A rediscovered video from 2010 featuring a 10-year-old Sabrina Carpenter performing Guns N’ Roses’ Sweet Child O’ Mine has taken the internet by storm, showcasing the pop star’s early flair for rock. Dressed as Axl Rose with a bandana and long hair, Carpenter delivered a bold performance of the 1987 classic, backed by visuals of Guns N’ Roses album covers. Shared on the YouTube channel Sabrina Carpenter UK, the clip highlights her pre-fame talent, long before she amassed over 65 million monthly Spotify listeners. Filmed when she was just a child, the performance reflects her deep-rooted connection to rock music, shaped by childhood influences like Queen and The Beatles. Now a global pop sensation, known for hits like Espresso and her role in Disney’s Girl Meets World, Carpenter’s early cover reveals a versatile artist in the making.
The video’s resurgence follows the viral success of another childhood performance, a cover of Ozzy Osbourne’s Crazy Train, which gained traction after the rock legend’s passing in July. Fans are captivated by Carpenter’s youthful energy and vocal ability, offering a glimpse into her musical origins.
- Early YouTube days: Carpenter began posting covers online at age nine, tackling songs by Adele and Christina Aguilera.
- Rock influences: Her father introduced her to classic rock, shaping her diverse musical taste.
- Global stardom: She opened for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and headlined Coachella in 2024.
A young star’s rock roots
Sabrina Carpenter, now a pop music titan, grew up immersed in classic rock. In a June Rolling Stone interview, she shared how bands like Queen, The Beatles, and Rush defined her childhood soundtrack. She described Rush’s The Trees as “the longest song I’ve ever heard,” a nod to her early exposure to progressive rock. This influence shines through in her 2010 cover of Sweet Child O’ Mine, where she emulated Axl Rose’s iconic style with a bandana and confident stage presence. The performance, though amateur, captures a young artist unafraid to tackle a hard rock anthem from Guns N’ Roses’ seminal album Appetite for Destruction.
The video, recently trending on platforms like YouTube, shows Carpenter singing with surprising poise for her age. Images of Guns N’ Roses logos and albums flash in the background, adding a nostalgic touch to her homage. Fans have praised her bold attempt to channel the energy of one of rock’s most dynamic frontmen.
- Axl Rose tribute: Carpenter’s bandana and hairstyle mirrored the Guns N’ Roses singer’s look.
- Low-res charm: The grainy video adds to its nostalgic appeal, reflecting early 2010s YouTube culture.
- Fan reactions: Social media buzz highlights her vocal strength and fearless performance.
From YouTube covers to pop stardom
Long before her chart-topping albums and festival headlining sets, Sabrina Carpenter was a young performer experimenting with diverse genres. At nine, she posted covers of songs like Adele’s Chasing Pavements and Etta James’ At Last on YouTube, showcasing her vocal range. Her rendition of Sweet Child O’ Mine stands out as an early sign of her ability to cross musical boundaries. By age 12, she also covered Ozzy Osbourne’s Crazy Train, a performance that resurfaced after the rock icon’s death, further cementing her connection to the genre.
Carpenter’s early forays into music included a stint in a singing contest backed by Miley Cyrus, which boosted her online visibility. These experiences laid the groundwork for her Disney Channel breakthrough on Girl Meets World and her eventual rise as a pop star with six studio albums.
Family ties and musical influences
Carpenter’s musical journey was shaped by her parents’ eclectic tastes. Her father introduced her to rock staples like The Beatles and Rush, while her mother exposed her to soulful voices like Etta James and Whitney Houston. In a 2018 Teen Vogue interview, she cited The Beatles’ Rocky Raccoon as a pivotal song that inspired her to write music. Its storytelling quality resonated with her, sparking her passion for songwriting. This diverse foundation allowed Carpenter to develop a voice that blends pop polish with raw emotional depth.
- Rock upbringing: Her father’s love for Queen and Rush influenced her early music choices.
- Beatles inspiration: Rocky Raccoon motivated her to craft narrative-driven songs.
- Early covers: She tackled songs by Adele, Taylor Swift, and Sinéad O’Connor as a child.
- Miley Cyrus contest: Participation at age nine helped her gain early online traction.
Carpenter’s rise to global fame
At 26, Sabrina Carpenter is a pop powerhouse. Her 2024 album Short n’ Sweet topped charts in 18 countries, with hits like Espresso and Please Please Please dominating streaming platforms. Her performances on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and at festivals like Lollapalooza have solidified her status as a live music force. Yet, videos like her Sweet Child O’ Mine cover offer a window into her humble beginnings, showing a young artist with big dreams and raw talent.
The renewed interest in her childhood performances highlights fans’ fascination with her evolution. From a preteen mimicking rock legends to a headliner commanding global stages, Carpenter’s journey is a testament to her versatility and drive.
Rock’s lasting influence on her craft
Carpenter’s connection to rock isn’t just a childhood anecdote—it subtly informs her current work. Her live performances, marked by powerful vocals and dynamic energy, echo the intensity of rock frontmen like Axl Rose. Sweet Child O’ Mine, a global hit from an album that sold over 30 million copies, remains a cultural touchstone, covered by artists from Sheryl Crow to jazz ensembles. Carpenter’s version, though simple, captures the song’s spirit with a sincerity that resonates with fans.
- Guns N’ Roses legacy: Appetite for Destruction remains one of rock’s best-selling albums.
- Cover popularity: Sweet Child O’ Mine has been reinterpreted across genres like jazz and metalcore.
- Axl Rose’s challenge: His vocal style is a benchmark for aspiring singers.
Looking ahead in her career
With her seventh album, Man’s Best Friend, set for release on August 29, Carpenter shows no signs of slowing down. The lead single, Manchild, produced by Jack Antonoff, has already topped charts in the UK and US. Her ability to evolve while staying true to her musical roots keeps her relevant in a competitive industry. While rock may not define her current sound, her early covers suggest a versatility that could lead to future surprises.
The viral resurgence of her childhood videos underscores the public’s love for uncovering the origins of their favorite stars. For Carpenter, these clips are more than nostalgia—they’re proof of a lifelong passion for music that continues to drive her success.
