Five years after changing the pop landscape, Olivia Rodrigo is still just as emotional about the song that launched her into superstardom. As the anniversary of her debut smash “Drivers License” arrived, the singer-songwriter reflected on how deeply the track continues to shape her life and career — and why it will never leave her live shows.
In a heartfelt Instagram post shared on January 8, Rodrigo called the ballad a turning point she still struggles to fully understand. She admitted the song’s impact has been so huge that she remains grateful for the unforgettable chapter it opened for her. The message was simple but powerful: Olivia Rodrigo reveals that this song will be part of the setlist at every concert she performs going forward, making “Drivers License” a permanent fixture of her performances.
She even quoted the song’s iconic bridge, promising fans that they will always get to scream those famous “red lights, stop signs” lyrics together, no matter where or when she takes the stage.
A Teenage Breakthrough That Made History
When “Drivers License” was released in 2021, Rodrigo was only 17 years old. The emotional breakup anthem didn’t just become a viral sensation — it made history. She became the youngest artist ever to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where the track stayed for eight weeks straight.
Looking back, the “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” star shared throwback photos from that time and joked that she looked like a baby, even though the memories still feel incredibly fresh. The nostalgia was strong, but so was her pride in how far she’s come since then.
A Special Anniversary Tribute with David Byrne
To mark the five-year milestone, Rodrigo surprised fans with a unique new version of “Drivers License,” this time performed by Talking Heads legend David Byrne. She described Byrne as one of her all-time heroes and admitted she actually cried the first time she heard his haunting interpretation of the song.
The two previously shared the stage during her 2025 Governors Ball headlining set, where they covered “Burning Down the House,” making this new collaboration feel even more meaningful.
Rodrigo also revealed that Byrne’s cover is just the beginning. With her debut album SOUR turning five this year, she announced a special series of reimagined tracks by some of her favorite artists, giving fans a fresh way to experience the record that made her a global star.
Growing, Changing, and Letting Go
Even though “Drivers License” will always hold a special place in her heart, Rodrigo has been honest about how her relationship with some of her older songs has evolved. In a past interview with The Los Angeles Times, she admitted that there are tracks in her catalog she doesn’t connect with as strongly anymore.
She explained that while fans may still love those songs, she has grown as an artist and as a person, which naturally changes how she feels about certain parts of her past work.
Still, one thing is clear: “Drivers License” remains timeless for both Rodrigo and her audience. And with Olivia Rodrigo reveals that this song will be part of the setlist at every concert she performs going forward, fans can look forward to reliving that magical moment at every show for years to come. 🎤