Olivia Rodrigo spent time growing up in Temecula with her parents of German, Irish, and Filipino descent. She took singing and guitar lessons at Temecula Music Teacher studio and took part in area theatrical productions, performing covers of artists like Adele in productions such as Temecula Live and Boys and Girls Club Idol while still in elementary school.
She made the leap to television by appearing in an Old Navy commercial. This led to earning the lead role of Grace Thomas in the direct-to-video film An American Girl: Grace Stirs Up Success. She relocated to Los Angeles after landing a role on the Disney Channel TV series Bizaardvark, which she played for three seasons beginning in 2016.
She first earned national notice in 2019 while playing Nini Salazar-Roberts on the Disney+ series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Songs she's written for the show's soundtrack include "All I Want" and "Just for a Moment," the latter co-written with co-star Joshua Bassett.
After signing to Interscope and Geffen Records in 2020, her debut single "Drivers License" reached number one in multiple countries, including the United States, in early 2021.
Her debut album Sour was released in May 2021, preceded by singles for "Deja Vu" and "Good 4 U," with the latter single reaching number one in the US and UK. The album's success increased exponentially after an appearance on Saturday Night Live.
July 2021 found her joining the White House effort to promote youth awareness of COVID-19 vaccinations. She met with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Chief Medical Advisor Anthony Fauci, to discuss efforts to include making videos about the importance of getting vaccinated, and answering questions that young people may have regarding the shots. “It’s important to have conversations with friends and family members encouraging all communities to get vaccinated,” Rodrigo said in a White House press briefing. "It doesn't matter if you're young and healthy, getting the vaccine is about protecting yourself, your friends and your family."