NEW YORK (AP) — Social media erupted this week after fans spotted what they call uncanny similarities between Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Tears’ and Diana Ross’ classic ‘Upside Down.’

The 26-year-old pop star dropped her seventh studio album, Man’s Best Friend, on Aug. 1, 2025. Critics gave it mixed reviews, praising its catchy hooks while some tracks drew comparisons to past disco anthems. ‘Tears,’ a disco-infused single, quickly fueled the online debate.

On Reddit, user u/DiscoDetective posted audio clips side by side. “Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Tears’ sounds IDENTICAL to a disco song from the 80s,” the post read. “I took a lil sippy of my marg and listened to my Lady Di playlist, and heard ‘Upside Down.’ Same beat and concept.”

Replies poured in fast. “Oh wow that’s WILD. Absolutely identical, especially the post-chorus,” one user wrote. Another added, “Tears literally sounds almost like ‘Upside Down’ and it just clocked to me.” Dozens of commenters shared their takes, with videos racking up thousands of views across TikTok and X.

Not everyone sees malice. “I hear the similarity in vibe and structure, that disco groove and emotional contrast,” one fan countered on Reddit. “But it feels more like inspiration than a copy. Pop and disco share DNA.”

Carpenter’s team did not respond to requests for comment from wire services. The singer has stayed silent on the buzz.

Accusations like these aren’t new in music. In 2023, Ed Sheeran beat a copyright lawsuit in Manhattan federal court over his song ‘Thinking Out Loud.’ Heirs of Marvin Gaye co-writer Ed Townsend had sued in 2016, claiming it copied ‘Let’s Get It On.’ Jurors ruled no infringement after a weeklong trial, rejecting a $100 million claim.

Carpenter built her career on Disney’s Girl Meets World before pivoting to music. Her 2022 album Emails I Can’t Send marked a bolder turn. Last year’s Short n’ Sweet spawned hits ‘Espresso’ and ‘Please Please Please,’ both topping charts.

Man’s Best Friend debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. ‘Tears’ has streamed 15 million times on Spotify since release, according to the platform. Ross’ ‘Upside Down,’ produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic, hit No. 1 on the Hot 100 in 1980 and remains a dance floor staple.

Legal experts say proving copying requires more than resemblance. Courts look at substantial similarity in melody, lyrics and structure. Rodgers himself faced sampling suits in the past but defended influences as industry norms.

For now, the debate rages online. Fans splice clips, remix tracks and poll each other: homage or rip-off? Carpenter tours through December, with sold-out shows in Los Angeles and New York. Ross, 80, last performed at the 2022 American Music Awards.

Whether ‘Tears’ faces scrutiny or fades into fan chatter, it spotlights how digital ears catch echoes from decades past.