Olivia Rodrigo’s rise to superstardom has been nothing short of meteoric. The young artist, who began her career as a Disney Channel actress, has evolved into one of the biggest names in music, capturing the hearts of millions worldwide with her raw, emotional songwriting and unforgettable voice.
Rodrigo’s journey to fame began in the early 2010s when she starred in local talent competitions, landing her first major role in Grace Stirs Up Success, an American Girl film. She later found her footing as an actress in Disney’s Bizaardvark and the popular series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Even during her time on the show, her passion for songwriting became apparent, as she composed her own songs for the series.
Her big break came in January 2021 with the release of her debut single, “drivers license.” The ballad quickly became a cultural phenomenon, accumulating over 17 million Spotify streams in a single day and topping charts worldwide. Drivers license wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. It catapulted Rodrigo to a level of fame few achieve so early in their careers. The success of her debut album, SOUR, which dropped in May 2021, further solidified her position as a major force in pop music. The album’s raw exploration of heartbreak and young adult emotions resonated deeply with listeners, earning her three Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist.
Rodrigo’s music spoke to a generation that was experiencing collective heartbreak and isolation, with tracks like “drivers license,” “deja vu,” and “good 4 u” serving as anthems of frustration, sadness, and healing. SOUR was streamed nearly 11 billion times, cementing Rodrigo as one of the most streamed artists of the year.
In 2023, Rodrigo followed up SOUR with her sophomore album, GUTS. The album marked a shift in Rodrigo’s music, reflecting her personal growth and maturity since SOUR. Described as a mix of alt-rock and introspective ballads, GUTS is both cathartic and empowering, diving into themes of frustration, self-discovery, and the chaotic emotions that accompany growing up. Rodrigo has said that the years between 17 and 20—when she wrote most of GUTS—were some of the most formative of her life.
While SOUR focused on the anguish of heartbreak, GUTS explores the emotional aftermath of healing and learning from those experiences. Tracks like “bad idea right?” and “the grudge” highlight the complexity of emotions that come with growing up, while songs like “vampire”—the album’s lead single—delve into the consequences of fame and personal betrayal. Despite the heavier themes, Rodrigo approached the album with a sense of fun and cheekiness, showcasing her growth as both a songwriter and a person.
Olivia’s journey, however, has been more than just musical success. Her status as a pop icon was cemented with major moments such as her invitation to the White House by President Joe Biden to promote COVID-19 vaccination for young people, and her powerful performance at Glastonbury, where she called out the US Supreme Court after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. These events highlighted her willingness to use her platform to address important social issues.
Despite her success, Rodrigo remains humble. She often expresses her gratitude for the creative control she has over her music, a freedom she values deeply. Throughout her rise to fame, Rodrigo has stayed grounded, regularly reflecting on how her experiences have shaped her. She acknowledges the challenges of balancing her young fans’ expectations while growing into adulthood herself, but she continues to navigate these pressures with grace.
As she embarks on a 75-date tour across Europe and North America, Rodrigo’s influence in the music world is undeniable. With GUTS receiving critical acclaim and her fanbase continuing to grow, Rodrigo is positioned as one of the defining voices of her generation.
At just 20 years old, Rodrigo’s career has already been filled with groundbreaking achievements. From her early Disney days to her Grammy-winning success and world tours, she has proven that her impact on music is only beginning. With her unapologetically honest songwriting and ever-growing confidence, the world is eagerly awaiting what’s next for Olivia Rodrigo.
Sources:
- grammy.com: The Meteoric Rise Of Olivia Rodrigo: How The “Drivers License” Singer Became Gen Z’s Queen of Pop
- people.com: Before She Spilled Her Guts and Got Sour: Photos of a Young Olivia Rodrigo’s Rise to Fame
- Celebrity.nine.com.au: Olivia Rodrigo’s life and career in pictures: From Disney star to one of the biggest names in music
- npr.org: Olivia Rodrigo wants you to decide what her songs are about
- theface.com: Olivia Rodrigo knows what makes her happy now
- Pictures can be found on Instagram @oliviarodrigo
