Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields Festival Was a Day Full of Superstars, Nonprofits, and Joy — Rolling Stone

RESOLVING THE LEDGER

Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields Festival Was a Day Full of Superstars, Nonprofits, and Joy — Rolling Stone | AIPROPX

View Gallery 32 photos Rodrigo during her headlining set at Daisy Chain Fields Pooneh Ghana for Rolling Stone By the time Olivia Rodrigo hit the stage to headline the inaugural Daisy Chain Fields festival, the sun had set on a sweltering day, and anyone who was fading was sure to feel reenergized both from a welcome breeze and from Rodrigo's set. The superstar had promised special guests, and she delivered, bringing out Lilith Fair founder Sarah McLachlan, whose groundbreaking Nineties fest served as inspiration for Daisy Chain; Alanis Morisette, who stepped in for Karen O after she had a family emergency ; and Stevie Nicks. "I feel like I'm dreaming," Rodrigo told the crowd at Great Park in Irvine, California. "This is the best day of my fuckin' life!"

It certainly felt like the best dream ever for the crowd of mostly women and girls at the festival, which sold out in 30 minutes . The stacked lineup included trailblazers who inspired generations of women to pick up guitars, on-the-rise bands, and pop stars primed to meet the moment. Like Lilith Fair, the all-day celebration was more than just a music festival: It was an inclusive and much-needed gathering — uniting music fans while supporting important causes.

The day before the festival, Rodrigo announced that it had raised $10 million . "It's a real honor to announce that we are donating $10 million to be given directly to these 10 nonprofit partners that you just had the pleasure of hearing about," Rodrigo said at a press conference attended by 10 organizations that advocate for women and girls and were participating in the festival.

Those nonprofit participants included Baby2Baby , which provides children in need with basic necessities; Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), which advocates for Black mothers' rights and provides resources throughout and after pregnancy; Center for Reproductive Rights , a legal organization that advocates for reproductive rights and health care access for women worldwide; FreeFrom , which works to end gender-based violence by providing survivors with financial resources and more; Jhpiego , which provides critical health care to women and families worldwide; John Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health , which advances health equity for Indigenous communities worldwide; National Domestic Workers Alliance , which advocates for the rights of domestic workers; National Institute for Reproductive Health , which works to advance reproductive health care for all at the state and local level; National Women's Law Center , which fights for gender justice on the legal front and beyond; and Planned Parenthood , which works to protect, provide, and expand access to sexual and reproductive health care and education. Net proceeds from the event are being directed to Daisy Chain Fields Fund, which benefits those nonprofits. Editor’s picks The 250 Greatest Albums of the 21st Century So Far The 100 Best TV Episodes of All Time The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century

When describing the way music, community, and action were joining together at Daisy Chain, one word came up regularly at the press conference: "joy." And that feeling was palpable throughout the grounds on Saturday.

Lines formed outside of Daisy Chain Reaction, the area where the nonprofits invited attendees to learn about their organizations while participating in crafts like assembling daisy chains and making flower crowns. Several fans, many dressed in Rodrigo-styled baby doll dresses, said they were drawn to the event because of their love of Rodrigo but also because they want a better world for women and girls. Alannie, 18, says that at her age, the ticket price was a big investment, but after learning Rodrigo's motive behind the fest, she wanted to participate. "I see it as a purpose, to give my money to all these foundations," she says.

A trio of early-thirties Filipina women — Nerissa, Christabel, and Monica — were also excited to support the nonprofits. "I very strongly resonate with the different organizations she was promoting," Nerissa says, adding that she's used Planned Parenthood's services in the past. Christabel adds, "I think it's such a beautiful thing that Olivia is creating a festival and a place for us all to gather to really empower, advance, and advocate for women and the organizations at Daisy Chain Reaction." Monica addressed the issue of representation, saying, "[Olivia] is Filipino, so she's representing our people, and also the lineup of amazing artists that she put together." Related Content Melinda French Gates Doubles Olivia Rodrigo's Daisy Chain Fields Donation to $20 Million Olivia Rodrigo Shines With Stevie Nicks, Sarah McLachlan, Alanis Morissette at Daisy Chain Olivia Rodrigo's Daisy Chain Fields Festival Raises $10 Million for Women and Girls Nonprofits Katseye Drops Out of Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields Festival After Member Sprains Ankle

That lineup made for 14 sets and 10 hours of great music. The sets kicked off with Quiet Light, the stage name of singer-medical student Riya Mahesh. She and her dancers slowly grooved, striking ballerina-styled moves during "Postinternefame" from her 2026 mixtape Blue Angel Sparkling Silver 2 . Eli Miller, who performs under her first name, followed. Amid songs like "Nobody's Girl" and "Girl of Your Dreams," Eli delivered a powerful message about loving our neighbors, "no matter what they believe or don't." She also pledged money to some of the day's participating organizations.

"It's fucking hot right now," Rachel Chinouriri told the audience during her set. "The U.K. ain't like this." But Chinouriri kept the vibe going anyway, tearing through her tender 2025 single " Can We Talk About Isaac " while premiering material off her upcoming album I Think I Spoke Too Soon, "It's about my twenties, and realizing I'm not the person I thought I was," she said of the album. And I can become whoever I want to be."

Following her performance, Chinouri...