Pop star Olivia Rodrigo is mobilizing voters and boosting turnout for this year’s midterm elections, in what may be a response to the Trump administration after one of her songs was used in one of its anti-immigration ads.
In November, Rodrigo responded to the Department of Homeland Security after her song “All-american bitch” was used in an ad encouraging immigrants living in the United States without proper documentation to self-deport. The Instagram post, created in collaboration with the White House account, used the singer’s work as it showed photos of people of color detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
“Never use my songs to promote your racist and hateful propaganda,” Rodrigo — who is of Filipino descent, and has a great-grandfather who immigrated from the Philippines — responded in the comments of the Instagram post at the time.
Last month, L DaZMr. Dr She elaborated on the issue, saying: “I was just scrolling through my phone. It was very upsetting to see that propaganda, and the fact that my song was there made me feel even more angry. What they are doing is terrible, barbaric and cruel. I am really sad to be in a country that thinks this is a good thing.”
the daze The interview wasn’t the only time Rodrigo expressed his frustration. On the British cover Vogue magazineShe revisited the episode and called management’s use of her music “weaponizing” her art and called the whole ordeal “miserable.”
While the “good 4 u” singer has been vocal about her anger, it appears her true revenge is now being carried out — cold and without even dropping a name. Rodrigo is helping launch a sweepstakes offering tickets to her Daisy Chain Fields Festival, and is encouraging participants to check their voter registration status, register, or explore election resources for a chance at an all-expenses-paid trip to the festival — including travel and hotel — according to HeadCount, the nonprofit running the promotion. HeadCount partners with musicians and music events across the country to build civil rights awareness and voter engagement, and works at more than 1,000 concerts and festivals annually.
The festival, which features only female artists, has selected Chappelle Rowan, Duce, Santigold, Sarah McLachlan, Mitski, The Breeders, Bikini Kill and Stevie Nicks. It will be held on August 29 in Irvine, California, and all net proceeds will be directed toward charities for women and girls.
It is expected to be more than just a concert. Beyond the all-female lineup, organizers say Daisy Chain Fields will include an activism component, as on-site nonprofits will share resources on issues such as reproductive rights, maternal health, economic empowerment and domestic violence prevention. Partners are said to include the Center for Reproductive Rights and Planned Parenthood, turning the festival grounds into a civic show as much as a stage.
