Olivia Rodrigo, the present and future of pop

The clock struck eleven at night, and 50,000 people gathered on the Mad Cool 2025 esplanade to see a 22-year-old young woman. The festival's stages emptied to fill the main stage, everyone waiting for Olivia Rodrigo. A woman who knows what she wants, who enjoys being on stage, and who connects emotionally with her audience. From Disney girl to musical superstar in less than six years. That's her life.

Like many film, music, and theater enthusiasts in the United States, the most logical step is to go to Disney. A successful multinational company that seeks well-rounded actors who can sing, dance, and act, although such high demands can sometimes be expensive. This was seen with Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and Demi Lovato in the 2000s, who didn't become the best role models (drugs, lack of control, need to disappear...). A reality that seems to have changed. The most recent Disney girls are having better experiences—hopefully—Zendaya, Sofia Carson, and Olivia Rodrigo herself.

The American actress was born in California in 2003. At just 13 years old, she rose to fame thanks to the show 'Bizaardvark' and, in 2019, she would triumph again among young audiences with 'High School Musical: The Musical: The Series'. Two projects that launched Rodrigo to a fame that not even the pandemic could stop her. Her goals were clear: acting and singing. It wouldn't take long to achieve them.

The industry was poised to build the perfect career for the Filipino-American singer. But she didn't let herself be swayed by terms that didn't represent her. In 2021, at just 18 years old, she signed with Geffen (owned by Universal) and Interscope Records (home to artists like Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga). 'Drivers License' was her introduction to the music industry... and what a letter it was. Olivia Rodrigo's debut single broke all records and was one of the best-selling English-language ballads of that year, in addition to becoming a TikTok phenomenon, a social network to which Rodrigo owes much.

The work didn't stop there; the young woman didn't want to be a 'one-hit wonder' (a one-hit wonder), but rather took advantage of the hype to release 'Deja Vu' and 'Good 4 U'. With two other hits on social media, radio, and digital platforms, she had solid support and a clear idea: Rodrigo's career was guaranteed. In May 2021, 'Sour' was released, an album with a powerful, unique, personal sound and countless other adjectives ranging from "a very enjoyable pop album" to "it's the first step toward insisting that the gaze that matters most is the one in the mirror" (reviews from Mondosonoro and The New York Times).

A new sound based on not labeling oneself musically, a concept that younger generations love. From pop to punk to rock without breaking a sweat. With 'Sour', she received numerous awards, including three Grammys (Best Pop Vocal Album, Best New Artist, and Best Pop Solo Performance). An album that established the foundation and aesthetic that the artist still follows. Free in terms of songs and with purple as her flag. In 2023, she released her second album, 'Guts'. Another hit that would maintain those Rodriguista sounds. 'Vampire' and 'Bad Idea Right?' would be her singles and, along with the singer's first tracks, would once again have great success on social media, especially on TikTok.

A social network that not only made Olivia Rodrigo's songs go viral, but also became popular among teenagers—the average age among those attending her concerts. Short videos of her singing acoustically and fans dancing and empathizing with the intimacy of her lyrics. The artist has even acknowledged that she's used TikTok as inspiration for songs like Traitor, finding the words to express her emotions in other people's videos.

The energy she exudes, despite talking about her heartbreaks, not only makes her one of the great representatives of her generation, but also a queen on stage. Dozens of cities around the world, including Madrid and Barcelona, ​​have witnessed this American's powerful force.

A new era (with Taylor Swift's permission to call it that) is approaching. Purples have begun to blend with reds. A "3" occasionally pops up in her announcements. New developments are approaching, and Olivia Rodrigo's career continues to advance toward success and stardom.