Olivia Rodrigo on Netflix Concert Film and Voting In Her First Presidential Election: “It Couldn’t Be More Important”

As part of her GUTS World Tour, there are charming videos showcasing a young Olivia Rodrigo putting on shows for her collection of stuffed animals. "I find it really touching. My mom gets so emotional that she can't even watch that part without tearing up," the singer shares.

It's one of the numerous highlights shown in Netflix's Olivia Rodrigo: GUTS World Tour, her concert film that premiered on Tuesday.

“It’s such a special moment,” Rodrigo shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “Watching those videos fills me with so much joy. This has been my dream for a long time, as seen in those home videos of me performing for my stuffed animals. I feel incredibly thankful that it has unfolded this way, allowing me to fulfill my dream every single night. It truly is something unique. I consider myself a really fortunate person.”

Rodrigo's second album, GUTS, which came out last September, was a huge hit and allowed her to nearly double the number of concerts she performed on her 2022 SOUR Tour. She made a leap from smaller theaters to larger venues, playing at iconic places like Madison Square Garden in New York City and the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, where her Netflix special was recorded.

She’s excited for her fans who weren’t able to attend her live performances to experience her new concert film. “I’m thrilled to have it on Netflix because now those who couldn’t get tickets can still enjoy it,” she explains. “Plus, I believe this film offers new viewpoints and feels lively and engaging, even for those who have seen it previously.”

In a recent interview, the 21-year-old shares her experiences of live performances, offers guidance to tour opener and emerging talent Chappell Roan, discusses the possibility of returning to acting, and reflects on casting her vote for the first time.

On your previous tour, you performed in theaters, but this time you took it up a notch by playing in arenas and nearly doubled the number of shows. How was that experience for you?

The two tours were completely different experiences. They can't even be compared. The SOUR Tour was very personal and I loved that aspect. I'm grateful for starting my touring journey that way. In contrast, this tour was much larger in scale, allowing me to visit numerous new places and perform at bigger venues. It really pushed me to grow as an artist, and I gained a lot of confidence as the shows progressed.

Does your band feature female, trans, or non-binary musicians? Was that true for your initial tour as well?

Absolutely! I’ve always been a big fan of female bands. My love for rock music started at a young age, especially for groups like Sleater-Kinney, Hole, and Babes in Toyland, featuring talented women. Whenever I go on tour, I aim to create a similar vibe and atmosphere that I cherished growing up.

During the tour, you showcase “Pretty Isn’t Pretty” from GUTS, a song with a catchy rhythm and meaningful lyrics. Can you share your experience of writing this song? Have you received any feedback from fans regarding this particular track?

That's really interesting to hear! Performing that song is one of my favorites. I've been thinking about the lyrics for a long time. I went through several attempts to write "Pretty Isn't Pretty," but none of them worked out. Then, when I finally created this version, I felt like I had captured exactly what I wanted to express. It's one of my go-to songs for live performances, even though it’s not a chart-topping hit or anything. It may not have the highest number of streams in my collection, but whenever I sing it, I can often spot a few people in the audience who truly connect with the words, and it means so much to me. I always try to make eye contact with them and dedicate my performance to them, and that makes the experience very special for me.

Many of your fans are around your age or even younger, but you also have a number of older admirers. What’s it like to see people in their 30s and 40s singing along at your concerts?

One of the best aspects of the shows is witnessing the wide range of ages joining in on the songs. It's incredible to see such a varied crowd at each performance, and it brings me joy to look out at them every night. Music truly connects us all. It highlights how similar we are; we share more in common than we do differences. Concerts really demonstrate this sense of unity in a tangible way.

I believe that when you write with sincerity and openness — emotions that nearly everyone has experienced at some point — it will likely connect with many people. That's my thinking on it.

You said in the movie that “Enough for You” is your top pick from the SOUR album. What makes it stand out for you?

I created that song all on my own while sitting on the floor of my bedroom, and I take a lot of pride in it. It truly reflects the insecurities I was experiencing back then. Fortunately, those feelings have passed, but the song serves as a lovely snapshot of what my heart felt at 17, so I always hold a special affection for it.

Chappell Roan features in the concert film—how was the experience of performing alongside her?

It was fantastic! I really admire Chappell, and she's played a significant role in the GUTS world tour. She was there for the first seven shows, helping me establish my rhythm and define the show's vibe. It felt wrong not to have her involved since she's such an important part of it all. I absolutely love the song "Hot to Go!" and performing it with her was a blast. The crowd went wild!

Did you meet each other through your work with producer Dan Nigro?

Absolutely, we were introduced by Dan. We would take turns working in his studio, which allowed us to catch up and spend time together from time to time. She provided backing vocals for a few of my tracks on SOUR and GUTS, so she has always played a role in my journey. I'm incredibly thrilled to see her achieving great success and finally receiving all the praise she truly deserves.

This year, she and several other artists are achieving significant milestones. They are enjoying fresh experiences like gaining more fans, increased recognition, and potential Grammy nominations. What insights can you share with them, given your similar journey in 2021?

Wow, this is tough. At 21, I often feel like I'm just winging it in countless aspects of my life. Reflecting on the moments when my music began to gain popularity and I was getting some recognition was incredibly thrilling. However, it's crucial to recognize that the true sources of fulfillment in life likely aren't things like charts, trophies, or accolades. Maintaining this perspective can lead to a happier and more centered life.

Have you found any moments to create new music or write recently? Do you jot down your ideas as they come to you, or do you like to set aside specific times for writing?

It’s a mix of both for me. I really enjoy writing songs; it keeps me grounded and connected to my humanity. It serves as a form of self-care, similar to journaling or talking to a therapist. For me, songwriting has that same therapeutic value, so I constantly find myself creating. At the moment, I’m focusing on enjoying the process rather than stressing about making something that’s destined for a wide audience. I’m just having a good time with it.

Earlier this year, you received a nomination for Best Rock Song at the Grammys, competing with notable bands like The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, and Queens of the Stone Age (boygenius ended up winning). Did that nomination feel particularly significant for you?

Absolutely, it was an amazing experience. It felt wonderful to be welcomed into a space that has traditionally been dominated by men. Rock music has seen a lot of male artists, so being recognized as a younger woman in that scene was incredibly thrilling for me. It truly meant a lot.

Which artist do you dream of teaming up with or creating a song for?

I can't believe it, but I've always dreamed of writing a song with Gwen Stefani. I'm such a big fan of hers, and this year, I had the chance to perform alongside her at Coachella. She's genuinely kind, down-to-earth, and has a wonderful personality. Her music has been a huge inspiration for my own songwriting, so collaborating with her would be incredible. I admire her versatility; she really is the epitome of cool, and no one quite compares to her. She's simply amazing!

The election is approaching. How do you feel about it? Is this your first opportunity to cast your vote for a presidential candidate?

This is my first time participating in a presidential election since I didn’t vote in the last one. I'm really thrilled about it! I submitted my vote yesterday (Sunday) using a mail-in ballot, and I personally delivered it to the polling station. It felt amazing! I proudly wore my sticker all day long. This election is incredibly significant, and I really hope that everyone, especially younger folks like myself, makes it to the polls. It's crucial!

Many of us first became aware of you through your acting before "Drivers License" was released. If you were to step back into acting, what kind of character would you like to portray?

That's really intriguing! I would be excited to take on an acting role that isn't related to music. While I have a passion for music, I think it would be fantastic to explore a new challenge and try something entirely different from what I've been focused on lately. I’d really like to dive into that kind of experience, but we'll see what happens. The future looks promising!