Olivia Rodrigo Loves People Taking ‘Teenage Girl Music’ Seriously
Olivia Rodrigo is happy that her songs about teenage angst and heartbreak resonate with a demographic that isn’t just teenage girls. “I’m really excited by the way that people are…
Olivia Rodrigo performs onstage during the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on September 12, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV)
Olivia Rodrigo is happy that her songs about teenage angst and heartbreak resonate with a demographic that isn't just teenage girls. "I’m really excited by the way that people are getting behind artists that normally would be deemed for young people,” she told People over the weekend. The 20-year-old pop star tells the publication that though she loves interacting with fans her age who are going through the same struggles she is going through in real-time, it has been those girls' dads who she's loved the feedback from.
The "spicy Pisces" tells the publication that it's "super cool" dads of her fans would tell her things like, "'Wow, I remember when I was going through that heartbreak.'" When "Drivers License" came out, the singer-songwriter recalls that all sorts of people would come up to her and open up about "exactly where I was when I was experiencing that heartbreak for the first time."
As a musician, the "vampire" singer feels more connected to her fans than ever. "It’s just such a cool thing to see that we’re all so much more alike than we are different,” she said, adding that it makes her feel less alone. "Everyone has experienced some sort of pain or loss and insecurity.’” She then noted that, in her estimation, people are starting to take what she called "teenage girl music" more seriously.
RELATED: Olivia Rodrigo on the Expectations of Her ‘Good Girl’ Persona
Following the interview, The High School Musical: The Musical: The Series alum reposted on her Instagram Stories a video perfectly capturing the feelings she shared about her expanding fanbase. The video was from creator @pokemonmasterzo, who is a man, writing: "Me: why would I listen to music made for teenage girls?" Her track, "get him back!" plays as he starts to lip sync along to the song and adds: "Also me:"
The 2023 MTV VMAs took place at Newark, New Jersey's Prudential Center Tuesday (September 12) night. Nicki Minaj returns to "host" and perform, marking the second time the "Barbie World" rapper will take the stage. According to a source at MTV familiar with the awards show, no one can labeled as a "host" because of the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes. In addition to Minaj's emceeing duties, she'll also perform her newest single, "Last Time I Saw You" for the very first time.
Sean “Diddy” Combs will be honored with the Global Icon Award and perform his greatest hits. The artist will receive the third-ever Global Icon Award, which MTV says "celebrates an artist or band whose unparalleled career and continued influence have achieved a unique level of global success in music and beyond." Shakira will receive the Video Vanguard Award and will also perform at the awards show for the first time since 2006. Performances by Olivia Rodrigo, Demi Lovato, Doja Cat, Karol G, Kelsea Ballerini, Fall Out Boy, Måneskin and K-Pop boy band Stray Kids are among the artists set to take the stage.
Taylor Swift leads the nominations this year with eight nods altogether, followed by six for SZA. For the coveted Video of the Year, Swift's "Anti-Hero" will face off against SZA’s “Kill Bill,” Doja Cat’s “Attention,” Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers,” Nicki Minaj’s “Super Freaky Girl,” Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire” and Sam Smith and Kim Petras’ “Unholy.”
The 39th annual awards show begins at 8 p.m. ET, broadcast simultaneously on VH1, MTV2, Comedy Central, CMT, BET, BET Her, Paramount Network, and Nickelodeon. Those who use streams can tune in live on DirecTV and Paramount+ apps. The first MTV Video Music Awards show took place on September 14, 1984
and was hosted by Dan Aykroyd and Bette Midler at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
Take a look below at the hottest looks of the VMA red carpet.
Fat Joe
Jason Kempin/Getty Images for MTVThe rapper evoked his inner moon man but made it fashionable. Joe wore an all-white ensemble, even matching his glasses to the crisp white motif. We love how his coat drapes over his pants, elongating his figure.
Saweetie
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty ImagesThe "My Type" rapper took a page out of 'The Flinstones' with this prehistoric fashion look. Saweetie's sparkly pink gown featured two unusual accessories -- two large bones by her neck and waist. She said the inspiration behind her look is "fashion when it first started: Cavemen."
Demi Lovato
Jason Kempin/Getty Images for MTVThe ""Heart Attack" singer wore an edgy leather look to the 2023 VMAs. The pop star-turned-alt-rocker took her aesthetic to the next level with an oversized leather jacket featuring pointy shoulder pads. Underneath it all, she wore a leather mini-dress to match.
Doja Cat
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty ImagesThe "Attention" singer and rapper got lots of attention at the awards show, leaving little to the imagination with this fittingly spooky outfit. With Halloween next on everyone's minds, Doja wore this shredded, white ensemble carefully draped over her mostly nude body.
Olivia Rodrigo
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty ImagesThe rising pop star gave the look of a winner with this simple, yet elegant silver gown. The "vampire" singer kept her hair simple down, parted down the middle, while her floor-length silver gown featured minimalist straps, giving her a more mature look.
Megan Thee Stallion
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty ImagesMeg gave edgy and sophisticated vibes with this caged mesh black strapless gown. Showing off her rockin' body, the "Cognac Queen" rapper accessorized her look with a sparkling laced choker and matching bracelet.
Karol G
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty ImagesThe "TQG" singer kept things playful and girly with this nude lace look. Pairing the look with a long cape, the Colombian artist wore her ombre-pink hair down and wavy for a mermaid vibe.
Chloe Bailey
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty ImagesThe "Have Mercy" singer stood out from the rest of the attendees, who wore delicate shades of pink and white. We love how she opted for this shredded denim ensemble, giving us loads of texture.
Bebe Rexha
Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for MTVThe "I'm Good" singer wasn't sure about attending the awards show at first due to anxiety, but we are sure glad she showed up. Rexha put her best foot (or butt) forward in this leather dress featuring cutouts over her derrière.
Cardi B
Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTVThe "JEALOUSY" rapper resembled the awards show's moon man trophy, but we're not mad at it. Her gown and arm cuffs feature chunks of metal, giving major edginess. We appreciate how Cardi always understands the assignment and goes all out for any event.
Shakira
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty ImagesShakira glowed in this backless gold sequin ensemble, matching her golden curly locks. The "Beautiful Liar" singer's dress hugs her figure perfectly and features a thigh-high slit. The Video Vanguard award winner brought along her two sons, Milan and Sasha as her dates to the award show.
Sabrina Carpenter
Jason Kempin/Getty Images for MTVThe "Nonsense" singer's dress is giving us everything we needed on this red carpet. We love the layering of fabrics, from her sparkling silver corset, to her draping white overlay.
Nicki Minaj
Jason Kempin/Getty Images for MTVThe hostess with the mostest gave the Barbz everything they needed with this baby pink bride look. The "Barbie World" rapper paired her satin corset with a lace veil, serving major sexy and sweet bride.
Taylor Swift
Jason Kempin/Getty Images for MTVThe "Anti-Hero" pop star gave fans another edgy VMAs look. Swift wore an asymmetrical black gown featuring gold stud detailing across her torso and on one of her straps. With layered necklaces and a smoky eye, the musician took her edgy look to the next level.
PinkPantheress
Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for MTVThe "Boy's a Liar" singer was a bronzed mermaid goddess at Tuesday night's awards show. PinkPantheress' satin gown featured a lighter brown tulle tail, giving a dramatic look.
Selena Gomez
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty ImagesThe "Single Soon" singer showed how fiery hot she was with this sexy lace andfloral beaded gown. Gomez's eye-catching dress featured a plunging neckline and thigh-high slit.
