Five years ago, a teenage heartbreak anthem quietly arrived and ended up changing pop music forever. Now, Olivia Rodrigo Celebrates Five Years of “Drivers License” by Unveiling a David Byrne Cover and New Vinyl Editions, marking a major milestone in her career with a creative, fan-focused tribute that blends nostalgia with surprise.
A Song That Changed Everything
When Olivia Rodrigo released Drivers License in early 2021, she was just 17 years old. Within days, the emotional ballad exploded across streaming platforms and social media, turning the then-rising star into a global sensation. The song didn’t just resonate — it dominated.
Drivers License debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Rodrigo the youngest artist ever to top the chart. It would remain there for eight consecutive weeks, cementing its place as one of the defining pop songs of the decade.
A Surprise Collaboration With David Byrne
To honor the five-year anniversary, Rodrigo teamed up with an unexpected but legendary collaborator: David Byrne of Talking Heads. On January 8 — exactly five years after the original release — Byrne unveiled his own haunting, stripped-back cover of Drivers License.
The cover is now available on streaming platforms and brings a new emotional texture to the song, blending Byrne’s unmistakable vocal style with Rodrigo’s raw lyrics. It’s a cross-generational moment that highlights how deeply the song has embedded itself into modern music culture.
Exclusive Vinyls for Fans and Collectors
The celebration doesn’t stop at streaming. Byrne’s version of Drivers License will also appear on one side of a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl, available for preorder through Rodrigo’s official website. On the flip side? A live recording of Rodrigo and Byrne performing Burning Down the House together during her 2025 Governor’s Ball set — a moment fans instantly labeled iconic.
In addition, a separate Target-exclusive vinyl commemorates the five-year anniversary with both the original studio version and a live performance of Drivers License, giving longtime listeners multiple ways to relive the song’s journey.
From “Sour” to Global Stardom
Following the success of Drivers License, Rodrigo released her debut album Sour, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and held the top spot for five weeks. The album captured the emotional chaos of teenage life and turned Rodrigo into one of pop’s most authentic new voices.
Since then, she’s continued her ascent with her sophomore album Guts, another Billboard 200 chart-topper. Throughout her 2024 tour, Drivers License remained a nightly highlight, often performed as an intimate piano sing-along with thousands of fans singing every word.
Anniversary Teasers and Fan Easter Eggs
Rodrigo had been quietly teasing the anniversary celebration days before the official announcement. Fans noticed her website temporarily transformed into a playful “driver’s license renewal” page, encouraging visitors to enter their email addresses. The clever nod sparked excitement and speculation — and ultimately led to this carefully curated celebration.
More Covers Still to Come
According to the official press release, David Byrne’s cover is only the beginning. The anniversary of Sour will be marked by a series of artist reinterpretations, promising fresh perspectives on the album that launched Rodrigo’s career.
Five years later, Drivers License isn’t just a hit song — it’s a cultural timestamp. And as Olivia Rodrigo Celebrates Five Years of “Drivers License” by Unveiling a David Byrne Cover and New Vinyl Editions, she proves that some stories, no matter how personal, continue to grow with time.