Pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo candidly discusses the rigorous demands of touring and the vital role of self-care she learned on the road, while announcing an exclusive New York City benefit concert for her Fund 4 Good charity and offering updates on her highly anticipated third album.
Even with two massive, sold-out global tours now behind her, 22-year-old pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo continues to confront the profound lessons learned from life on the road. From managing stage nerves to prioritizing self-care, Rodrigo is evolving both as an artist and an individual, a journey she recently shared insights into while announcing a special performance for a meaningful cause.
The Hardest Part of Touring: A Focus on Self-Care
Following the conclusion of her expansive GUTS Tour this past summer, Rodrigo opened up about the often-unseen challenges that come with an grueling touring schedule. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she revealed the intense personal growth required to sustain herself amidst constant performances.
“Touring is so, so hard,” Rodrigo admitted. “I had to take care of my body and myself in a way that I’d never had to before. I was just super careful about exercising and eating all the right foods and making sure I felt nourished and making sure I got enough sleep.” For the acclaimed singer, who has garnered three Grammy Awards and 14 nominations since her 2021 music debut, the experience was a profound realization of adult responsibility. “I feel like I really had to kind of be an adult and take care of myself for the first time in a while, so I learned a lot about that.”
An Intimate New York City Concert for Fund 4 Good
Fans in New York City had a unique opportunity to experience Rodrigo’s artistry in a more personal setting. She announced an intimate concert, her first performance since wrapping the GUTS Tour, held on a Thursday evening at the historic Park Avenue Armory in Manhattan. This exclusive event, partnered with American Express, allowed Platinum cardholders special access to tickets.
Significantly, all proceeds from the concert are dedicated to Fund 4 Good, Rodrigo’s charitable foundation. The organization is committed to supporting crucial initiatives, including women’s rights, reproductive freedom, and education. This aligns with Rodrigo’s consistent use of her platform to advocate for causes close to her heart, showcasing her commitment beyond her musical endeavors. More details about the foundation can be found on the official Fund 4 Good website.
From Nerves to Triumph: Recalling the GUTS World Tour Journey
Before becoming the seasoned performer she is today, Rodrigo faced her own anxieties, particularly at the outset of her sophomore tour. In an exclusive interview with People in October 2024, the then 21-year-old artist shared her “terrified” feelings before the very first night of her GUTS World Tour at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs in February 2024.
“I was like, ‘I should have rehearsed more… I needed three more weeks to rehearse this thing,’” she candidly recalled. Despite the initial trepidation, Rodrigo persevered, leading to a “beautiful moment” backstage with her parents and friends celebrating the successful kick-off. She also described her hands shaking while playing the piano during early shows, a testament to her dedication and vulnerability on stage. This journey, from fear to eventual enjoyment, is a central theme in the new Netflix documentary, Olivia Rodrigo: GUTS World Tour, which premiered on October 29, 2024, directed by James Merryman.
The GUTS Tour was a monumental undertaking, comprising 102 shows in arenas across multiple continents. It commenced in February 2024 in Palm Springs, California, and concluded on July 1, 2025, in Manchester, England, after some initially postponed dates. Supporting acts included a diverse lineup of artists such as Chappell Roan, The Breeders, Remi Wolf, PinkPantheress, and Benee.
The Evolution of a Pop Phenomenon and Future Endeavors
Rodrigo’s career trajectory since her 2021 debut has been nothing short of meteoric. Her first two albums, SOUR and GUTS, were met with widespread critical acclaim and fan adoration, establishing her as a formidable force in the music industry. Despite the pressures, she reflected on her touring experiences fondly, calling it “a very challenging and very rewarding process, both just as a person and as an artist.”
Currently, the singer is channeling her experiences and growth into her highly anticipated third studio album, once again collaborating with her longtime producer, Dan Nigro. This creative partnership has been instrumental in shaping her distinctive sound across both of her chart-topping records. Beyond her music, Rodrigo is also taking greater control of her career, having recently split from her management team to focus on building her own executive team. This move underscores her commitment to independent artistic vision and professional development.
