Olivia Rodrigo, renowned for leveraging her platform to champion significant issues, was honored with the fourth annual Universal Music Group x REVERB Amplifier Award. The accolade was conferred during the Music is Universal Artist Showcase held on Saturday, a prominent event coinciding with Grammy Weekend, and hosted by Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of UMG.
In a noteworthy moment, Grainge, along with co-executive directors of REVERB, Lauren Sullivan and Adam Gardner, presented Rodrigo with the prestigious award. The singer made a statement by donning an “ICE OUT” button, which signifies her commitment to raising awareness about critical social issues facing America today.
Expressing her gratitude, Rodrigo stated, “Receiving the UMG x REVERB Amplifier Award is an incredible honor, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who made this moment possible—Sir Lucian, Universal Music Group’s Global Impact Team, John Janick, and the team at Interscope. This award is an important reminder in the belief that artists can be a force for real, lasting change.” She further emphasized that, “Music has always been about more than sound. It’s about connection. It’s about telling the truth. And it’s about showing up for one another, especially when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. Now, more than ever, in Minneapolis, and around the world, our platforms, no matter the size, can amplify more than our own voices.”
This recognition highlights Rodrigo’s ongoing commitment to social advocacy and her belief in the power of music as a vehicle for change, encouraging artists and fans alike to utilize their platforms for activism and support in their communities.