Olivia Rodrigo channeled the spirit — and style — of Taylor Swift in her first televised performance of “Drivers License.”
The High School Musical: The Musical: The Series star debuted her worldwide hit single live during last night’s musical guest appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. In a four-minute presentation, the 17-year-old actress-singer performs her emotionally-charged ballad in a stripped-back piano version that sweetly calls Swift’s raw essence to mind.
“And I know we weren't perfect / But I've never felt this way for no one, oh / And I just can't imagine how you could be so okay, now that I'm gone / I guess you didn't mean what you wrote in that song about me / 'Cause you said forever, now I drive alone past your street,” Rodrigo coos in the song’s yearning chorus as bright lights beam all around her.
Not only does Rodrigo bear the same emotional heft as her “Mom” Swift in her first TV performance, but eagle-eyed fans also noticed the rising pop star wore a cardigan for the event — a clear nod to Swift's cozy aesthetic.
“No autotune + beautiful lightening [sic] + Taylor Swift's cardigan, from her merchandise: so great performance,” one YouTube user wrote, as another added, “‘Is she wearing the-?’ Olivia: ‘yeah im wearing the taylor swift's cardigan.’”
As fans know, Swift was one of the first major artists to co-sign “Drivers License” when it premiered in January. “Next to taylor on the us i tunes chart i’m in a puddle of tears," Rodrigo captioned a screenshot of the milestone at the time, to which the Evermore singer replied, "I say that's my baby and I'm really proud."
Photo: YouTube