Sabrina Carpenter on Receiving the Same Backlash Britney Spears Did for Embracing Her Sexuality: 'It's Unfortunate'

Sabrina Carpenter still experiences of the same criticism pop stars before her did.

In a cover story interview with TIME for the TIME100 Next, the pop star, 25, opened up about how incorporating her sexuality into her work has resulted in some of the vilification that Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera have experienced over the years.

When asked if she receives the same type of commentary, Carpenter told the publication, “No, I definitely get that as well."

While she believes pop stars before her — including Spears, Aguilera, Rihanna and Madonna — have helped make progress, there are still a few critics who remain, particularly when it comes to her costumes.

“But you'll still get the occasional mother that has a strong opinion on how you should be dressing," said Carpenter. "And to that I just say, don't come to the show and that’s OK."

The "Nonsense" singer added: "It's unfortunate that it's ever been something to criticize, because truthfully, the scariest thing in the world is getting up on a stage in front of that many people and having to perform as if it's nothing. If the one thing that helps you do that is the way you feel comfortable dressing, then that's what you’ve got to do."

She also opened up about what it's like to be critiqued on social media.

“Someone told me this, whenever I would get upset or feel like I'm the only one getting criticized for something other people are able to do seemingly so freely: I'm the one that's seeing all the negative s--- about myself. My friends don't see that," said Carpenter.

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The latest issue of TIME also features a sweet tribute to the Girl Meets World alum penned by Aguilera, 43, where she tells readers to "never underestimate the mighty power" behind her talent.

"It’s the reason she has catapulted to her earned spot as one of today’s leading pop artists. She proves great things come in small packages," the "Genie in a Bottle" hitmaker wrote, explaining that she understands "what it takes to maintain clarity while delivering within the demands of this business" because of their similar starts on Disney.

Aguilera — who recently collaborated with Carpenter on a reimagined version of her hit song "What a Girl Wants" — added: "Sabrina handles the task with seemingly effortless ease and charisma while promoting, performing, and handling press with a smile and her signature coy charm."