Las Vegas—Pop phenom Olivia Rodrigo on Sunday scored the coveted Grammy for Best New Artist, an expected win that caps a year of milestones for the breakout star.
“This is my biggest dream come true,” said the 19-year-old Rodrigo, who bested a crowded field including rappers Saweetie—also a Filipino-American—and The Kid Laroi to win the prestigious prize.
The artist who launched her career as an actor on the Disney Channel released her debut single “drivers license” last year to commercial acclaim and critical praise for its minimalist production and cathartic, emotionally raw lyricism.
The song made Rodrigo the youngest ever artist to debut atop Billboard’s top songs chart, where she spent eight straight weeks at number one.
The Fil-Am artist from California teased “drivers license” on social media for months before dropping it ahead of her release of “Sour,” which propelled Rodrigo to the front of this year’s Grammy nomination pack.
A fangirl of Taylor Swift and Lorde, both of whom she’s cited as songwriting influences, Rodrigo also grew up listening to rock bands including the Cure, Smashing Pumpkins, and riot grrrl acts.
Another surprise came in the form of Rodrigo making a cameo in Korean superstar group BTS’ phenomenal performance at the Grammys.
Much to the glee—and jealousy—of BTS fans, the secret-agent-themed “Butter” performance opened with the members of BTS in different locations.
The most notable one, apart from Jungkook emerging from the ceiling, was V leaning in to whisper something to Rodrigo, with his hand resting on her chair.
Rodrigo’s jaw dropped afterward with a somewhat concerned expression on her face, and V proceeded to present her a card that he later threw in the air.
Fans were quick to react to the interaction, with some squealing in joy with the unexpected pairing.
“Props to her, because if I was in Miss Olivia Rodrigo’s place, I would have respectfully died and went to heaven within five seconds after Taehyung stared at me like that,” one fan wrote.
On the flip side, some fans jokingly expressed their jealousy after seeing V looking at Rodrigo intensely, with one fan saying, “Can’t believe I had to watch Kim Taehyung talk to a Filipina who wasn’t me, but that’s okay.”