Detroit, MI
Sabrina Carpenter in Detroit: Short n’ Sweet Tour gets big and spicy at LCA
Sabrina Carpenter arrived Thursday at Little Caesars Arena seemingly driven by a mission: to stake a place among the leading, talking-point pop tours of 2024.
In a fun, frothy, vivacious and occasionally risqué show, the 25-year-old managed to make a solid case for it as she played to a sellout crowd in downtown Detroit on the third night of her Short n’ Sweet Tour.
“Please Please Please,” “Taste” and “Espresso” are some of the most delectably catchy tunes to come through the pop pipeline in a while, and they became cornerstones of a Thursday set list that featured all 12 numbers from “Short n’ Sweet,” the chart-topping album that lends the new tour its name. On a crisp night outside LCA that reminded us autumn is officially here, Carpenter served a 1½-hour indoor dose of sunny summertime sounds.
The signature wavy blond hair and fluttery vibrato were accompanied by ample energy from the pint-sized singer-songwriter, a 5-foot-tall star for whom “a little goes a long way,” as one video-screen inscription cheekily put it Thursday night.
She may be the year’s hottest breakout pop star, but Carpenter is no rookie: Having come through the Disney system as a teen actress a decade ago, Carpenter spent four early albums with a music career stalled in second gear.
Then came a new record deal and an A-list batch of collaborators such as Amy Allen and Jack Antonoff — and with the 2022 album “Emails I Can’t Send,” Carpenter was emphatically on to the self-proclaimed “big girl” chapter of her story. With a series of plum opening spots on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, she was primed for another step up, and “Short n’ Sweet” delivered it in a potent way this summer.
Sabrina Carpenter remembers her first concert in Michigan
Sabrina Carpenter, making her Little Caesars Arena debut on Thursday, reflected on a far less flashy visit to metro Detroit in 2016.
After previous stops at venues such as the Fillmore Detroit and Masonic Temple Theatre — along with Pontiac’s cozy Pike Room in 2016, as she recounted onstage Thursday — Carpenter was going full-scale with this latest Motor City visit.
On a main stage designed as a two-story New York penthouse apartment, Carpenter spent the first stretch of her LCA show in a pink negligée, kicking things off with the lush textures of “Taste” and “Good Graces” while undergirding “Slim Pickins” and “Lie to Girls” with vintage pop chording that revealed the old-school inspirations that fuel her latest work.
The night unfolded as a turn-of-the-’80s TV program, complete with voiceovers, videotaped mock-commercials and a pair of oversized studio cameras onstage to drive home the point. Carpenter would later emerge in a black bodysuit for a cocktail party segment (with a jazzy take on “Feather”) and sparkling gown for an elegant “Dumb & Poetic,” and the live episode would include a roll of closing credits listing tour personnel.
Her lyrics are laced with sexual references — some upfront, some implicit — but Carpenter gives it all a self-aware wink that makes it more camp than coarse. On Thursday, “Bed Chem” had her briefly writhing in a plush bedroom suite, while the exuberant dance-pop of “Juno” came with a quick flash of panties following a round of flirting with a Brighton fan named Dakota down front. She led the mostly teenage, female crowd in a call-and-response spotlighting three words: “camaraderie,” “horny” and “friendship.”
But the Short n’ Sweet show was otherwise a standard pop extravaganza that stayed between the lines, with 11 dancers, a four-piece band, a pair of backing singers and a confetti-blasted finale supplementing the action. (Then again, not every standard pop concert includes a lengthy black-and-white clip from 1966 with Leonard Cohen musing on poetry — as Thursday’s show did — so maybe something a little deeper is afoot here.)
Carpenter is proficient as a live performer and serviceable as a singer, but her real power lies in the craftsmanship of her songs. They’re astutely crafted pop tunes, more sophisticated than they might seem at first listen, nodding to previous golden eras without lapsing into retro laziness.
The menu of preshow music that kept fans occupied before the 9:05 p.m. start helped tell that tale: selections of ’70s disco-pop (ABBA, Andy Gibb), ’80s power pop (the La’s) and ’90s melodic rock (the Cardigans), foreshadowing the blend of influences that would inform Carpenter’s own set.
At one point, gathered with her dance crew on a heart-shaped B-stage, Carpenter played musical spin-the-bottle — a game to determine one cover-song performance for the evening. Having tackled ABBA in Columbus and Shania Twain in Toronto, she gave Detroit a rendition of “Kiss Me,” the 1999 alt-rock-pop hit by Sixpence None the Richer.
A soft-lit “Don’t Smile” closed the regular set before Carpenter returned, a Detroit-branded coffee mug in hand, to kick into the inevitable encore of “Espresso,” the career-defining hit with the instantly memorable hooks.
In a pop era that includes the likes of Charlie XCX, Chappell Roan and Olivia Rodrigo, Carpenter may not be the most cutting-edge figure rocking the mainstream right now. But she’s clearly carving out a distinctive creative lane of her own — and we’ll see if Short n’ Sweet can grow into something long and lasting.
Contact Detroit Free Press music writer Brian McCollum: 313-223-4450 or bmccollum@freepress.com.
The Detroit Lions’ 2026 NFL draft class is in the books, and the team used seven draft picks to fill needs and add depth throughout the roster. General manager Brad Holmes got to work in the middle of the first round by grabbing their right tackle of the future, and then snagged a high upside edge in the second round. On Day 3, Detroit added more depth at linebacker, corner, slot receiver, and added a couple of defensive linemen.
Here’s a look at the team’s 2026 draft class:
Throughout the offseason, SB Nation will host surveys for NFL fans, sponsored by the folks over at FanDuel Sportsbook, who currently have the Lions listed as +1800 to win this year’s Super Bowl, +850 to win the NFC Championship, and +150 to win the NFC North as the current favorites.
For Pride of Detroit, we are tasked with fielding questions from Lions fans, and with the NFL Draft now in the rearview mirror, our question for this week’s survey is…
How would you grade the Lions’ 2026 NFL Draft?
Please vote in the survey below, share your feedback in the comments, and check back on Monday for the results.
Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Detroit Lions fans and fans across the country. If you want to get these surveys emailed to you weekly, you can sign up here.
Derrick Moore looks like a good pick for Detroit Lions in Round 2
Dave Birkett and Rainer Sabin break down the Detroit Lions’ selection of Derrick Moore in the second round on Friday, April 24, 2026.
The Detroit Lions addressed two of their greatest needs during the first two days of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller in the first round and Michigan edge defender Derrick Moore in the second.
“We’re all about building from the inside, out,” general manager Brad Holmes said Friday, April 24. “When you get the guys you love and they happen to play the trenches as well, that’s just a little bit of added bonus. We’ll definitely sleep good at night.”
When Holmes and the rest of the Lions’ executives wake up Saturday, they’ll have the opportunity to strengthen other sectors with their six remaining picks. Positions where they could seek reinforcements include safety, defensive tackle, tight end, running back and linebacker.
Here are 10 names to watch on Day 3:
Gracen Halton, Oklahoma DT
Halton was never a full-time starter at Oklahoma. But when he was on the field, he was a disruptive force. Last season, he produced 3½ sacks and 30 pressures – the second-highest total on the Sooners. He was also a reliable run stopper. He could conceivably fill the void left by Roy Lopez, a rotational interior lineman who rejoined the Arizona Cardinals in March.
Kaytron Allen, Penn State RB
Allen is a productive and powerful ball carrier who appeared in 54 games over his college career. During each of his last two seasons at Penn State, he rushed for more than 1,000 yards. He could fit well in new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s downhill running scheme. A bonus: He is durable.
Dallen Bentley, Utah TE
A natural athlete, Bentley emerged as a productive contributor for Kyle Whittingham during the new Michigan coach’s final year in Salt Lake City. A better receiver than blocker, Bentley caught 48 passes for 648 yards and six touchdowns in 2025. No drops in 76 targets last season offer proof that Bentley has reliable hands.
Keionte Scott, Miami CB/S
Scott’s age may be a turnoff, considering he will turn 25 in August. But his physical style and position flexibility could pique the Lions’ interest. Last season, Scott produced five sacks – the second-highest total by any defensive back in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Eli Heidenreich, Navy RB
The Lions like players with versatile skill sets. When they drafted Jahmyr Gibbs in 2023, they saw him more as an all-around talent than a traditional running back. While Heidenreich is not nearly as gifted as Gibbs, he fits a similar profile as an all-purpose player who functions well as a runner and pass-catcher.
Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh LB
Louis sparks intrigue because he operates like a defensive Swiss Army knife. He possesses the skills of a safety, which give him an edge at linebacker. With NFL teams employing more nickel formations, Louis could provide the Lions more flexibility to adjust their tactics. Widely projected as a Day 2 pick, Louis is still on the board.
Rayshaun Benny, Michigan DT
After the Lions traded up to draft Moore in the second round Friday, could the Lions take another member of Michigan’s 2025 defense this weekend? Benny could be one they target, given that he is a powerful player with a track record as a reliable run-stuffer. With Lopez and DJ Reader no longer on the roster, the Lions could use more beef on the interior and Benny – a Detroit native – could provide value as a solid depth piece.
Pat Coogan, Indiana, C
The Lions solidified the middle of their offensive line during free agency, signing Cade Mays. But it wouldn’t hurt to add more depth at center. Coogan could be a good option in the late rounds. While he is not the best athlete, he is cerebral and technically sound.
VJ Payne, Kansas State S
The 6-foot-3, 206-pound Payne, who was a team captain at Kansas State, has an intriguing physical profile that could interest the Lions. He would help buttress a position that is a bit of a question with starters Kerby Joseph (knee) and Brian Branch (Achilles) working their way back from season-ending injuries in 2025.
Harold Perkins Jr., LSU LB
The Lions seek out players with elite athletic traits. Perkins has them. He also possesses positional versatility, having played as an inside linebacker and edge rusher. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, an LSU alum, could find creative ways to utilize Perkins’ skillset.
Contact Rainer Sabin at rsabin@freepress.com.
The Cincinnati Reds return home tonight after a 5-1 road trip. It’s Reds Hall of Fame induction weekend with events taking place every day of the series. Cincinnati is welcoming in the Detroit Tigers, who are on a 2-game winning streak. First pitch tonight is scheduled for 6:50pm ET.
Starting Lineups
Eugenio Suarez was initially in the lineup as the designated hitter. Just after 6pm he was scratched from the lineup with what the Reds are calling mid-back pain. Nathaniel Lowe is now the designated hitter.
Starting Pitchers
Andrew Abbott
It has been an uneven start to 2026 for the Reds left-handed All-Star pitcher. He was dominant in his first outing of the season, and he pitched well in Miami, but he’s struggled in each of his last two starts and wasn’t exactly good in his second start of the season, either. All told his ERA is nearly six and he has 11 walks with just 15 strikeouts in 24.2 innings pitched so far this season.
When it comes to the platoon splits – last season there wasn’t a big difference in how lefties or righties hit him. Teams didn’t send many left-handed hitters out to face him, so he was only facing the best lefties in the game while facing your every day right-handers. Righties did hit for a bit more power, but they didn’t hit for much power. This season, which isn’t listed below, lefties are CRUSHING him. They are hitting an absurd .478/.500/.609 against him in their 24 trips to the plate. Righties are hitting .266/.344/.367 against him, but also have 10 walks and just nine strikeouts – making tons of contact but not being able to do a ton with it thus far.
2025 Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 510 | 110 | 19 | 1 | 17 | 34 | 109 | .234 | .287 | .387 |
| LHH | 174 | 38 | 10 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 40 | .236 | .279 | .335 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-seam | Cutter | Curve | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 92.6 | 86.8 | 79.4 | 81.5 | 85.8 |
| Usage | 51% | 1% | 12% | 16% | 21% |
Framber Valdez
In four of his five starts this season Valdez has been outstanding and allowed zero or one earned run. But on April 8th the Minnesota Twins roughed him up for eight runs on 10 hits and two walks. The 2-time All-Star is an innings eater and has averaged 192.0 innings for each of the last four years – all which came with the Houston Astros.
Last season saw Valdez pitch much worse on the road where his ERA was 4.70 (compared to 2.58 at home). He struck out far fewer batters and gave up significantly more hits. When it comes to the platoon splits, Valdez has reverse splits – or at least did last season. Like Abbott, he was only facing the best lefties around and didn’t face many of them, but the ones he did face hit for a higher average, made more contact, and hit for more power.
2025 Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 651 | 136 | 26 | 4 | 10 | 57 | 154 | .234 | .308 | .344 |
| LHH | 151 | 35 | 7 | 0 | 5 | 11 | 33 | .257 | .309 | .419 |
Pitch Usage
| 2-seam | Curve | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 94.3 | 79.0 | 86.1 | 89.7 |
| Usage | 49% | 29% | 2% | 19% |
When and Where
- Game time: 6:40pm ET
- Where: Great American Ball Park
- Watch: Reds MLB Channel, Reds.tv (in-market), MLB.tv (out of market).
- Listen: 700 WLW AM (Cincinnati area)
- Forecast: 75°, cloudy, 20% chance of rain
News and Notes
Keep an eye on the weather
While there’s not a big chance for rain at the start of the game there are spotty storms in the forecast as the evening progresses.
Jose Trevino officially begins a rehab assignment
This afternoon the Reds announced that Trevino would be joining the Dayton Dragons tonight on a rehab assignment. He hasn’t played since April 4th after having a thoracic spine strain.
Division Standings
| Team | W | L | GB | Playoff Odds |
| Cincinnati | 16 | 9 | 0.0 | 29.1% |
| Chicago | 16 | 9 | 0.0 | 73.4% |
| St. Louis | 14 | 10 | 1.5 | 12.1% |
| Pittsburgh | 14 | 11 | 2.0 | 55.0% |
| Milwaukee | 13 | 11 | 2.5 | 39.5% |
| Playoff Odds via Fangraphs | ||||
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