21 for 21: Olivia Rodrigo’s most memorable moments (so far)
As the Grammy-winning star turns 21, we're counting down her strongest performances and sharpest tracks
Music Features Olivia Rodrigo
Over the course of three short years, Olivia Rodrigo emerged as one of the defining pop stars of the 2020s. Shortly after the melancholy “Drivers License” became a viral sensation in 2021, Rodrigo’s debut album Sour became the rarest of things: an album rooted in classic pop-rock traditions that felt startlingly fresh due to her sharply defined personality.
Sour became a commercial and critical hit, earning three Grammys in the process. Last year’s Guts may not have won any Grammys, but in every other respect it matched its predecessor. The single “Vampire” topped the chart and was a critics favorite: Robert Christgau, the Dean of American Rock Critics, placed it number one on his Best Of 2023 list.
Guts suggests that Rodrigo has a long career ahead of her but she already has plenty of memorable events in her rear view mirror. In celebration of her 21st birthday, here are 21 defining moments in Rodrigo’s supernova of a career.
9 Comments
Listening to her music might be the first time I felt old. I don’t see the appeal (which is fine, because it’s not for me)
It might just not be your thing, which is fine. I’m older than her target demographic but like her music a lot. Probably more than my kids do.
I’m in that boat. I totally dig her stuff and way outside that demo as well. But there’s plenty of modern/current stuff that isn’t my bag at all.
No small feat nailing a Carly Simon song like that. Beautifuly done.
“while White happily passed the rock & roll torch to a younger generation”Pump your brakes Stephen. Hyperbole is for suckers.
Who the fuck pays you guys to write these puff pieces on this girl?She is so bad, she would not be on the radio if I Heart Media didn’t exist.
No small feat nailing a Carly Simon song like that. Beautifuly done.
I like her fine, but come on she doesn’t have 21 memorable moments
Isnt the song Brutal just a rip off an Elastica or Veruca Salt song? Cant remember which band sung it.