://www.grammy.com/news/sabrina-carpenter-short-n-sweet-new-album-career |publisher=Grammy.com |access-date=August 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823155327/https://www.grammy.com/news/sabrina-carpenter-short-n-sweet-new-album-career |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |date=August 23, 2024 |url-status=live}} Slate{{'}}s Chris Molanphy described the song as "a neo-disco bop", and American Songwriter{{'}}s Alex Hopper called it a "pop gem". Hopper further described Carpenter's vocals as those of a "pop-princess" and the chorus as light and digestible "pure pop fodder". He thought its melody was infectious and perfectly satisfied his craving for a danceable beat. Vaidya included "Feather" at number 57 in Rolling Stone India{{'}}s list of the top songs of 2023 and believed it was tuneful, astutely personal, and sincere. Billboard{{'}}s Madison E. Goldberg described it as "a masterclass in 2020s pop music".
"Feather" was Carpenter's first song to reach the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number 21 on the chart issued for April 27, 2024. The song also became her first to peak at number one on the Pop Airplay chart or any radio-focused Billboard chart. It received a 2× platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. "Feather" charted at number 25 on the Canadian Hot 100 issued for April 20 and was certified platinum by Music Canada. The song reached number 19 on the UK Singles Chart and received a gold certification from the British Phonographic Industry.
In Australia, "Feather" peaked at number 23 and was certified triple platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). The song charted at number 40 in New Zealand and received a platinum certification from Recorded Music NZ. It reached number 43 on the Billboard Global 200. "Feather" also peaked within the top 50 at number 14 in Honduras and Singapore, number 16 in Latvia, number 18 in Malaysia, number 25 in Ireland, number 26 in the Netherlands, and number 48 in the Philippines. The song received a diamond certification in Brazil and gold in Central America, Poland, Portugal, and Spain.
Critics have discussed the song's impact on Carpenter's success the following year. Kelsey Barnes of Grammy.com thought its performance showcased her bold style gaining traction and paved the way for "an even bigger 2024".{{efn|Barnes mentioned Carpenter achieving the Billboard Hot 100 number one and number three singles "Please Please Please" and "Espresso", respectively, and performing at Coachella and Saturday Night Live as some of her achievements in 2024.}} Goldberg listed "Feather" among Carpenter's 10 most essential songs and believed it laid the groundwork for her signature sound. Billboard{{'}}s Jason Lipshutz thought the song's pop radio success was significant and helped her reach the biggest radio stations in the US.
Music video
Mia Barnes directed the horror-inspired music video for "Feather", which features Milo Manheim as one of the male characters.{{cite web |last=Gibson |first=Kelsie |title=Milo Manheim Reacts to Sabrina Carpenter's 'Skyrocket' to Fame: 'She's Come So Far' |url=https://people.com/milo-manheim-reacts-to-sabrina-carpenter-music-success-exclusive-8670688 |website=People |accessdate=July 25, 2024 |date=July 1, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240705235807/https://people.com/milo-manheim-reacts-to-sabrina-carpenter-music-success-exclusive-8670688 }} Carpenter's stylist chose baby blue and baby pink outfits to convey femininity, fragility, and purity, which he thought would be humorous in contrast to the deaths in the video.{{cite web |last=Balugo |first=Kleigh |title=Behind Sabrina Carpenter's Music Video Looks |url=https://www.papermag.com/sabrina-carpenter-stylist |website=Paper |access-date=September 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207181404/https://www.papermag.com/sabrina-carpenter-stylist |archive-date=February 7, 2024 |date=February 7, 2024 |url-status=live}} Carpenter teased the horror theme by sharing a clip on Instagram on October 30, 2023. The video was released the following day to coincide with Halloween, and Carpenter shared behind-the-scenes photographs of her posing with cast mates, showcasing her wardrobe, and others of her splattered with fake blood and in a crop-top.{{cite web |title=Pastor Disciplined After Pop Singer Sabrina Carpenter Uses NYC Church for Provocative Music Video |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sabrina-carpenter-church-provocative-music-video-feather-pastor-disciplined/ |publisher=CBS News |accessdate=July 25, 2024 |date=November 29, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723174153/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sabrina-carpenter-church-provocative-music-video-feather-pastor-disciplined/ }}
{{multiple image
| align = right
| total_width = 320
| image1 = Annunciation RCC Billyb jeh.jpg
| alt1 = Looking east at Roman Catholic Church of the Annunciation on a sunny afternoon.
| image2 = Feather screenshot.png
| alt2 = Sabrina Carpenter posing in front of pastel-colored coffins and other religious items inside a church.
| footer = Scenes filmed inside the Our Lady of Mount Carmel/Annunciation Parish church (left) caused controversy. The Catholic Bishop of Brooklyn stated that he was "appalled", and they led to a priest's suspension.
}}
The video begins with shots of a pastel-colored coffin that reads "RIP bitch", neon crosses, and a gravestone etched with "He was just okay"{{cite web |last=Losciale |first=Marisa |title=Catholic Bishop Slams Sabrina Carpenter Over Graphic Music Video Filmed in Church |url=https://parade.com/news/catholic-bishop-slams-sabrina-carpenter-feather-music-video-filmed-in-church |website=Parade |accessdate=July 25, 2024 |date=November 2, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723174153/https://parade.com/news/catholic-bishop-slams-sabrina-carpenter-feather-music-video-filmed-in-church }} inside the Our Lady of Mount Carmel/Annunciation Parish church, following which Carpenter arrives outside in a bubblegum pink hearse.{{cite web |last=Perry |first=Kevin E G |title=Priest Stripped of Duties for Letting Sabrina Carpenter Film Music Video in Church |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/sabrina-carpenter-priest-feather-video-b2454496.html |website=The Independent |accessdate=July 25, 2024 |date=November 27, 2023 }} Three men reading a book called "Tampons should be free" follow and catcall her,{{cite web |last=Murray |first=Robin |title=Sabrina Carpenter's 'Feather' Is the Perfect Halloween Watch |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/sabrina-carpenters-feather-is-the-perfect-halloween-watch/ |website=Clash |accessdate=July 25, 2024 |date=October 31, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=December 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206103900/https://www.clashmusic.com/news/sabrina-carpenters-feather-is-the-perfect-halloween-watch/ }} before getting run over by a truck. Carpenter takes a boxing class in a gym while clad in stilettos and knee highs. Several men there fight each other and she becomes covered in their blood.{{cite web |last=Montali |first=Stepfano |title=A Pop Star Filmed a Music Video in a Church. The Priest Was Punished. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/25/nyregion/sabrina-carpenter-brooklyn-church-video.html/ |website=The New York Times |access-date=November 27, 2023 |date=November 25, 2023 |url-access=limited |archive-date=November 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127000229/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/25/nyregion/sabrina-carpenter-brooklyn-church-video.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Kaplan |first=Ilana |title=Priest Disciplined for Allowing Sabrina Carpenter to Film Music Video Inside Catholic Church |url=https://people.com/priest-disciplined-for-allowing-sabrina-carpenter-to-film-music-video-inside-catholic-church-8406834 |website=People |access-date=November 27, 2023 |date=November 27, 2023 |archive-date=November 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127233255/https://people.com/priest-disciplined-for-allowing-sabrina-carpenter-to-film-music-video-inside-catholic-church-8406834 |url-status=live }} Another man non-consensually takes a photograph up Carpenter's skirt with the flash turned on while they are in an elevator together.{{cite web |last=Irvin |first=Jack |title=Sabrina Carpenter Reacts as Music Video Filmed in Catholic Church Sparks Controversy: 'Jesus Was a Carpenter' |url=https://people.com/sabrina-carpenter-feather-video-church-controversy-jesus-was-carpenter-8408101 |website=People |access-date=November 30, 2023 |date=November 29, 2023 |archive-date=November 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130000243/https://people.com/sabrina-carpenter-feather-video-church-controversy-jesus-was-carpenter-8408101 |url-status=live }} She pulls his tie while exiting it and puts it between the elevator doors, decapitating him in the process. As the video progresses, Carpenter is seen at the church, where a joint funeral for the men that have died during the course of the video is being held.{{cite web |last=Rossignol |first=Derrick |title=Sabrina Carpenter Got a Catholic Priest in Pretty Big Trouble with Her Death-Filled 'Feather' Video |url=https://uproxx.com/pop/sabrina-carpenter-feather-video-catholic-priest-trouble/ |website=Uproxx |accessdate=July 25, 2024 |date=November 27, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723174153/https://uproxx.com/pop/sabrina-carpenter-feather-video-catholic-priest-trouble/ }} Clad in a short black tulle dress and veil,{{cite web |last=DeVille |first=Chris |title=Catholic Priest Stripped Of Administrative Duties For Allowing Sabrina Carpenter Video Shoot In Brooklyn Church |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2243800/catholic-priest-stripped-of-administrative-duties-for-allowing-sabrina-carpenter-video-shoot-in-brooklyn-church/news/ |website=Stereogum |accessdate=July 25, 2024 |date=November 27, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=April 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413072648/https://www.stereogum.com/2243800/catholic-priest-stripped-of-administrative-duties-for-allowing-sabrina-carpenter-video-shoot-in-brooklyn-church/news/ }} she dances in front of the coffins and several religious items at the altar, instead of mourning their deaths.{{cite magazine |last=Aniftos |first=Rania |title=Priest Removed From Administrative Duties After Allowing Sabrina Carpenter to Film 'Feather' Video in Church |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/sabrina-carpenter-feather-video-church-scene-priest-removed-from-administrative-duties-1235511911/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=November 27, 2023 |date=November 27, 2023 |archive-date=November 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128081744/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/sabrina-carpenter-feather-video-church-scene-priest-removed-from-administrative-duties-1235511911/ |url-status=live }}
Critics believed the video was entertaining to watch on Halloween, and Lexi Lane of Uproxx thought it gave Carpenter's fans everything they could have desired. It received comparisons to different movies, including Jennifer's Body (2009),{{cite web |last=Boisvert |first=Lauren |title=Sabrina Carpenter's 'Feather' Music Video Takes a Stab at Toxic Male Behavior |url=https://americansongwriter.com/sabrina-carpenters-feather-music-video-takes-a-stab-at-toxic-male-behavior/ |website=American Songwriter |accessdate=July 25, 2024 |date=November 1, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725182543/https://americansongwriter.com/sabrina-carpenters-feather-music-video-takes-a-stab-at-toxic-male-behavior/ }}{{cite magazine |last=Paul |first=Larisha |title=Sabrina Carpenter Goes Full Jennifer's Body Meets Final Destination in 'Feather' Video |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sabrina-carpenter-feather-music-video-halloween-1234866717/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=October 31, 2023 |date=October 31, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=October 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031150130/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sabrina-carpenter-feather-music-video-halloween-1234866717/ |url-access=limited }} Promising Young Woman (2020), Bottoms (2023),{{cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Rebekah |title=Sabrina Carpenter Gets Revenge In Gory 'Feather' Music Video |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-10-31-sabrina-carpenter-gets-revenge-in-gory-feather-music-video/ |publisher=iHeartRadio |accessdate=July 25, 2024 |date=October 31, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=April 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414072703/https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-10-31-sabrina-carpenter-gets-revenge-in-gory-feather-music-video/ }} and Final Destination (2000). Lane believed the church scenes recalled the 1996 film Romeo + Juliet. Vulture{{'}}s Justin Curto called Carpenter's character "the Girlfriend Reaper".{{cite web |last=Curto |first=Justin |title=Happy Halloween From Sabrina Carpenter and Her Pink Hearse |url=https://www.vulture.com/2023/10/sabrina-carpenter-feather-music-video.html |website=Vulture |url-access=limited |access-date=October 31, 2023 |date=October 31, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=October 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031151221/https://www.vulture.com/2023/10/sabrina-carpenter-feather-music-video.html }}
= Controversy =
Two days after the video's release, Robert J. Brennan, the Catholic Bishop of Brooklyn, issued a statement that he was "appalled" by what was filmed inside the church. He indicated that the parish did not adhere to the diocesan policy on filming within church grounds, which requires a review of the scenes and script.{{cite magazine |last=Wang |first=Jessica |title=Diocese of Brooklyn Is 'Appalled' That Sabrina Carpenter Filmed 'Feather' Music Video in Catholic Church |url=https://ew.com/music/sabrina-carpenter-feather-music-video-church-slammed-diocese-brooklyn/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=November 13, 2023 |date=November 3, 2023 }}{{cite web |last=Bell |first=Sadie |title=Sabrina Carpenter's 'Feather' Music Video Filmed in NYC Catholic Church Leaves Brooklyn Diocese 'Appalled' |url=https://people.com/sabrina-carpenter-feather-music-video-criticism-catholic-church-8386773 |website=People |access-date=November 13, 2023 |date=November 3, 2023 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824001528/https://people.com/sabrina-carpenter-feather-music-video-criticism-catholic-church-8386773 |url-status=live }} The administrative duties of Monsignor Jamie J. Gigantiello, the priest who gave Carpenter's team the permission to shoot inside the church, were subsequently terminated.{{cite web |last=Curto |first=Justin |title=Sabrina Carpenter's 'Feather' Video Got a Priest in Big Trouble |url=https://www.vulture.com/2023/11/sabrina-carpenter-feather-video-priest-trouble.html |website=Vulture |url-access=limited |accessdate=July 25, 2024 |date=November 27, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723174153/https://www.vulture.com/2023/11/sabrina-carpenter-feather-video-priest-trouble.html }}{{cite web |title=Sabrina Carpenter's Music Video in a Church Prompts Diocese to Hold Mass for 'Sanctity' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2023/11/28/sabrina-carpenter-feather-music-video-catholic-church-backlash/71734835007/ |website=USA Today |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=September 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129083553/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2023/11/28/sabrina-carpenter-feather-music-video-catholic-church-backlash/71734835007/ |archive-date=November 29, 2023 |date=November 28, 2023 |url-status=live}} He stated that he had approved the filming because his online search about Carpenter did not reveal anything worrisome and he wanted to increase the church's appeal to youth.{{cite web |last=Okazawa |first=Ben |title=Catholic Priest Demoted for Allowing Sabrina Carpenter to Film "Feather" Music Video in Brooklyn Church |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/catholic_priest_demoted_for_allowing_sabrina_carpenter_to_film_feather_music_video_in_brooklyn_church |website=Exclaim! |accessdate=July 25, 2024 |date=November 27, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=January 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104000051/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/catholic_priest_demoted_for_allowing_sabrina_carpenter_to_film_feather_music_video_in_brooklyn_church }}{{cite web |last=De Loera |first=Carlos |title=A Sabrina Carpenter Music Video Leads to Discipline for a Priest as a Church is Re-consecrated |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-11-28/sabrina-carpenter-music-video-led-to-a-priest-being-relieved-of-administrative-duties |website=Los Angeles Times |url-access=limited |accessdate=July 25, 2024 |date=November 28, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725182954/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-11-28/sabrina-carpenter-music-video-led-to-a-priest-being-relieved-of-administrative-duties }} While he was informed that a funeral scene would be filmed inside the church, he believed most of it would be done outside the church building and Carpenter's team did not appropriately represent the video's content. In September 2024, investigations possibly spurred by Gigantiello's granting Carpenter permission to use the church were tied to a federal criminal investigation of New York City mayor Eric Adams.{{cite news|last1=Coltin |first1=Jeff | last2=Reisman |first2=Nick |last3=Ngo |first3=Emily |url= https://www.politico.com/newsletters/new-york-playbook/2024/09/23/the-catholic-church-enters-the-adams-world-scandals-00180444|title=The Catholic Church Enters the Adams World Scandals|work=Politico|date=September 23, 2024|access-date=September 25, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926033513/https://www.politico.com/newsletters/new-york-playbook/2024/09/23/the-catholic-church-enters-the-adams-world-scandals-00180444 }}
The church held a Mass of Reparation on November 4, 2023, to "restore the sanctity of this church and repair the harm".{{cite web |last=Vera |first=Kelby |title=Catholic Priest Punished for Permitting Provocative Music Video Shoot at Church |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/catholic-priest-fired-sabrina-carpenter-music-video_n_6563b044e4b0f35896f6432e |website=HuffPost |accessdate=July 25, 2024 |date=November 26, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725182557/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/catholic-priest-fired-sabrina-carpenter-music-video_n_6563b044e4b0f35896f6432e }}{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Abby |title=Catholic Priest Punished Over Sabrina Carpenter's Church-Set 'Feather' Video |url=https://consequence.net/2023/11/catholic-priest-sabrina-carpenter-feather-video/ |website=Consequence |accessdate=July 25, 2024 |date=November 28, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725182534/https://consequence.net/2023/11/catholic-priest-sabrina-carpenter-feather-video/ }} While some parishioners and churchgoes supported Gigantiello and believed the punishment was too harsh, others were offended by his actions.{{cite web |last=Boisvert |first=Lauren |title=Sabrina Carpenter Shares Her Thoughts on Church Controversy Surrounding 'Feather' Music Video |url=https://americansongwriter.com/sabrina-carpenter-shares-her-thoughts-on-church-controversy-surrounding-feather-music-video/ |website=American Songwriter |accessdate=July 25, 2024 |date=November 30, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723174153/https://americansongwriter.com/sabrina-carpenter-shares-her-thoughts-on-church-controversy-surrounding-feather-music-video/ }} Carpenter responded to the controversy by saying "we got approval in advance" and proclaiming that "Jesus was a carpenter."{{cite magazine |last=Aniftos |first=Rania |title=Sabrina Carpenter Responds to Catholic Church Controversy: 'Jesus Was a Carpenter' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sabrina-carpenter-responds-catholic-church-controversy-feather-music-video-1235516653/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=November 30, 2023 |date=November 29, 2023 |archive-date=December 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201184647/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sabrina-carpenter-responds-catholic-church-controversy-feather-music-video-1235516653/ |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |last=Mier |first=Tomás |title=After Catholic Church Debacle, Sabrina Carpenter Welcomes a New Fan: Jesus Christ |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sabrina-carpenter-addresses-feather-church-drama-1234905315/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=November 30, 2023 |date=November 29, 2023 |url-access=limited |archive-date=November 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129201438/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sabrina-carpenter-addresses-feather-church-drama-1234905315/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Parkel |first=Inga |title=Sabrina Carpenter Shares Sharp Response to Catholic Church Controversy |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/sabrina-carpenter-church-feather-music-video-b2455797.html |website=The Independent |accessdate=July 25, 2024 |date=November 29, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240717174935/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/sabrina-carpenter-church-feather-music-video-b2455797.html }} Writing for The A.V. Club, Emma Keates believed "the video rules" and the controversy contributed to Carpenter's "new, cool girl persona", also praising her response.
Live performances and other usage
File:Sabrina Carpenter - O2 Arena 2025 - 034.jpg in 2025]]
Carpenter performed "Feather" on the Emails I Can't Send and Eras tours.{{cite magazine |last=Dailey |first=Hannah |title=Sabrina Carpenter Makes Eras Tour Debut, Covers Selena's 'Dreaming of You' in Mexico City |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sabrina-carpenter-covers-selena-taylor-swift-eras-tour-debut-1235400984/ |magazine=Billboard |accessdate=July 23, 2024 |date=August 25, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=August 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827041504/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sabrina-carpenter-covers-selena-taylor-swift-eras-tour-debut-1235400984/ }} She reprised "Feather" and "Nonsense" at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards pre-show on September 12, 2023.{{cite web |title=Sabrina Carpenter – 'Feather'/'Nonsense' |url=https://www.mtv.com/vma/video-clips/ilmxm4/2023-mtv-video-music-awards-sabrina-carpenter-feather-nonsense |publisher=MTV News |accessdate=July 23, 2024 |date=September 12, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=May 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515162355/https://www.mtv.com/vma/video-clips/ilmxm4/2023-mtv-video-music-awards-sabrina-carpenter-feather-nonsense }}{{cite magazine |last=Sanchez |first=Rosa |title=All the Moments You Missed From the 2023 VMAs |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/g45101418/shocking-moments-you-missed-vmas-2023/?slide=10 |magazine=Harper's Bazaar |accessdate=July 23, 2024 |date=September 13, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725183023/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/g45101418/shocking-moments-you-missed-vmas-2023/?slide=10 }} Carpenter began by singing "Feather" with a black-and-white retro theme before transitioning into the latter song; Hopper believed she delivered "heavenly" and impeccable vocals alongside a playful demeanor and outstanding choreography.{{cite web |last=Hopper |first=Alex |title=Throwback: Sabrina Carpenter's VMA Pre-Show Performance, 'Nonsense/Feather' |url=https://americansongwriter.com/throwback-sabrina-carpenters-vma-pre-show-performance-nonsense-feather/ |website=American Songwriter |access-date=September 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911203720/https://americansongwriter.com/throwback-sabrina-carpenters-vma-pre-show-performance-nonsense-feather/ |archive-date=September 11, 2024 |date=September 11, 2024 |url-status=live}} The following month, Carpenter released a live version of "Feather" for the Spotify Singles series, which People{{'}}s Jack Irvin believed was elevated but stayed true to the original song.{{cite magazine |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |title=Sabrina Carpenter Strips Taylor Swift's 'I Knew You Were Trouble' All the Way Down For Spotify Singles |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/sabrina-carpenter-cover-taylor-swift-i-knew-you-were-trouble-spotify-singles-1235446948/ |magazine=Billboard |accessdate=July 24, 2024 |date=October 18, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026171049/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/sabrina-carpenter-cover-taylor-swift-i-knew-you-were-trouble-spotify-singles-1235446948/ }}{{cite web |last=Irvin |first=Jack |title=Sabrina Carpenter Covers Taylor Swift's 'I Knew You Were Trouble' Before Resuming Eras Tour Together |url=https://people.com/sabrina-carpenter-covers-taylor-swift-i-knew-you-were-trouble-eras-tour-8363286 |website=People |accessdate=July 24, 2024 |date=October 18, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725182605/https://people.com/sabrina-carpenter-covers-taylor-swift-i-knew-you-were-trouble-eras-tour-8363286 }} She opened her KIIS-FM Jingle Ball sets with the song in December 2023, clad in a red mini-dress and gloves on one date and a white corset top, shorts, and gloves on another.{{cite web |last=Tate |first=Sarah |title=Sabrina Carpenter Turns One of Her Biggest Songs Into a Fun Christmas Tune |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-12-08-sabrina-carpenter-turns-one-of-her-biggest-songs-into-a-fun-christmas-tune/ |publisher=iHeartRadio |accessdate=July 23, 2024 |date=December 9, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209110111/https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-12-08-sabrina-carpenter-turns-one-of-her-biggest-songs-into-a-fun-christmas-tune/ }}{{cite web |last=Robinson |first=KiMi |title=Olivia Rodrigo Performs New Hunger Games Song at Jingle Ball 2023, More Highlights |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/12/02/jingle-ball-2023-olivia-rodrigo-sabrina-carpenter-niall-horan/71775164007/ |website=USA Today |accessdate=July 23, 2024 |date=December 2, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625113225/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/12/02/jingle-ball-2023-olivia-rodrigo-sabrina-carpenter-niall-horan/71775164007/ }} Carpenter sang it at the 2023 Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with male dancers in suits.{{cite magazine |last1=Regan |first1=Jenny |last2=Atkinson |first2=Katie |title=See Photos From Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2024′ |url=https://www.billboard.com/photos/dick-clarks-new-years-rockin-eve-2024-photos-1235574211/1-sabrina-carpenter-02-at-dick-clarks-new-years-rockin-eve-2024-billboard-1548/ |magazine=Billboard |accessdate=July 23, 2024 |date=January 1, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725183000/https://www.billboard.com/photos/dick-clarks-new-years-rockin-eve-2024-photos-1235574211/1-sabrina-carpenter-02-at-dick-clarks-new-years-rockin-eve-2024-billboard-1548/ }}{{cite magazine |last1=Mier |first1=Tomás |last2=Legaspi |first2=Althea |title=Jelly Roll Ends Breakout Year with 'New Year's Rockin' Eve' Performance |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jelly-roll-new-years-rockin-eve-medley-performance-2024-1234938231/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |accessdate=July 23, 2024 |date=December 31, 2023 |url-status=live |url-access=limited |archive-date=July 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723170841/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jelly-roll-new-years-rockin-eve-medley-performance-2024-1234938231/ }}
On May 18, 2024, Carpenter performed a mashup of "Feather" and "Nonsense" on Saturday Night Live in a rose gold jumpsuit decorated with feathers alongside background dancers dressed in white. She replaced the lyric "I'm so sorry for your loss" with "I'm on SNL and you're not." Uproxx{{'}}s Alex Gonzalez described the performance as "angelic" and believed she dominated the stage but the dancers were equally energetic.{{cite web |last=Vassell |first=Nicole |title=Sabrina Carpenter Shocks Saturday Night Live Viewers with 'Hilarious' Lyric Change |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/sabrina-carpenter-snl-nonsense-espresso-b2547500.html |website=The Independent |accessdate=July 23, 2024 |date=May 19, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710082121/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/sabrina-carpenter-snl-nonsense-espresso-b2547500.html }}{{cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Alex |title=Sabrina Carpenter Celebrated Her 'First Time' on SNL with a Not-So-Subtle 'Nonsense' Outro |url=https://uproxx.com/pop/sabrina-carpenter-feather-nonsense-snl/ |website=Uproxx |accessdate=July 23, 2024 |date=May 19, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723170841/https://uproxx.com/pop/sabrina-carpenter-feather-nonsense-snl/ }}{{cite web |last=Corcoran |first=Nina |title=Watch Sabrina Carpenter Perform 'Espresso,' 'Feather,' and 'Nonsense' on Saturday Night Live |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-sabrina-carpenter-perform-espresso-feather-and-nonsense-on-snl/ |website=Pitchfork |accessdate=July 23, 2024 |date=May 19, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-date=June 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616050656/https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-sabrina-carpenter-perform-espresso-feather-and-nonsense-on-snl/ }} Carpenter reprised "Feather" at Capital's Summertime Ball 2024 and at the Outside Lands festival on August 10, 2024.{{cite web |last=Prance |first=Sam |title=The Full Setlist for Capital's Summertime Ball with Barclaycard 2024 |url=https://www.capitalfm.com/news/capital-summertime-ball-setlist-songs-2024/ |publisher=Capital |access-date=June 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616155256/https://www.capitalfm.com/news/capital-summertime-ball-setlist-songs-2024/ |archive-date=June 16, 2024 |date=June 16, 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Burton |first=Poppy |title=Watch Sabrina Carpenter Bring Out Kacey Musgraves for 'These Boots Are Made for Walkin' Cover at Outside Lands |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-sabrina-carpenter-bring-out-kacey-musgraves-for-these-boots-are-made-for-walkin-cover-at-outside-lands-3782672 |website=NME |access-date=August 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811141056/https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-sabrina-carpenter-bring-out-kacey-musgraves-for-these-boots-are-made-for-walkin-cover-at-outside-lands-3782672 |archive-date=August 11, 2024 |date=August 11, 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Harrington |first=Jim |title=Sabrina Carpenter Wows in Festival Headliner Debut at Outside Lands |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/08/11/review-sabrina-carpenter-wows-in-festival-headliner-debut-at-outside-lands/ |website=The Mercury News |access-date=August 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811172844/https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/08/11/review-sabrina-carpenter-wows-in-festival-headliner-debut-at-outside-lands/ |archive-date=August 11, 2024 |date=August 11, 2024 |url-status=live}} She included a jazz-influenced rendition of the song on the set list for the Short n' Sweet Tour (2024–2025).{{cite magazine |last=Martoccio |first=Angie |title=Sabrina Carpenter's Madison Square Garden Debut Was a Dazzling Slumber Party |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/sabrina-carpenter-madison-square-garden-short-n-sweet-tour-review-1235106140/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=October 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930170851/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/sabrina-carpenter-madison-square-garden-short-n-sweet-tour-review-1235106140/ |archive-date=September 30, 2024 |date=September 30, 2024 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}{{cite web |last=Ruggieri |first=Melissa |title=Sabrina Carpenter Brings Sweetness and Light to Her Polished, Playful Concert |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/10/06/sabrina-carpenter-concert-review-short-n-sweet-tour/75533197007/ |website=USA Today |access-date=October 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006173305/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/10/06/sabrina-carpenter-concert-review-short-n-sweet-tour/75533197007/ |archive-date=October 6, 2024 |date=October 6, 2024 |url-status=live}}
Kelly Clarkson performed a cover of "Feather" on The Kelly Clarkson Show in February 2024 with backing vocals from the ensemble My Band Y'all. The group provided a four on the floor beat through guitar and bass instrumentation. Rolling Stone{{'}}s Kory Grow thought Clarkson and the band successfully conveyed the "live" characteristic of the rendition.{{cite magazine |last=Grow |first=Kory |title=Kelly Clarkson Leans Into the Disco Rhythm of Sabrina Carpenter's 'Feather' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kelly-clarkson-sabrina-carpenter-feather-1234977961/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=September 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229133000/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kelly-clarkson-sabrina-carpenter-feather-1234977961/ |archive-date=February 29, 2024 |date=February 29, 2024 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}
Credits and personnel
Credits are adapted from the single's 7" vinyl liner notes.{{cite AV media notes|title=Feather|others=Sabrina Carpenter|year=2023|type=vinyl case|author=Island Records|id= 602458602616 |location=United States}}
- Sabrina Carpenter – lead vocals, songwriting
- John Ryan – songwriting, production, recording, programming
- Amy Allen – songwriting
- Josh Gudwin – mixing
- Heidi Wang – mix engineer
- Chris Gehringer – mastering
Charts
{{col-start}}
{{col-2}}
=Weekly charts=
{{col-2}}
=Year-end charts=
{{col-end}}
Certifications
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Feather"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|award=Platinum|number=3|type=single|certyear=2025|access-date=March 13, 2025|refname="ARIA"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Sabrina Carpenter|title=Feather|type=single|award=Diamond|relyear=2023|certyear=2024|access-date=August 29, 2024|refname="PMB"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|artist=Sabrina Carpenter|title=Feather|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2023|certyear=2024|access-date=May 24, 2024|refname="MC"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|artist=Sabrina Carpenter|title=Feather|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2023|certyear=2025|id=15400|access-date=May 19, 2025|refname="IFPID"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|title=Feather|artist=Sabrina Carpenter|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2023|certyear=2024|id=2024-06-21|source=newchart|access-date=November 20, 2024|refname="RMNZ"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|artist=Sabrina Carpenter|title=Feather|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2023|certyear=2024|access-date=June 5, 2024|refname="ZPAV"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Portugal|title=Feather|artist=Sabrina Carpenter|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2023|certyear=2024|id=file_2024-07-11-15-59-41.pdf|access-date=July 11, 2024|refname="AFP"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|title=Feather|artist=Sabrina Carpenter|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2023|certyear=2024|access-date=November 6, 2024|id=sabrina-carpenter-feather-2|refname="PROMUSICAE"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Sabrina Carpenter|title=Feather|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2023|certyear=2024|id=19745-6499-1|access-date=December 20, 2024|refname="BPI"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=Sabrina Carpenter|title=Feather|award=Platinum|number=2|type=single|relyear=2023|certyear=2024|access-date=November 15, 2024|refname="RIAA"}}
{{Certification Table Separator|title=Streaming}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Central America|artist=Sabrina Carpenter|title=Feather|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2023|certyear=2024|access-date=November 2, 2024|refname="CFC"}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|streaming=true|noshipments=true|streamsonly=true}}
Release history
Note
{{notelist}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{Sabrina Carpenter}}
Category:Sabrina Carpenter songs
Category:Island Records singles
Category:Songs written by Sabrina Carpenter
Category:Songs written by Amy Allen (songwriter)
Category:Songs written by John Ryan (musician)
Category:Song recordings produced by John Ryan (songwriter)
Category:Music video controversies
Category:Religious controversies in music
Category:Christianity-related mass media and entertainment controversies
Category:Catholicism-related controversies
Category:Fiction about personifications of death
Category:Catholicism in the United States