Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts Tour stop at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans last night, was a celebration of raw emotion, personal growth, and empowerment. With special guest Chappell Roan opening the night, the arena was buzzing with excitement as Rodrigo took the stage, delivering a performance filled with heartache, passion, and a fierce edge that kept the crowd enthralled.

For those unfamiliar with Olivia Rodrigo, she exploded onto the scene in early 2021 with her debut single “drivers license,” which became a global phenomenon, capturing the heartbreak and angst of a generation. Born and raised in California, Rodrigo began her career as an actress, starring in Disney shows like Bizaardvark and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, but it was her transition to music that truly catapulted her to stardom. Her debut album, SOUR, was critically acclaimed, earning her multiple Grammy Awards and a loyal fanbase. Now, with the release of her sophomore album GUTS, Rodrigo is cementing her place as a pop-rock powerhouse.

Chappell Roan, known for her eclectic style and dynamic stage presence, set the tone with a bold and energetic opening performance. As a rising star in the indie pop scene, Roan’s infectious energy got the crowd moving, perfectly complementing Rodrigo’s style.

Olivia opened her set with “bad idea right?,” an energetic track from GUTS, immediately setting the pace for the night. The setlist was a blend of her biggest hits from SOUR and tracks from her new album, including the vulnerable and powerful “vampire” and fan-favorite “deja vu.” Each song carried its own emotional weight, with Rodrigo seamlessly transitioning between upbeat rock anthems like “brutal” and heartbreaking ballads like “traitor” and “drivers license.”

One of the standout moments of the night was when Rodrigo performed “making the bed,” a deeply introspective song that captivated the audience with its raw honesty. The vulnerability in her voice, combined with the simplicity of the stage during this track, created an intimate connection with the crowd, a contrast to the high-energy moments like “good 4 u,” which had the entire arena on their feet.

The visuals throughout the show were vibrant yet minimal, keeping the focus on Rodrigo’s performance. Her stage presence was a testament to her growth as an artist. She commanded the stage with a confidence that belied her young age, engaging with the crowd and sharing personal stories behind many of her songs, giving fans a deeper connection to the music.

Rodrigo closed the night with an explosive performance of “get him back!,” a fiery anthem from GUTS that perfectly encapsulates her blend of punk attitude and pop sensibility. As the final notes rang out, it was clear that Rodrigo’s Guts Tour is more than just a concert—it’s a cathartic experience for her and her fans alike.

In New Orleans, Rodrigo delivered a powerful performance that highlighted her growth as an artist while remaining true to the emotional core that first endeared her to fans. With her blend of vulnerability, strength, and undeniable talent, Rodrigo left no doubt that her star will continue to rise.