Olivia Rodrigo commemorated the fifth anniversary of her career-defining debut single drivers license with a heartfelt post on Instagram on January 8, 2026. Reflecting on the journey, Rodrigo noted that looking back at early photos made her feel like she looked like a baby, yet it all felt like yesterday. She emphasized the life-changing impact of the song, expressing gratitude for the chapter that introduced her to a global audience and shared her excitement about performing the track live at concerts for years to come. Originally released on January 8, 2021, under Geffen Records, drivers license marked Rodrigo’s transition from Disney actress to international pop sensation. The minimalist piano ballad, co-produced by Dan Nigro, captured themes of heartbreak and youthful freedom, resonating deeply with fans during the pandemic. The song quickly broke records, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and setting Spotify streaming milestones, while earning critical acclaim including a GRAMMY for Best Pop Solo Performance in 2022 (Billboard, GRAMMY.com, Spotify). Rodrigo’s Instagram tribute highlighted the enduring significance of drivers license in her artistic journey, connecting both personal reflection and fan celebration.
Rodrigo’s Sour Album: Launching a Global Pop Phenomenon
drivers license served as the lead single for Rodrigo’s debut album Sour, released in May 2021, which spent five weeks atop the Billboard 200 and became one of the year’s best-selling albums. The record also produced chart-topping singles like deja vu and good 4 u, marking a historic achievement for a debut release. Sour’s confessional storytelling, blending raw emotion with accessible pop melodies, established Rodrigo as a defining voice of Gen Z, earning seven GRAMMY nominations and wins including Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Album. Over five years, the album and its singles have collectively amassed billions of streams worldwide, maintaining cultural relevance through live performances, viral online challenges, and continued fan engagement. Rodrigo’s reflections on Instagram, coupled with the ongoing anniversary celebrations including exclusive vinyl releases and special covers, underscore the lasting impact of both drivers license and Sour on contemporary pop music and her career trajectory.
