Olivia Rodrigo Talks Dealing With Fame and Mental Health

Olivia Rodrigo has had the dreamiest journey to success after her song “Driver’s License” resonated with millions of people across the world. Following its success, the singer released her debut album, 'Sour', the title song of which broke multiple records and held the number one spot on the Billboard's top 100 for an impressive period of time.

The “Good for you” singer has since won important awards like MTV Song of the Year and iHeart Radio Social Star Word. Because 2021 has been such a significant year for Rodrigo, she sat down with Vogue Singapore and discussed how her life has changed in the last year.

Olivia appears to be riding the high with prestigious awards, live performances, and love from fans from all over the world. However, there are two ways that she likes to look at it. Though proud of her achievements in the music industry, the 18-year-old singer-songwriter believes that they don't alter who she is as a person.

“It’s funny how recognition changes everything and also changes nothing in your life”, the teenager told Vogue. She registered that a few hits have not suddenly eradicated all troubles from her life or snatched anything away from her. “I'm still having the same problems I had last year, and the things that brought me joy last year still bring me joy today." She believes that as she treads along and explores what the music industry has on hold for her, she will make it a point not to let go of her unique self. “It's just another aspect of life that you need to learn how to deal with while cherishing your growth”; added Olivia.

When asked if fame drove people away from her, she said that when one has achieved a lot in a very small window of time, it can be hard for people to look at them the same way. “Sometimes when you have a lot of success really quickly, it can scare people and make them feel different. That was an interesting thing to learn. I’m figuring it all out.", she added. According to Olivia, people who stay with you through your successful ups and rough downs, are the ones you should surround yourself with.

While talking about the success of her debut album ‘Sour’, she ecstatically talked about her writing process, and that she is extremely fortunate to be able to write songs sitting on her bedroom floor, literally. "Over the years, I have realized that vulnerability equates to strength, and that is so true in my songwriting that it’s visible on the very surface of all my songs.”

She goes on to say that she has always been the most comfortable with her feelings and thoughts, which help her vocalize them better. “If I wasn’t so comfortable in my emotions, I wouldn’t have made Sour and it wouldn’t have had that same result.", she added with faith that she did everything staying true to herself, which is why the outcome turned out to be so much better than expected.