Speculation is swirling about a possible feud between pop superstars Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift. The two musicians were once publicly supportive of each other, but some recent comments have fueled gossip that the relationship has soured.
Rodrigo, 19, burst onto the charts in early 2021 with her smash hit single “Drivers License.” She repeatedly gushed in interviews about looking up to Swift, 32, as an idol and an inspiration. When Rodrigo’s debut album “Sour” topped charts later that year, Swift congratulated her on social media, calling Rodrigo her “baby.”
However, things seemed to shift after Swift and her collaborator Jack Antonoff were granted songwriting credits on Rodrigo’s tracks “Deja Vu” and “1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back.” The credits came months after the songs were released, as fans noticed similarities to Swift’s music.
Rodrigo defended herself against accusations of plagiarism, saying she was proud of her songwriting. Since then, she and Swift appear to have stopped their public support of each other online.
Fueling rumors of bad blood, Rodrigo recently gave an eyebrow-raising interview to the New York Times. When asked if she had attended any of Swift’s high-profile “Eras” tour dates, Rodrigo tersely replied she “hasn’t yet” because she’s been busy.
However, the excuse seems odd considering the tour’s huge popularity and Rodrigo’s previous fandom of Swift. It echoes suspicious comments Rodrigo made earlier this year about being “too busy” to attend the Grammys, where Swift won a major award.
For her part, Swift has not addressed the cooling in their relationship in recent press interviews. But the lack of public interaction between the formerly mutually admiring artists continues to raise questions.
Rodrigo also retroactively gave songwriting credit to the band Paramore for interpolating their song “Misery Business” on her hit “Good 4 U.” Frontwoman Hayley Williams said that decision came from management, not Rodrigo herself.
While Swift and Rodrigo avoid the feud rumors, fans continue to speculate based on subtle social media actions. For example, Rodrigo’s best friend and singer Conan Gray suddenly stopped promoting Swift online after previously being a huge fan.
Some theorize Rodrigo resents comparisons to Swift and bristled at having to share songwriting credit. Others wonder if Swift took issue with the similarities to her work.
But Rodrigo has refrained from criticizing Swift directly. A recent profile noted she’s never spoken poorly of anyone in the industry.
For now, the tension between the two remains ambiguous. Swift’s camp remains characteristically silent on personal matters, while Rodrigo seems unwilling to fan the gossip flames.
With both artists gearing up for major album releases in the coming months, fans hope for more clues about where things stand. But Rodrigo appears committed to taking the high road, continuing to avoid questions about the rumored friction.
Unless someone involved speaks out, the truth behind the cooling of this once-mutually admiring relationship may remain a mystery. Both Swift and Rodrigo maintain professionalism in interviews, careful not to ignite scandal.
While the drama is intriguing for pop culture watchers, Rodrigo seems wise not to indulge speculation. She continues letting her music speak for itself as she navigates global stardom.
