If you spent any time on the internet in the mid-2010s, you probably remember the chokehold that the "Disney Channel Circle of Stars" era had on pop culture. It was a time of bright colors, scripted laughs, and the inevitable pivot from sitcom star to pop powerhouse. Two names that always seemed to be whispered in the same breath back then? Sabrina Carpenter and Dove Cameron.
They weren't just coworkers. They were the "It Girls" of a very specific transition period for Disney. But as we sit here in 2026, the trajectory of their careers—and their friendship—has taken some turns that nobody quite predicted when Girl Meets World and Liv and Maddie were still airing.
The Disney Days: More Than Just Coworkers?
Let’s be real for a second. The Disney machine loves a "best friend" narrative. When Sabrina was playing the edgy Maya Hart and Dove was pulling double duty as both twins on Liv and Maddie, the fans were obsessed with the idea of them being a real-life duo. Honestly, it made sense. They were both blonde, both incredibly vocal-heavy performers, and both clearly had ambitions that stretched way beyond the Burbank studio lots.
They did the usual rounds. They took photos together at the Radio Disney Music Awards. They tweeted (back when it was still called that) sweet things to each other. But there was always a weird sort of competition projected onto them by the public. You know how it is. People love to pit two successful women against each other.
The "blonde pop star" archetype was a crowded field. While they were never officially "enemies," the industry definitely treated them like they were vying for the same crown.
Where They Stand in 2026: Success Looks Different Now
Fast forward to right now. It is January 2026, and the landscape has shifted massively. Sabrina Carpenter isn't just a "Disney alum" anymore; she is a legitimate titan of the industry. Coming off the back of her massive Short n' Sweet tour and her 2025 album Man's Best Friend, she’s currently prepping to join the 2026 Met Gala Host Committee.
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Sabrina has basically mastered the art of the "slow burn" success. She didn't have a drivers license moment where she blew up in a week. Instead, she spent a decade grinding, refining her "Nonsense" outros, and building a lore that feels authentic.
Dove, on the other hand, has taken a much more alternative path. While Sabrina is headlining Coachella 2026 (a dream she’s been vocal about for years), Dove has leaned into a darker, more cinematic aesthetic. She’s found her niche in the "alt-pop" world with hits like "Boyfriend" and has been focusing heavily on her personal life recently.
Speaking of personal lives, the big news this month isn't about a collab. It's about a ring.
The Måneskin Connection and Sabrina’s Solo Era
While the internet was busy hoping for a Sabrina/Dove musical collaboration, Dove was busy falling in love. Just this month, in early January 2026, Dove Cameron and Damiano David (the lead singer of Måneskin) confirmed their engagement. They’ve been together for two years, and honestly, the photos of their matching Asscher-cut rings are kind of iconic.
Meanwhile, Sabrina is currently flying solo after her high-profile breakup with actor Barry Keoghan in late 2024. Sources say she’s been "taking time to focus on herself," which, in pop star language, usually means a heartbreak album is currently being mixed in a studio somewhere in Los Angeles.
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The Comparison Trap: Why It’s Finally Dying
For a long time, the "Sabrina vs. Dove" debate was a staple of stan Twitter. Who is the better singer? Who had the better Disney show? Who is the "main pop girl"?
In 2026, that conversation feels incredibly dated.
One of the coolest things about how their careers have evolved is how different they actually are. Sabrina is the queen of the cheeky, 70s-glam pop world—think "Espresso" and her latest single "Tears" featuring Colman Domingo. She’s camp. She’s funny. She’s very "mainstage."
Dove has moved into a space that is much more moody and experimental. Her debut era was all about shedding the "Mal from Descendants" skin and embracing her queerness and a more "James Bond-esque" sound. They aren't even playing in the same sandbox anymore, and that’s probably the best thing that could have happened for their relationship.
What Most People Get Wrong About the "Collab"
There is a persistent rumor that a Sabrina Carpenter and Dove Cameron collaboration is "sitting in a vault." Fans point to a 2024 Code.org partnership where both were featured in a "Music Lab" curriculum as evidence they were working together.
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Let’s clear the air: There is no confirmed track.
Could it happen? Sure. They move in the same circles. They both have immense respect for each other's vocals. But the reality is that their schedules are currently polar opposites. Sabrina is booked for a heavy festival circuit in early 2026—Lollapalooza Chile, Argentina, and Brasil—followed by her Coachella headline set. Dove is likely neck-deep in wedding planning and her own upcoming projects.
Actionable Insights: Following the New Pop Blueprint
If you’re looking at these two as a blueprint for modern stardom, there are a few things to take away from how they handled the "post-Disney" transition:
- Patience Wins the Race: Sabrina’s "overnight success" took twelve years. If you’re building a brand, don't rush the pivot.
- Lean Into Your Niche: Dove didn't try to be the next Taylor Swift. She went darker and weirder, which is why her fan base is so loyal.
- Separation is Healthy: Moving away from the person you were constantly compared to is the only way to establish your own identity.
The days of seeing them as a package deal are over. Sabrina is a global pop juggernaut, and Dove is an alt-pop icon and bride-to-be. They’ve both successfully escaped the "mouse ears" shadow, and they did it by running in completely different directions.
To keep up with their latest moves, keep an eye on the Coachella 2026 lineup for Sabrina’s next big "era" shift, and watch Dove’s social channels for the inevitable (and likely very stylish) wedding content.
Next Steps to Follow Their Careers:
- Check the official Coachella 2026 set times (dropping soon) to see when Sabrina’s headlining performance begins.
- Look for Sabrina’s upcoming Alice in Wonderland musical project, which she finally confirmed is in development for late 2026.
- Monitor Dove Cameron’s upcoming album releases, as she has hinted that her engagement to Damiano David has inspired a whole new "chapter" of music.