Olivia Rodrigo has swiftly risen to the pinnacle of the pop music scene. Her breakthrough hit "driver’s license" and her chart-topping albums SOUR and GUTS have stormed the music world. At just 21, she's garnered a global fanbase, billions of streams, and three Grammy Awards.

I vaguely remember a day in early 2021 when I first heard "driver’s license." Alongside "Good 4 U," the song exploded in popularity right after its release. At that point, I was done with pop music, thinking Olivia was just another artist lamenting about boys—a bit too generic for my taste. I was too lazy to check out her songs and who even likes mainstream music, right? Little did I know I’d been listening to her songs all this while, just in the form audios on YouTube Shorts. I recollect cluelessly searching up, “Red lights, stop signs” and before I knew Driver’s License was my most streamed song that month.

Her rise to fame isn't just due to the catchy beats and vocals, but also because of her persona and the messages in her songs. Olivia Rodrigo's knack for capturing the messy, complex emotions of growing up is one of her greatest strengths. Her songs are intensely personal, dealing with heartbreak, self-doubt, and navigating relationships. Whether she's singing about betrayal or the confusion of young love, her lyrics feel like reading someone’s diary—vulnerable and honest. She validates emotions that teenage girls, including myself, find too embarrassing to express. She acknowledges that rage, jealousy, and denial after heartbreak are unhealthy but shouldn't be suppressed. Talking about these issues so openly makes people feel less alone. This relatability is a key reason she has such a devoted fanbase.

Olivia’s music speaks to a generation craving authenticity. In an era where many pop stars project a perfectly polished image, her openness about her struggles and insecurities is refreshing. Her songs don’t shy away from emotional messiness; they embrace it. Tracks like "traitor" and "vampire" aren’t just about relationships; they dive deep into feelings of betrayal, jealousy, and self-doubt. Another important aspect of her music is its genre-blending quality. Drawing from pop-punk bands of the early 2000s, artists like Taylor Swift and Alanis Morissette, and modern pop, Olivia creates a sound that's both nostalgic and fresh. Songs like "brutal" and "good 4 u" echo early 2000s pop-punk, while tracks like "driver’s license" and "favourite crime" are modern ballads focused on emotional storytelling. With such a varied discography, she appeals to a broad audience. Her rebellious, rockstar punk songs engage teen crowds, her pop hits are loved by all age groups, and her ballads attract a more mature audience. Beyond crafting catchy, genre-blending hits, Olivia’s music is emotionally cathartic for listeners. Whether you're crying over a breakup or screaming along to "good 4 u" in your car, her songs offer a release. Her lyrics touch on universal emotions—heartbreak, anger, regret, hope—that make her music so powerful. It’s not just about the melodies; it’s about the emotional journey she takes listeners on.

People feel more connected to Olivia Rodrigo because she comes across as genuine, avoiding any superficial persona. Fame can change people; some remain unaffected while others falter. Olivia falls into the former category. Her interviews are refreshingly honest, often sprinkled with self-deprecating humour that makes it feel like you're chatting with a close friend. She laughs at her own mistakes, makes funny faces, and shares personal stories without hesitation. This transparency has made her a role model for young fans who appreciate her openness about both the highs and lows of life.

Olivia's authenticity shines through in memorable moments. She once joked that heartbreak is her “superpower” and admitted she’s great at overthinking everything. In one interview, she humorously confessed, “I think my therapist would tell me to stop writing breakup songs, but honestly, they’re just too good to pass up.” Another standout moment was when she joked about being a Scorpio and holding grudges “forever,” resonating with fans who love seeing someone so relatable reach global stardom. These candid, off-the-cuff remarks are a big reason Olivia feels so approachable, despite her superstar status.

So, here we are, witnessing the rise of Olivia Rodrigo—this young, fiercely talented artist who’s taken the world by storm. I mean, it feels like just yesterday she dropped "driver’s license" and suddenly, everyone's heart was collectively broken. And let's be real, who hasn't belted out “good 4 u” at the top of their lungs, whether in the car, the shower, or just about anywhere you could get away with it?

In the grand scheme of things, Olivia Rodrigo is just getting started. She's already made a massive impact on the music industry, and there’s no doubt she’ll continue to evolve and grow as an artist. Her journey is one to watch, not just because of the incredible music she’s bound to create, but also because of the way she’s redefining what it means to be a pop star in this era. Authentic, relatable, and ridiculously talented—Olivia’s got it all.

So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just someone who can’t help but sing along when her songs come on the radio, one thing's for sure: Olivia Rodrigo is here to stay, and we’re all just along for the ride. Buckle up, because it's going to be a journey.

.    .    .