By Neil Ramos
Published Jun 9, 2026 12:13 pm
Olivia Rodrigo is once again shining a spotlight on Filipino talent. The global pop star recalled her first visit to the Philippines and revealed why Filipino fans delivered one of the most unforgettable concert experiences of her career.
Olivia Rodrigo is once again highlighting her Filipino roots, this time sharing what she learned after performing here during her “Guts” World Tour.
The Grammy-winning singer said her first-ever concert in Manila gave her a deeper appreciation for Filipino audiences and their widely recognized musical talent.
Speaking in Dazed’s “dA-Zed Guide to Being,” Rodrigo reflected on the experience, which marked the biggest crowd she had performed for at the time.
She admitted she felt nervous before going on stage, unsure of what to expect from such a massive audience.
“They just could not be more welcoming or more lovely,” Rodrigo said. “I was really nervous but I walked out on stage and it was just such a lovely experience.”
What surprised her most was not just the crowd’s energy but the way they sounded throughout the show.
She said, “If you watch the videos back, you can hardly even hear me cause it is just like a chorus of perfectly in tune vocals from the audience.”
For her, the experience reinforced something often associated with the Philippines, a strong culture of music and vocal talent that shows up in everyday life, from karaoke to live performances and international competitions.
The moment also added meaning to her ongoing connection with her Filipino heritage, something she has spoken about throughout her career. From Filipino food to karaoke culture, Rodrigo has often embraced that part of her identity in interviews and public appearances.
But her Manila show stood out as a direct experience of that culture in real time, in front of one of the largest audiences of her tour.
