Christina Aguilera honors “symbolic, circular connection” with Sabrina Carpenter for Time 100 Next

Sabrina Carpenter is TIMEis the latest cover star of and has secured a spot on the publication’s 100 Next list, with a co-sign from another diminutive pop superstar: Christina Aguilera.

In addition to a cover story published on Wednesday (October 2), the 25-year-old “Espresso” singer was honored with a short tribute written by Xtina. “She may claim to be short and sweet, but never underestimate the tremendous power behind Sabrina Carpenter’s talent,” she said burlesque Stern wrote. “As a 5-foot colleague. As a woman with a career similar to that of a Disney teen, I recognize and respect firsthand what it takes to maintain clarity while meeting the demands of this business.”

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“As she reaches the tender age of 25, I realize that our symbolic circle is coming full circle, as my own (self-titled) debut album turns 25 that same year,” Aguilera continued. “As exciting generations of pop princesses continue to emerge, I feel admiration and care, knowing the journey ahead.”

The article comes just a few weeks after Carpenter and the “Beautiful” singer met in mid-September and filmed a TikTok together Girl meets world alum joked that she was Aguilera’s “favorite child.” The pair also recently teamed up for Xtinas Spotify anniversary Episode around the same time she sang “What a Girl Wants” in a duet.

Aguilera also came up in the interview with Carpenter for the cover story TIMEwith the “Please Please Please” hitmaker opening up about owning her sexuality while following in the footsteps of pop icons like Xtina and Britney Spears. “Sometimes there is still a mother who has a strong opinion about how you should dress,” she told the publication.

“And to that I just say, don’t come to the show and that’s fine,” continued Carpenter, who often sings about sex in her music and incorporates a few NSFW elements into her live shows. “It’s unfortunate that there was ever any reason for criticism because, honestly, going on stage in front of so many people and acting like it’s nothing is the most terrifying thing in the world.” If the only thing “If it’s the way you feel comfortable dressing, then that’s what you need to do.”

See Carpenter’s TIME Cover below.

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