Olivia Rodrigo joined Sara Cox on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show for a conversation about her third album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love.
The multi–Grammy Award-winning singer songwriter revealed why writing joyful love songs pushed her creatively, how everyday moments spark her biggest ideas, and why performing live remains “something that’s so magical”.
Listeners also heard U2’s brand new single Street of Dreams, with guitarist The Edge sending Sara a special message to congratulate her on her new Breakfast Show.
Discussing the new album, Olivia admitted heartbreak has always been easier to write about than happiness, but this time she wanted to challenge herself.
“I think it’s always a lot of fun to write a sad song. That comes very natural,” she said. “It’s a little bit more of a challenge to write a happy, joyful love song, and I think that’s sort of the nexus of this album. It was me challenging myself to write a song about romantic love that was positive and joyful and hopeful.”
She also revealed that her best songwriting ideas rarely happen while she’s sitting at the piano.
“I think that’s where all of the best ideas come from when you’re just doing something else. You’re driving to the grocery store, you’re taking a shower, and then you’re suddenly like, ‘Oh wow, wait, I have to write about that.’ I think that’s how a lot of great songs are born, just in the everyday moments.”
Olivia said she isn’t afraid to write songs that never make an album, describing songwriting as both a passion and an emotional outlet: “I write so much. I love writing. I am not afraid to write a bad song. I will write so many songs that will never see the light of day.”
Reflecting on her headline performance at Glastonbury, where she surprised fans by bringing out Robert Smith of The Cure, Olivia described the experience as unforgettable.
“It was one of the most magical moments of my whole life. I just adore Glastonbury so much and I was so honoured to be offered to headline. It was a huge dream of mine that I honestly never thought would come true,” she recalled.
She also revealed she had played her song The Cure to Robert Smith before its release, adding that the legendary musician “really loved it” and describing him as “a smart, kind, obviously immensely talented person”.
Looking ahead to her sold out UK arena tour, including eleven nights at London’s O2 Arena next spring, Olivia said she is personally involved in planning every detail of the production.
“I’m kind of orchestrating the tour right now and I’m having a lot of fun with it,” she said, before explaining why performing remains so special. “Live music is something that’s so magical and just getting to see people connect on such a large scale like that is really beautiful.”
Earlier in the programme, Sara had the first play of U2’s new single Street of Dreams. In a recorded message, The Edge congratulated her on her new role, saying: “Congratulations on your new Breakfast Show. We hope you’re loving it so far. Wishing you the very best of luck for the future. This is our brand-new single Street of Dreams. Thank you so much for playing it.”
Olivia Rodrigo photo credit: BBC