Olivia Rodrigo’s Past & Present

Jade Kilkenny, Staff Writer

April 26, 2026

Olivia Rodrigo first became popular in January of 2021 when she released her single, “Drivers License,” which broke many streaming records and was number one on the “Billboard Hot 100”. Before releasing her single, she was known for acting on Disney for her roles in Bizaardvark (2016) and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (2019). Olivia Rodrigo released her first debut album on May 21, 2021, titled “SOUR”. The album has 11 songs, which explores heartbreak and teenage sorrow. The album is heavily believed by fans to be circled around her breakup with her co-star in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Joshua Bassett. Songs like “driver’s license,” “deja vu,” and “traitor,” are speculated to describe their alleged love triangle with Sabrina Carpenter. With all the controversy aside, Olivia Rodrigo and actor Louis Partridge began dating from late 2023 up until late 2025. They often kept their relationship low, while often seen together during her “GUTS” tour.

Olivia Rodrigo’s third album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, is ready for release on June 12, 2026, with Geffen Records. With the announcement in April 2026, the album expresses her GUTS tour and has 13 tracks. The album is set to describe a mix of love songs inspired by her first experience with real romantic love. Olivia Rodrigo released her new song “drop dead” on April 17, 2026, as the first song from her upcoming third album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love. This album is described as “sad love songs” that express romance while also explaining the fear of feeling sad while being in a “happy”, loving relationship. Themes like yearning, anxiety, and melancholy are what the upcoming album is surrounded by.

Olivia Rodrigo’s latest album, GUTS, was released 2 years and 7 months ago, which is why many fans are extremely excited for this new album to come out. With the heartbreak and romance combined, this album creates a sense of hope and longing for the feeling of being understood especially in music.

About the Contributor

Jade Kilkenny, Writer

Hello! My name is Jade Kilkenny. I’m a junior at almond and this is my second year in Scratch Paper. I am on the Warren Badminton team and currently president of the Filipino American Student Association (FASA). My hobbies are playing the flute and guitar, traveling, baking, going out to eat, and hanging out with my friends. I’m so excited to continue writing for Scratch Paper!