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MUSIC

Olivia Rodrigo Makes Grammy Debut With Performance of ‘Driver’s License’

Cue the replay button because Olivia Rodrigo made her Grammy debut, and we can’t get this performance out of our heads. The 19-year-old pop phenom performed her breakout hit “Driver’s License.”
Francis Specker/CBS

Cue the replay button because Olivia Rodrigo made her Grammy debut, and we can’t get this performance out of our heads. The 19-year-old pop phenom performed her breakout hit “Driver’s License.”

 After an intro that spoke to all of the accomplishments Rodrigo had made by the age of 19 by the show’s host, Trevor Noah, the gold screen rose to reveal Rodrigo sitting in a car parked in the middle of the stage that was set to look like one’s neighborhood.
Cliff Lipson/CBS

After an intro that spoke to all of the accomplishments Rodrigo had made by the age of 19 by the show’s host, Trevor Noah, the gold screen rose to reveal Rodrigo sitting in a car parked in the middle of the stage that was set to look like one’s neighborhood.

In the car, Olivia plays with her radio which plays a short medley of her hits, including “Deja Vu,” “Good 4 U,” and “Traitor,” before turning the dial, prompting the start of “Driver’s License.” She starts off ever so softly with the opening lines we know and love, “I got my driver’s license last week / just like we always talked about / ‘cause you were so excited for me / to finally drive up to your house.”
Francis Specker/CBS

In the car, Olivia plays with her radio which plays a short medley of her hits, including “Deja Vu,” “Good 4 U,” and “Traitor,” before turning the dial, prompting the start of “Driver’s License.” She starts off ever so softly with the opening lines we know and love, “I got my driver’s license last week / just like we always talked about / ‘cause you were so excited for me / to finally drive up to your house.”

Rodrigo then steps out of the car to unveil her signature style, a white flouncy Givenchy dress paired with fishnet tights and Doc Martens.

There wasn’t much choreography, like in her VMA performance; instead, she walked around the “neighborhood,” singing her heart out, making viewers feel every word. The lights then begin to strobe in time with the beat of the emotional bridge to which Rodrigo belts out before taking center stage.

Once again, the lights come up slightly, to which Rodrigo sings the last few lines in a low, yet powerful tone that has the audience struggling to hold their applause until the end. The lights go down, and cheers fill the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Rodrigo has done it again.

Aside from an exceptional performance debut, it was a fantastic night for Olivia Rodrigo. She took home three out of the seven awards she was nominated for, including, Best Pop Solo Performance for “Driver’s License,” Best New Artist, and Best Pop Vocal Album.

Olivia Rodrigo has had a victorious year, and this is only the beginning for her; we cannot wait for her future projects. While we wait, check out her music available on all streaming platforms.