Olivia Rodrigo on her activism: ‘It’s our job to reflect the world’

Filipino American pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo is once again making it clear that for her, music and activism don’t exist in separate lanes as they move together, side by side. 

On the latest episode of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Music Makes Us podcast, the Fil-Am singer sat down with host and Bikini Kill frontwoman Kathleen Hanna to talk candidly about why she continues to speak out on issues ranging from reproductive rights and Palestine to her opposition to

For Rodrigo, using her platform is about honesty. “I’ve always felt that speaking my mind is super important,” she said during the conversation. 

She went on to frame activism as part of an artist’s responsibility, saying that “it’s our job, as artists, to try our very best to reflect the world around us as we see it.” 

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Still, she acknowledged that growth is ongoing, admitting she’s “still sort of working on what that means” for her, while recognizing there’s always more to learn and do better.

The “Drivers License” singer also emphasized that her confidence didn’t emerge in a vacuum. Speaking directly to Hanna, Rodrigo credited outspoken artists who came before her, calling it “so inspiring to see people like you who speak your mind and have no fear of being too much or too loud.” 

In her view, the true mark of artistry lies in awareness, adding that the “testament of a really good artist” is the ability to mirror what’s happening in the world, no matter how uncomfortable that reflection may be.

That belief has played out beyond podcast conversations. Recently, Rodrigo publicly criticized the Trump-era Department of Homeland Security for using her song “All-American Bitch” in what she described as “racist, hateful propaganda.” 

The track was featured in a DHS video encouraging undocumented immigrants to self-deport, a move that drew swift backlash from fans and advocacy groups alike. 

Her advocacy has also been recognized in more affirming ways. In May, Rodrigo received Planned Parenthood’s Catalyst for Change Award, an honor given to individuals who actively support the organization’s mission of providing reproductive health care. 

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