Sabrina Carpenter has achieved a career milestone as her hit single Espresso was crowned BBC Radio 1’s biggest song of 2024. Despite the accolade, the 25-year-old singer’s meteoric rise has sparked debate, with some music fans accusing the industry of artificially inflating her success.
The upbeat coffee-inspired track topped global charts and propelled Carpenter’s sixth studio album, Short n Sweet, to commercial triumph. Her follow-up singles, Please Please Please and Taste, also became chart-toppers, cementing her place as one of 2024’s biggest pop stars.
BBC Radio 1’s Top 10 Songs of 2024
1. Sabrina Carpenter – Espresso
2. Charli XCX – 360
3. Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe!
4. Billie Eilish – Birds of a Feather
5. Chase & Status ft. Stormzy – Backbone
6. Charli XCX & Billie Eilish – Guess
7. Sonny Fodera, Jazzy, & D.O.D. – Somedays
8. Fontaines D.C. – Starburster
9. Beyoncé – Texas Hold ’em
10. Hozier – Too Sweet
Allegations of Algorithmic Manipulation
While 2024 marked a breakout year for Carpenter, some fans argue her success is manufactured. Theories emerged online suggesting her music was disproportionately featured in Spotify’s autoplay function, leading listeners to believe her record label paid for algorithmic favoritism.
One social media user claimed:
“Why does Spotify KEEP playing Sabrina Carpenter’s new song every time my playlist ends? Has she paid Spotify to put her song first in everyone’s autoplay?”
Others noted her tracks were being inserted into unrelated playlists, such as rap mixes or even Spanish-language playlists.
Spotify addressed the concerns in May, denying manipulation and stating that song recommendations are influenced by factors such as popularity, playlist appearances, and listener behavior. A spokesperson explained:
“‘Multiple factors’ go into a track appearing as your next song, including its popularity and what people with similar tastes are listening to.”
A Decade in the Making
Carpenter’s success with Espresso comes after nearly a decade of music releases that struggled to gain significant traction. Critics argue her sudden popularity reflects a push from record labels rather than organic growth. However, her fans celebrate her persistence and talent, calling Espresso the anthem that finally put her on the map.
Whether her rise is purely merit-based or the result of industry intervention, Sabrina Carpenter has undeniably become one of 2024’s defining artists. For better or worse, Espresso has left its mark on the music world.
