Sabrina Carpenter is on the TIME100 Next 2024 list

SIt may claim to be short and sweet, but never underestimate the tremendous power behind Sabrina Carpenter’s talent. That’s why she has secured her deserved place as one of today’s leading pop artists. She proves that big things come in small packages. As a 5-foot colleague. As a woman with a similar career and youth history at Disney, I recognize and respect firsthand what it takes to maintain clarity while meeting the demands of this business.

Sabrina handles the task with seemingly effortless ease and charisma as she advertises, performs and handles the press with a smile and her signature shy charm.

I wanted to get to know the person beyond their undeniable global success – including their latest single “Taste” – to see how they operate on a personal level. When we met, the woman I discovered was refreshingly calm, collected, down-to-earth and focused. Sabrina is where she is and ahead of her years for a reason.

With her clever wit and sense of humor, she was able to connect with audiences in a unique way through her skills as a songwriter and storyteller.

While she is at the tender age of 25, I realize that our symbolic circle has come full circle as my own debut album turns 25 in the same year, giving me a feeling of not only celebration but also reflection. As exciting generations of pop princesses continue to emerge, I feel admiration and care, knowing the journey ahead and ahead of me.

But I have a strong belief and certainty that, in true Sabrina Carpenter fashion, she will achieve her future goals with grace, a little kindness, the ability to laugh and confidently enjoy the ride… and a playful pun or two .

Aguilera is a Grammy-winning musician

set design by Liam Moore; Styling by Jared Ellner; hair by Scott King; makeup by Sam Visser; Nails by Zola Ganzorigt; photographed in Hubble Studio

Read TIME’s profile of Sabrina Carpenter here.