Sabrina Carpenter kicked off the European leg of her Short n Sweet tour with an electrifying performance in Dublin, 

marking a notable return to the homeland of her ex-boyfriend, Barry Keoghan.

The 25-year-old singer took the stage at Dublin’s 3Arena on Monday night, just months after her highly publicized split from the 32-year-old actor.

Fans were quick to notice that the singer made a subtle dig at her former partner during the concert.

The pop star performed several of her hit songs, including “Espresso,” “Feather,”

and “Taste,” before transitioning into “Please, Please, Please,” a track believed to be inspired by Keoghan.

The song had already sparked intrigue among fans as Keoghan himself appeared in its music video,

which featured Carpenter pleading with him not to let her down—a sentiment that took on a deeper meaning following their real-life breakup.

During her set, Carpenter addressed the audience with a cheeky remark, stating, “Dublin, it’s so lovely to be here. You all look and sound amazing. But my goodness, these Irish boys are hard work.” The comment, while playful, seemed to allude to her past relationship with Keoghan, adding fuel to the speculation surrounding their breakup.

Carpenter and Keoghan were together for approximately a year before their split in early December. Following their breakup, rumors circulated that Keoghan had been unfaithful with influencer Breckie Hill, though he denied the allegations. The speculation became so intense that Keoghan temporarily deactivated his Instagram account and later took to social media to address the situation.

In a statement, he lamented the “lies, hatred, and disgusting commentary” surrounding him online, expressing his frustration over the personal attacks directed at him. “I have to respond now because it’s getting to a place where there are too many lines being crossed,” he wrote. He also spoke about his decision to step away from Instagram, emphasizing that he needed to protect his family and career. Keoghan, who shares a two-year-old son with his ex-partner Alyson Sandro Kierans, asserted that his focus remains on his child and personal growth.

Reports later suggested that Carpenter and Keoghan’s split was primarily due to conflicting schedules rather than infidelity. A source stated that Carpenter’s demanding tour schedule made it difficult for the couple to maintain their relationship, ultimately leading to their separation.

In addition to her Dublin performance, Carpenter recently made headlines with her controversial opening act at the BRIT Awards. The singer’s risqué routine, which featured a suggestive interaction with a performer dressed as a King’s Guard, left many viewers shocked. The live broadcast was altered to tone down the provocative nature of the performance, with the camera shifting focus to the winking soldier instead of Carpenter’s explicit movements.

During the show, the singer made a dramatic mid-performance costume change, swapping her red military-style blazer dress for a sultry lingerie ensemble. While the performance was met with cheers from the audience, some viewers criticized its pre-watershed airing on national  television. Several concerned parents expressed their disappointment, stating that the content was inappropriate for younger audiences.

Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, did not immediately confirm whether formal complaints had been lodged but stated that any significant number of complaints would be included in their weekly report. Meanwhile, ITV, the broadcaster of the event, has yet to issue a statement regarding the controversy.

Carpenter, however, remains unfazed by the backlash. The singer has been vocal about embracing confidence and self-expression through her performances. “My message has always been clear—if you can’t handle a girl who is confident in her own sexuality, then don’t come to my shows,” she previously stated.

Despite the controversy, Carpenter had a successful night at the BRIT Awards, taking home the Global Success award. The honor was presented to her by actress Millie Bobby Brown, solidifying Carpenter’s status as an international music sensation.

With her European tour now in full swing, Carpenter continues to captivate audiences with her high-energy performances and unapologetic artistry. Her Dublin show, while filled with stellar music and undeniable talent, also provided a glimpse into the emotions surrounding her past relationship, proving once again that she is an artist who isn’t afraid to turn personal experiences into powerful performances.