Photos by Andy Argyrakis

In just a few lightning-fast years, Olivia Rodrigo captivated the entire globe thanks to an instantly contagious blend of bedroom pop meets punk rock and some of this century’s most significant songwriting chops.

Of course, she’s no stranger to showbiz after a streak of massive Disney shows, though upon leaping off the small screen with 2021’s viral breakthrough “Sour,” she quickly made the transition to full-blown superstar.

As Rodrigo quickly transitioned towards the “Guts” era, the 21-year-old troubadour is all the more extraordinary at both her craft and connectivity, leading to an immediate sell out of literally every tour date, including a pair at the United Center.

Given the frenzied reaction from the predominately female crowd throughout the closing edition, although there were still a fair amount of fellas, she may have very well saved the best for last, backed by a live band, bunch of dancers, gigantic video wall, a pair of runaways, elevating platforms and even a flying moon.

Choosing “Bad Idea Right?” to start had the exact opposite effect, while “Ballad Of A Homeschooled Girl” found the headliner bravely revealing her social insecurities and “Vampire” sunk its teeth into the intense side of a larger than life personality.

The enormous “Driver’s License” came much earlier than expected, prompting chills as Olivia played piano and the words were screamed back at a volume that matched if not surpassed the glory days of Michael Jordan in the same building, but as she continued to bounce between both landmark projects, the depth of “Pretty Isn’t Pretty” and the bite of “Jealously, Jealously,” amongst many others, came fairly close.

For those lucky enough to score tickets to both shows, it might have felt like “Deja Vu,” yet it was nonetheless entirely fresh to the point where Rodrigo made sure each moment produced a meaningful memory, especially come “Can’t Catch Me Now” from “The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes” and the latest album’s anthem “All-American B****.”

Encores of “Good 4 U” and “Get Him Back!” practically blew the roof off the arena as the adoring audience once again hung on every word of someone who proved so relatable, it felt like an ongoing private conversation with a friend who will last for life.

For additional information on Olivia Rodrigo, visit OliviaRodrigo.com.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation concerts, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the United Center include Dan + Shay (Mar. 22); Bad Bunny (Mar. 28-30); Bert Kreischer (Apr. 4); Nicki Minaj (Apr. 24-25); Frankie Beverly & Maze (Apr. 27); Feid (May 30); Tim McGraw (May 31); Chris Brown (Jun. 7-8); Tyler Childers (Jun. 13); Janet Jackson (Jun. 19); Justin Timberlake (Jun. 21-22); Russ (Jun. 23); Windy City Smokeout (Jul. 11-14); Hans Zimmer (Sept. 22); Jeff Lynne’s ELO (Sept. 27); Peso Pluma (Oct. 6); Jelly Roll (Oct. 11); Justin Timberlake (Oct. 27); Usher (Oct. 28-31) and Sebastian Maniscalco (Nov. 8-9). For additional details, visit UnitedCenter.com.

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