How Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Festival Made History
Rodrigo and Sarah McLachlan go deep on launching pioneering music festivals, fighting sexism, and what they love about each other’s music
On August 29th, the Daisy Chain Fields festival made its debut at Great Park in Irvine, California, featuring an 11-hour lineup of all-female artists and female-led groups. Headlining the event was the festival's founder and curator, Olivia Rodrigo. The day showcased a mix of rising artists, established 2026 stars, and alt-rock veterans, along with special guest appearances by three legendary singer-songwriters during Rodrigo's set.
This monumental day was not only a significant moment for pop and rock fans but also a historic event for all-female-led music festivals. Since the Lilith Fair debuted nearly three decades ago, such a spotlight moment for all-female-led music festivals had not been seen until Daisy Chain Fields.
In the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard deputy editor Lyndsey Havens, who attended the full-day festival, to discuss the groundbreaking nature of Daisy Chain Fields and the impact it has on one of today's most celebrated pop stars. In this episode, they delve into the unique aspects of the festival experience, addressing various questions about the event's atmosphere, gender dynamics, and standout performances.
Some of the topics discussed include the presence of male fans, the highlights of the first year's lineup, the festival's tribute choices, the reaction of younger and older attendees, and the significance of Rodrigo's performance compared to her usual gigs.
The podcast also touches on whether "Ironic" by Alanis Morissette was an appropriate choice for a duet with Rodrigo and how the festival's performance set itself apart from a typical Rodrigo show. Additionally, the hosts consider whether Daisy Chain Fields should return for a second year, whether it should expand to two days, or maintain its current single-day format.
The podcast episode offers a comprehensive discussion on the historical significance and impact of Daisy Chain Fields, providing valuable insights for pop culture enthusiasts and fans of all-female-led music festivals.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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