Olivia Rodrigo: From Nostalgic Snacks to Empowering Advocacy—A Look Inside the Life of a Modern Pop Icon

Olivia Rodrigo: A Modern Pop Icon Balancing Nostalgia, Style, and Social Impact

Olivia Rodrigo, the pop sensation behind hits like "Bad Idea Right?", recently showcased her charmingly nostalgic side during a guest appearance on Vogue’s “In the Bag” series. This unique video feature invites celebrities to share personal insights about the contents of their bags. In an episode that aired on May 15, Rodrigo opted for a vintage cheetah-print Fendi bag and unveiled her surprising snack obsession: Babybel cheese. In doing so, she captured not just her love for the snack, but also an endearing connection to her childhood.

The 22-year-old singer enthusiastically expressed her fondness for Babybel, a treat she enjoyed back in elementary school. “I love any type of cheese. My friends make fun of me for it, especially this one because they think it's particularly elementary,” Rodrigo shared. With a twinkle in her eye, she admitted to enjoying not only the taste of Babybel but also the playful experience of sculpting figures from the cheese's red wax. “I love eating it and I love playing with the wax and making wax statues out of it,” she said, recalling sweet memories of trading creations with her friends. This whimsical anecdote painted a picture of youthful creativity, underscoring how a simple snack can hold a treasure trove of fond memories.

Rodrigo’s admission reflects a broader trend among celebrities, who often reveal their quirky habits and cherished memories, making them more relatable to fans. While living under the glare of media attention, stars like Rodrigo find joy in everyday pleasures that transcend fame. For her, Babybel serves as more than just a convenient, protein-packed snack—it represents a slice of her past, a time when simplicity and creativity ruled her world. This heartfelt connection to her snack of choice reminds fans that, despite her immense success, she remains grounded in a reality filled with relatable experiences.

In addition to the delightful Babybel, Rodrigo's bag contained an eclectic mix of items tailored to her busy lifestyle. Alongside the cheese, she included practical essentials such as a hat, over-the-ear Bluetooth headphones, and a Lancome Juicy Tube of lipstick conveniently attached to her keys. Other notable contents were playing cards, a journal, a tea bag, and various makeup items. This eclectic array paints a lively portrait of Rodrigo as someone who balances her pop star persona with the little joys of daily life.

Her style choices offer another fascinating glimpse into her celebrity life. Just days before her “In the Bag” episode, Rodrigo was spotted sporting a sleek beauty tote by Chanel, adding a sprinkle of luxury to her casual outings. The “Nubuck Natural” tote, crafted from black suede and dating back to 2012, was paired with a simple sleeveless black top and khaki pants, showcasing her ability to blend practicality with chic fashion. Furthermore, during the Planned Parenthood Gala on April 24, she turned heads by donning a stunning ivory Gucci Horsebit gown, accentuated by a custom silver Bamboo Night shoulder bag. Both occasions highlight her evolving style sensibility, signaling a young artist who is not just a fashion-following figure but a trendsetter in her own right.

Beyond the glamor, Rodrigo's commitment to social causes demonstrates the depth of her character. At the Planned Parenthood Gala, she was honored with the 2025 Catalyst of Change award for her advocacy around reproductive justice. By launching the Fund 4 Good during her “Guts” tour, she has dedicated a portion of her concert proceeds to local abortion funds. Her willingness to use her platform for social good serves as an inspiration to young fans and aspiring artists alike, showing that celebrity status can be paired with meaningful action.

In an age when celebrity culture is often dissected and critiqued, Rodrigo provides a refreshing example of authenticity. From her fondness for nostalgic snacks to her thoughtful approach toward social issues, she connects with her audience on multiple levels. Recognizing the weight of her influence, she gracefully balances her personal experiences with her public persona, allowing fans to see both the star and the person behind the fame. As she continues to ascend in the music industry, Rodrigo proves that it's possible to be both a relatable individual and a celebrated artist—a dual identity that resonates well in the world of celebrities today.

In conclusion, Olivia Rodrigo embodies the modern celebrity, seamlessly blending her past and present while connecting with her fans in genuine ways. Her love for Babybel cheese, the quirky items in her Fendi bag, and commitment to important social causes encapsulate what it means to be a pop star in today's rapidly changing cultural landscape. As she moves forward, Rodrigo will undoubtedly continue to inspire and engage audiences with her relatable stories and compassionate actions, reminding us all that behind every public figure is a rich tapestry of personal experiences and heartfelt commitments.