By Sevanah Sandoval
Introduction
Upon the release of her second studio album, GUTS, Olivia Rodrigo’s popularity has been thrust into the spotlight once more, and her memorable performance at the VMAs last week has only made her name even more prominent in the mainstream. This article will serve as an overview of the singer’s career, for anyone from people who have never heard of her, to fans looking to learn a little more about the growing star.
Who is Olivia Rodrigo?
Rodrigo is a twenty-year-old singer-songwriter and actress. She began acting at age twelve, appearing in Old Navy commercials and a movie for the American Girl doll company, An American Girl: Grace Stirs Up Success. However, it wasn’t until Rodrigo began appearing in Disney Channel that her name began to gain traction. Securing lead roles in both High School Musical: The Musical: The Series and Bizaardvark, Rodrigo’s recognition among a younger audience would give way to an audience for her musical ventures down the line.
The Release of SOUR
Before Rodrigo’s first studio album, SOUR, was released on May 21, 2021, three singles were released as a build up to the album: “drivers license,” “deja vu,” and “good 4 u.” The album had a successful release, reaching over 10 billion streams within less than two months and spending three weeks in Billboard’s Top 200. Further, Rodrigo won many awards for the album, most notably the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Album in 2021 and a Grammy in 2022 for Best Vocal Pop Album.
The Release of GUTS
Leading up to the release of GUTS, Rodrigo teased the album with three singles: “vampire,” “bad idea, right?” and “get him back!” Though being released less than two weeks ago on September 8th, 2023, the singer’s second studio album is already following the same trend of success as SOUR. Upon its debut, GUTS landed on top of the Billboard charts, making Rodrigo the first female artist in nine years to debut on top of the charts with two entries since Ariana Grande’s releases of Yours Truly and My Everything in 2013 and 2014 respectively.
The GUTS Tour: Ticket Sales and Anticipated Audience Sizes
Starting in late February in Palm Springs and ending in Los Angeles in mid-August, Rodrigo is performing a total of 75 shows across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Denmark, and Ireland for the GUTS tour. Fans are already anticipating intense competition for ticket sales, especially with guest performers on certain dates such as the Breeders and PinkPantheress.
Currently, hopeful ticket-holders can sign up for the ticket presale on Ticketmaster, entering them in a drawing for a presale code. Winners receiving the presale code will be notified Wednesday, September 20th, and ticket sales will begin Thursday, September 21st.
Conclusion
Olivia Rodrigo has been increasing in popularity since the SOUR album, but the release of GUTS has made her more prominent than ever in the mainstream. For now, all fans can do is hope to secure tickets as the world watches the pop star grow.
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