Born in California on February 20, 2003. Olivia Rodrigo demonstrated from a young age her ability to dominate music even composing it. Finding her fame as an actress on the Disney TV show “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”. While later on dropping her No. 1 single “Drivers License” in 2021.
Here are 7 fun facts you probably didn’t know about Olivia Rodrigo:
1. She’s the youngest to win an MTV VMA “Song of the Year” Award
At only 18 years old, Rodrigo won the VMA for ‘Song of the Year’. Making her the youngest to win the award in MTV history. While accepting the award, she dedicated the win to her fans. Saying “the most magical year of her life” and “to all of the other girls who write songs on their bedroom floor”.
2. Like Britney Spears she’s a Disney graduate
By the age of 13, Olivia was cast in a Disney show called Bizaardvack. And later on, included as the character Nini on the Disney+ show High School Musical: The Musical last year.
In addition to that when producers found out Rodrigo could sing, she got encouraged to write music for the show.
3. She gets her Filipino heritage from her dad’s side of the family
Calling herself the term a lumpia fan (which are Filipino-styled egg rolls). Moreover, Olivia narrates in a video for Disney celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month she mentions her Filipino roots. Which transcends from her great-grandfather on her dad’s side and how he came to America on a boat at an early age.
4. Broke Records on Spotify
Peaking at 17 million streams by January 12th, miss Rodrigo broke Spotify’s record for most streams in one day. Her single ‘Drivers License’ is one of the biggest selling songs in over five years.
Furthermore, Becky Bass, a Spotify employee, stated to BBC that they have never witnessed anything quite like this before. A newer artist bursting onto the scene with such a remarkable impact and ongoing growth.
5. An Advocate for Equal Rights
Although knowing the amount of following she’s gained and having the knowledge on how fans will pay close attention to her messages. Olivia is using her platform for good.
Previously, she served as a panelist for the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, promoting equality in the media industry. And has constantly invested her time in the She Can STEM Campaign, therefore, encouraging girls to enter fields that are mostly male-dominated.
6. Knows Her Place in Business
In this world of music sometimes ownership can be tricky. In spite of the whole debacle between Taylor Swift and her label were in trenches fighting over the rights of her music. Miss Rodrigo took matters into her hands and made a deal with Geffen Records to have ownership of her own masters.
7. Is Considered a Swiftie
She’s always been upfront about her love for Taylor Swift. To the point, she calls herself a Swiftie via her Spotify page. Olivia is always praising other artists in interviews but is more vocal towards Swift. It seems to Olivia that Taylor Swift is someone who she admires the most.
