If you’ve been paying any attention to the absolute whirlwind that is Sabrina Carpenter’s career lately, you’ve definitely seen a certain curly-haired, incredibly stylish woman glued to her side. That would be Paloma Sandoval.
She isn't just a face in the background. Honestly, Paloma has become a lore-heavy figure in the Carpenter Cinematic Universe. From coining viral song titles to literally quitting her job to travel the world on the Short n’ Sweet tour, the bond between Paloma and Sabrina Carpenter is basically the blueprint for "making it" with your best friend.
But how did they actually meet? And is it true that Paloma is the secret sauce behind one of Sabrina’s biggest hits?
Who is Paloma Sandoval anyway?
Most fans first noticed Paloma when she started popping up in Sabrina’s TikToks and Instagram dumps around 2022. She’s a Vancouver-born content creator of Mexican-Canadian heritage, and she’s a powerhouse in the body-positivity space.
She's real. She’s funny.
Paloma often hosts these chaotic, spontaneous talent shows on Instagram Live that feel like a FaceTime call with your funniest friend. It’s that exact energy that seems to mesh so perfectly with Sabrina’s brand of unhinged, high-glam humor. While some people might dismiss her as just a "celebrity bestie," she was actually recognized by Instagram on their 24 For 24 list, which highlights creators who are actually making a difference.
She isn't just "there." She's an advocate.
She has spoken openly about being a plus-size woman and how that doesn't define her identity. It’s that confidence that likely makes her the perfect anchor for Sabrina, who has been living under a microscope since she was a teenager on Disney Channel.
The "Bed Chem" Incident: What really happened
Okay, let’s talk about the song. If you’ve screamed the lyrics to "Bed Chem" in your car, you owe Paloma a thank you note.
The story is kind of legendary at this point. During her NPR Tiny Desk concert, Sabrina dropped the bombshell that the phrase "Bed Chem" wasn't actually about a guy—at least, not at first. It was a "beautiful and happy accident" that happened during a sleepover.
Sabrina and Paloma were sharing a bed in an Airbnb. They woke up the next morning and realized they hadn't moved an inch or kicked each other once.
"We have really good bed chem," Paloma told her.
Basically, she meant they were compatible sleepers. No snoring. No stolen covers. Just top-tier platonic slumber. Sabrina, being the pop-writing shark she is, immediately saw the vision. She took that innocent phrase, ran to the studio, and turned it into a sultry, synth-heavy anthem about a different kind of chemistry.
It’s hilarious when you think about it. One of the steamiest songs of 2024 started with two best friends sleeping peacefully in a rental house.
Working for your best friend: Dream or nightmare?
In 2024 and 2025, the dynamic shifted from just "friends" to "colleagues." Paloma famously posted a TikTok mentioning she quit her job to follow her friend around the world.
She’s now officially part of the Short n’ Sweet tour crew.
You’ll see her credited on the 2025 album Man’s Best Friend for background vocals and percussion on track 12. She’s also a constant presence in the "arrest" bits during Sabrina's live shows. Remember the viral clip from the Vancouver show where a "fan" told a wild heartbreak story and Sabrina ended up singing a cover? That was Paloma.
It was a bit. A plant.
The two of them love to troll the audience. Whether it’s Paloma pretending to be a disgruntled fan or the two of them doing the Wicked battle cry on TikTok, they’ve mastered the art of "internet-y" marketing.
Why this friendship matters in 2026
The celebrity world is fickle. We see "squads" break up and "work wives" disappear the moment a tour ends. But the Sabrina Carpenter and Paloma Sandoval connection feels different because it’s rooted in the pre-supernova era.
They’ve been through it all:
- The Coachella 2022 parties.
- The 2026 Met Gala where Sabrina joined the host committee (and Paloma was right there in the getting-ready vlogs).
- The transition from theaters to headlining Coachella 2026.
Paloma is a stabilizer. When Sabrina is being scrutinized for her "Naked Dress" or her latest TikTok about an ex, Paloma is the one in the comments section or the background of the video keeping things grounded.
How to find your own Paloma
If you’re looking at their friendship and feeling a bit of "bestie envy," you aren't alone. The internet is flooded with people saying "I need the Paloma to my Sabrina."
It’s about more than just traveling. It’s about finding someone who challenges you creatively but also lets you sleep in peace.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the Credits: Next time you listen to the Short n' Sweet or Man's Best Friend albums, look for Paloma’s name in the liner notes. She’s more involved in the sound than people realize.
- Follow the Source: If you want the "unfiltered" Sabrina, Paloma’s Instagram stories are usually where the best behind-the-scenes content lives.
- Revisit the Tiny Desk: Watch the transition between Sabrina's songs on her NPR set to hear her explain the "Bed Chem" origin in her own words. It changes how you hear the track entirely.
There is no doubt that as Sabrina’s star continues to rise throughout 2026, Paloma will be right there, probably holding a camera, a coffee, or a microphone for some background vocals.
That’s real camaraderie.