Olivia Rodrigo has officially been named Billboard’s Woman of the Year. The news about the 18-year-old singer and songwriter was released when it was announced that she would formally be honored at the upcoming Billboard Women in Music Awards, which will take place on March 2nd.
However, Billboard’s Editorial Director, Hannah Karp, released a statement where she expressed through People that Rodrigo’s rise to fame was particularly impressive. “Olivia’s trajectory to superstardom is the stuff of pop music legend. Her talents as a storyteller and songwriter have made Olivia one of the most authentic and exciting new artists to explode onto the scene in years,” she said in the statement. She went on to express that the performer’s ability to write hit songs about nostalgic subject material was especially notable.
Hannah continues in the statement, “Connecting with audiences across generations through emotionally charged songs about heartbreak, jealousy, and growing up, she’s achieved absolutely incredible chart success for a debut artist.” Karp concluded by stating that the media company was excited to bestow the honor upon Rodrigo during the forthcoming ceremony. “We are thrilled to celebrate her unique voice and the enormous impact she’s had on fans around the globe in such a short time,” she concluded.
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Meanwhile, the company will also recognize the efforts of several other female musical artists during the upcoming ceremony. Meanwhile, Billboard will also honor Gabby Barrett, Phoebe Bridgers, Doja Cat, Karol G, Bonnie Raitt, and Saweetie during the upcoming ceremony. Rodrigo’s debut album, Sour, was released to the public this past May and quickly rose to the top of several charts.
Its first three singles, entitled Drivers License, Deja Vu, and Good 4 U, all became radio hits upon their respective releases. Two further singles from the album, Traitor and Brutal, were issued following the album’s debut. Sour received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many reviewers praising Rodrigo for her musical sensibility and versatility. The project has since been nominated for the Best Pop Vocal Album and Album of the Year awards at the forthcoming Grammy Awards.