Olivia’s artistic license to thrill
Olivia Rodrigo is set to be one of the breakout stars of tonight’s Grammys, having been nominated for seven awards. And if she does scoop a gong, it’s likely her dad won’t be far from her thoughts.
The 19-year-old, who has spoken openly about her struggles as a child actor, admits that her therapist father Ronald helped guide her through.
Olivia, who was just 13 when she made her TV debut in Disney series Bizaardvark before later appearing in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, says: “I remember really gravitating towards my dad at that time because he was the only person I felt would tell me the truth.
“That was really hard for me to grapple with at a young age – feeling like you couldn’t trust anyone, and no one was going to tell you if you’re messing up.”
Olivia had only just finished high school when she released her debut single, Driver’s License, in January 2021.
The song, which is thought to be about her ex-boyfriend, fellow Disney star Joshua Bassett, 20, became one of the best-selling tracks of the year and, along with her debut album Sour, catapulted Olivia to mainstream fame.
Opening up in new music Disney+ documentary, driving home 2 u, she says: “The success of Driver’s License changed everything.”
The hit song has been nominated for Record of the Year and Song of The Year, while Sour is up for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album. Plus, Olivia is up for Best New Artist, Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Music Video for Good 4 U.