Colman Domingo makes a notable appearance in Sabrina Carpenter’s visually striking new music video for ‘Tears,’ released alongside her seventh studio album, Man’s Best Friend, on August 29. This collaboration highlights the growing synergy between Carpenter’s daring pop style and Domingo’s dynamic presence. The video continues Carpenter’s exploration of frustrated relationships, embracing bold themes with dramatic flair.
Exploring Themes of Disappointment and Empowerment in ‘Tears’
‘Tears’ follows the thematic thread set by Carpenter’s earlier hit ‘Manchild,’ which critiqued unreliable men through evocative lyrics and imagery. In the ‘Tears’ video, directed by Bardia Zeinali, Carpenter amplifies this message, portraying dissatisfaction with men who fail to meet basic responsibilities. The lyrics underline emotional frustration:
I get wet at the thought of you/Being a responsible guy/Treating me like you’re supposed to do/Tears run down my thighs
. The video climaxes with Carpenter decisively confronting one such man, symbolically ending the cycle of disappointment.
Unexpected Collaboration with Colman Domingo Brings New Energy
The casting of Colman Domingo, best known for his role in Euphoria, surprised many viewers, adding a unique dimension to the video. Domingo appears in a Rocky Horror-inspired look, channeling Dr. Frank-N-Furter, and engages with Carpenter in a series of stylized scenes. Following a car crash in the woods, Carpenter encounters Domingo and moves through an eerie house setting alongside him. Their interaction includes a striking glittery dance sequence and a pole dance in a cornfield before Carpenter confronts the man she believed dead in the crash.
Carpenter described Domingo as
truly incomparable, magnetic, and fantastic Colman Domingo
. Domingo himself responded on social media, stating:
Didn’t see that coming did ya?
which captured the excitement around his involvement.
Colman Domingo’s Rising Star and Recent Accolades
Domingo’s participation in Carpenter’s project comes amid a well-earned rise in his career, marked by consecutive Oscar nominations. His first nod was for his role in Rustin, a biographical film about Bayard Rustin, a civil rights advocate. Reflecting on this milestone, Domingo shared:
That sort of catapulted me to leading man status,
highlighting both his achievements and the significance of his representation as one of the few out gay men nominated for playing gay characters since Ian McKellen.
He also received recognition for his performance in Sing Sing, a prison drama where Domingo had creative influence. He said of the project:
From start to finish, I got to put my fingerprints on every frame,
illustrating his deep involvement beyond acting. Looking ahead, Domingo emphasized his openness:
Everything I have, it’s because I haven’t put any limitations on myself,
and added,
I didn’t know where this career would go, to be honest, but I’m really happy with where it is.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Growing Acclaim and Recent Achievements
Alongside the release of Man’s Best Friend and the ‘Tears’ video, Sabrina Carpenter has been receiving widespread praise for her live performances. Her headline appearance at BST Hyde Park earned a five-star review from NME, which celebrated her as a commanding force in contemporary pop. The review highlighted the impact of her song ‘Espresso,’ noting:
Fireworks shoot out of the stage as Carpenter sings the biggest song of her career, which is only a year old, but somehow feels like the only song ever made,
and added,
It’s catapulted the singer from an artist orbiting the pop girl league tables to one of its reigning champs, but her command of this space is a testament to the years of graft it took to get there. All she needed was time.
Implications and Future Prospects
The collaboration between Colman Domingo and Sabrina Carpenter on ‘Tears’ reflects a growing trend of genre-crossing partnerships that enrich pop culture with deeper storytelling and innovative visuals. Domingo’s acting stature and Carpenter’s musical evolution combine to deliver a compelling narrative about empowerment and confrontation. Fans can anticipate that this creative momentum will continue to influence both artists’ careers, broadening their reach across music, film, and beyond.
