Olivia Rodrigo Embraces Politics with Women-Focused Music Festival

Olivia Rodrigo performed at Spotify’s exclusive Billions Club Live event on May 8, 2026, in Barcelona, Spain. The Grammy-winning artist expressed that her Daisy Chain Fields festival, emphasizing women’s causes, was designed to be political. Critics who take issue with her message, she suggested, need not attend.

Headline acts at the event, located in Irvine, California, included artists like Chappell Roan, Sarah McLachlan, and Stevie Nicks, with the festival boasting an all-female lineup. Profits from the event were directed to nonprofits like Planned Parenthood, the Center for Reproductive Rights, Baby2Baby, and the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, raising $20 million to support these causes.

Rodrigo told The Hollywood Reporter, “One hundred percent, yes,” acknowledging the festival’s political nature. She believes joy and politics can coexist, emphasizing that her goal was to inspire action among the youth disillusioned with leadership.

“Everyone is welcome to come to Daisy Chain. But if you don’t agree with the message that we’re sending, then you don’t have to buy a ticket,” Rodrigo stated.

Daisy Chain Fields took inspiration from the Lilith Fair, driven by McLachlan in the late 1990s to fight for female representation in music. Rodrigo compared contemporary women’s rights to those of the 1990s, arguing for a decline in recent years.

“When Lilith Fair was happening 30 years ago, women in America had more rights, had more autonomy over their bodies,” the singer remarked.

Rodrigo wants to protect young fans, aiming to contribute towards a safer world for them. Recently, she released “Serena Joy,” named after a “Handmaid’s Tale” character. Critics speculate the song addresses political figures like Donald Trump, although Rodrigo prefers to say it critiques complacency.

The singer’s bold incorporation of politics into her performances stirred both praise and backlash. Some commentators argue her approach alienates fans, while others praise her authenticity. Podcast host Ben Ferguson criticized Rodrigo’s stance as hypocritical. Meanwhile, Democratic strategist Kaivan Shroff praised her transparency.

Rodrigo has previously criticized the Trump administration, particularly against actions by Homeland Security and ICE, labeling their campaigns ‘barbaric.’ As she navigates these political terrains, Rodrigo maintains that her political message shapes her shows and engages fans in larger societal discussions.