Olivia Rodrigo Opens Up About Love Life, Songwriting, and London Vibes
Pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo has offered a rare glimpse into her personal life, a wellspring of inspiration for her chart-topping hits. In a candid new interview with British Vogue‘s April issue, the 23-year-old singer discusses her experiences with the exclusive celebrity dating app Raya, memorable first kisses at the A-list haunt Chiltern Firehouse, and remains tight-lipped about her reported split from actor Louis Partridge.
Rodrigo, known for her deeply personal songwriting, revealed her approach to creativity and privacy. “I lead a very private life, sort of… That makes me feel protected enough to be able to bare my soul in the songwriting,” she explained. This introspective approach has fans eagerly dissecting clues for her upcoming third studio album, affectionately dubbed OR3.
The singer and 22-year-old British actor Louis Partridge first made headlines as a couple in October 2023, when they were photographed together in London, Partridge’s hometown.
However, reports emerged in December suggesting the pair had parted ways after more than two years together. Adding to the speculation, the songstress was reportedly seen in tears at a Christmas party hosted by her friend Lily Allen at the London strip club Stringfellows, an event that fuelled rumours of a breakup.
Hinting that her new music will delve into these experiences, Rodrigo alluded to her time in London influencing her songwriting. “I’ve found a lot of inspiration from being in London,” she shared. “I’ve spent so much time here over the course of making this album. It has a lot of songs that are London vibes, about experiences that I’ve had here.”
Rodrigo also recounted her brief foray into the world of online dating. Following the release of her acclaimed debut album Sour in 2021, she decided to try out the celebrity dating app Raya. Her experience, however, was short-lived. After just one month, a particularly disappointing date led her to delete her profile entirely. “I was like, ‘Wow, never again. It was just so bad’,” she admitted. “I didn’t even see anyone cool! I thought I would see, like, ooh, some really hot actor guy. I don’t even know any of these people… It’s [always] some weird ‘creative director’. Like, you just don’t have a job.”
Beyond the digital dating scene, Rodrigo highlighted some of her favourite London hangouts. She revealed that the iconic Chiltern Firehouse has been the setting for some significant romantic moments. “I really like going to The Fat Badger. It’s so fun ever since Chiltern [Firehouse] burned down,” she said, referring to the fire that occurred at the upscale hotel on February 14, 2025. The blaze, believed to have been caused by embers from a pizza oven, necessitated extensive, long-term repairs, with the establishment expected to be closed for up to three years. Rodrigo confirmed, “I’ve had some first kisses at Chiltern, for sure.”
Looking ahead, Rodrigo expressed her hope that her upcoming album will “show a different side of me” and reiterated her desire to spend more time in the vibrant city of London.
The accompanying photoshoot for British Vogue showcased Rodrigo’s striking style. In one ensemble, she turned heads with a hand-embroidered Jacquard jacket, an embellished silk habotai bra, and McQueen jeans, highlighting her toned abs. For another captivating look, the singer donned a fringed Stella McCartney jacket while posing on a beach.
The full feature, offering deeper insights into Olivia Rodrigo’s life and career, is available in the April issue of British Vogue, accessible through digital download and on newsstands from Tuesday, March 24th.
