Why Gen X and Millennial Moms Love Olivia Rodrigo

by Marisa Torrieri Bloom

Pop stars come and go, but very few wield a massive, multigenerational impact. Even fewer get my attention since I’m more of a straight-up punk lover. These days, it’s the young, and utterly unstoppable, singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo.

Her songs, like the peppy “Good 4U” or the eerie stunner “Can’t Catch Me Now” are fire, but that’s only part of it. Here’s five reasons why me and so many other millennial and Gen X moms love Olivia Rodrigo:

#1: She Uplifts Alt-Rock Icons

Opening spots are a really big chance for emerging artists to shine and gain new fans. So it was remarkable when Rodrigo decided to flip the switch on who got to be an “opening” act – by bringing back legacy bands and Gen X songwriters her fans had never heard of back to the stage. There’s a charming story in the New York Times about how she asked The Breeders to open for her, and she’s also shared the stage with Sheryl Crow, Jewel, and, most recently, Gwen Stefani at Coachella.

#2: She Stands Up For What’s Right

The singer is a vocal advocate for reproductive freedom, and used Glastonbury debut in 2022 to protest against the overturning of Roe v Wade, which removed the federal right to abortion. Olivia Rodrigo isn’t afraid to hand out contraceptives and morning-after pills at concerts.

Update: She is the mastermind behind the all-woman Daisy Chain Festival on 8/29/26!! Her all-ages, inclusive lineup includes Santigold, Sarah McLachlan, Karen O, and so many more. And Chappell Roan.

#3: Her Music is Bold and Gutsy

Rodrigo’s songs are unapologetic and ageless — I can relate to her lyrics as 40-year-old as much as I could as a teen. Her performance style is epic, too, and I love the way she seesaws between pretty pop melodies and raw fury.  

#4. She’s Got an All-Girl Band

It’s hard to believe that as recently decade ago, all-woman bands weren’t all that common. I only remember Beyoncè having one (which included the incredible Divinity Roxx on bass). But while they’re becoming more common among rock n’ rollers and pop-rock performers like Demi Lovato (and Harry Styles), they’re still much less common than all-man bands. Olivia’s all-femme band is truly a standout group to see on tour.

#5: She Rocks a St. Vincent Guitar

Rodrigo’s guitar of choice for her 2023-24 Guts tour is the Ernie Ball Music Man signature model by rock icon St. Vincent (Annie Clark). It’s a bold choice, considering only 10% of signature guitars are by female and/or nonbinary artists. Rock on, Olivia!

Marisa Torrieri Bloom is the editor and founder of Rockmommy.