I would add that the inherent artifice of the musical-theater style is why it so rankles to hear her occupy genres that, for better or worse, rely on perceived authenticity to function. I hear a child singing show tunes that simulate "rocking out"
sam³⁰⁰⁰
In today's newsletter: @emilystjams.bsky.social on why Olivia Rodrigo owes as much to musical theater as she does to the alt-rockers of the Nineties
Or: Why Olivia Rodrigo was voted most likely pop star to write a musical in her 40s.
