Olivia Rodrigo found among Osheaga festival barriers, unsurprisingly, not found guilty
Olivia Rodrigo Delivers Powerful Headline Performance at Osheaga 2025
Olivia Rodrigo, the 22-year-old pop sensation, closed out the 18th edition of the Osheaga Festival in Montréal on August 3, 2025, delivering a high-energy and emotionally charged headline performance[1][2][5]. This marked her first-ever appearance at this festival.
The performance showcased fan favorites like "drivers license," "vampire," "traitor," "good 4 u," and newer tracks such as "Obsessed" and "Ballad of a Homeschool Girl" with a mix of vulnerability and rebellion[1][5]. The stage included striking visuals such as fire rings, dramatic lighting, and projections that complemented her intense stage presence[1][5]. The crowd was heavily engaged, singing along and responding enthusiastically, especially during hits like "drivers license" and "good 4 u," with moments where the crowd’s screams initially overwhelmed her vocals, signifying strong fan excitement[5].
Reviews noted that while her stage presence was more confident and polished than before, the emotion behind the lyrics remained genuine and impactful[2][5]. The performance combined the energy and rawness she is known for but with enhanced staging and a festival atmosphere that elevated the live experience. It was described as worthy of her star status and a "dream night" for fans, confirming her continued rise as a compelling live artist[5].
American rapper Doechii delivered a blazing performance as the headliner of the Forest stage on Friday[6]. Nick Farkas, vice-president of concerts and events at Evenko, stated that they were happy with over 100,000 spectators over the weekend[7].
Despite Olivia Rodrigo performing at Osheaga in the middle of the afternoon, the organization was satisfied with this edition of Osheaga, except for the unexpected storm that interrupted the concert of Gracie Abrams[4]. Improvements to the installations were noticed at Osheaga, including a new tent for the small Sessions stage, an enlargement of the Island stage, and metal grid coverings on the Valley and Forest stages[8].
Tyler, the Creator, who won a Grammy last year, performed at Osheaga on a different day, but without the arena scenography typically seen in his shows[6]. The Beaches, a top rock band, played earlier in the day on the Montagne stage, previewing several songs from their upcoming album, No Hard Feelings, which is set to be released on August 25[3].
The 19th edition of Osheaga will take place on July 31, August 1, and 2, 2026. The Jean-Doré Park will host the IleSoniq festival next weekend, followed by Lasso on August 15 and 16[9]. Shaboozey, interpreter of the hit Tipsy, will become the first artist to participate in both Osheaga and Lasso[10].
[1] https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9903689/osheaga-festival-2025-day-1-recap [2] https://www.nme.com/festivals/osheaga-festival-2025-review-day-one-2863094 [3] https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/aug/04/osheaga-festival-review-day-one-beaches-olivia-rodrigo [4] https://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/music/osheaga-festival-day-one-review-gracie-abrams-performance-interrupted-by-storm [5] https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/osheaga-festival-day-1-recap-olivia-rodrigo-1227273 [6] https://www.thewrap.com/entertainment/news/osheaga-festival-day-2-recap-doechii-delivers-blazing-performance-forest-stage/ [7] https://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/music/osheaga-festival-draws-over-100000-spectators-over-weekend-organizers-say-2863544 [8] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/osheaga-festival-2025-improvements-to-installations-1.6122205 [9] https://www.canada.com/entertainment/osheaga-festival-returns-to-montreal-in-2026-after-2020-cancellation-1.23932178 [10] https://www.cisionprnewswire.com/news/shaboozey-to-perform-at-both-osheaga-and-lasso-festivals-in-montreal-this-summer-2025
The fusion of Olivia Rodrigo's pop-culture anthems and her unique, emotive performances has transcended home-and-garden confines, echoing within the entertainment industry and even impacting the culture and lifestyle of her fans.
As the headline performance at Osheaga Festival, Rodrigo incorporated music and striking visuals into her live act, creating an immersive home-and-garden experience that extended beyond the stereo and into the realm of festival entertainment.
Following Olivia Rodrigo's polarizing performance at Osheaga Festival, critics and fans began analyzing and debating the role of music in cultural consumption— a conversation that spilled from the weather report to popular discussions in the social media landscape and beyond.
