The Popstar of our Generation

You’ve probably come across the name of a remarkable Filipino American woman who’s making waves in the music industry at a remarkably young age. Olivia Rodrigo’s vibrant presence in the industry is as notable as her favorite color, purple.

Her music is a mix of pop with hints of alternative and indie vibes, plus a touch of rock and acoustic sounds. Olivia’s songs are catchy and relatable, making her a rising star everyone’s talking about. But who truly is Olivia Rodrigo?

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Photography: Pitchfork

She is a multi-talented singer-songwriter and actress who crafts all her own music. Born on February 20, 2003, she’s a part of our generation, Gen Z, hailing from Temecula, California. Olivia first gained recognition with her role as Nini Salazar-Roberts in the Disney+ series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. But even before that, you might have known her in the American Girl doll movie Grace Stirs Up Success, or in the Disney Channel original show Bizaardvark.

Regardless of when you discovered her, Olivia’s debut single “Drivers License,” released in January 2021, propelled her to global fame. Her album Sour, inspired by her breakup with co-star Joshua Bassett, showcased tracks like “Traitor,” “Good 4 u,” and “Jealousy,” each resonating with raw emotion. Every song was captivating, with “Hope ur Okay” standing out as my personal favorite.

Two years later, Olivia Rodrigo unveiled her highly anticipated sophomore album, Guts. The album soared to success with its chart-topping hit “Vampire,” alongside other notable tracks like “Bad Idea Right?” and “Get Him Back!” that secured spots in the top 10 on Billboard Charts. Filled with themes of heartbreak, frustration, and teenage angst, Guts truly captures the essence of what it means to be a teenager in this time of age.”I think I’m good at knowing how people feel, how I feel, and being able to capture that,” Olivia told Rolling Stone magazine.

So, what’s your take? Is she the pop star of our generation?