Olivia Rodrigo's first Daisy Chain Fields festival raised $20 million to support charities advocating for women and girls, with the singer calling the event "the greatest joy" of her career.
In an Instagram post, the 23-year-old singer-songwriter reflected on the Saturday festival, which featured artists including Chappell Roan, Rachel Chinouriri, and Doechii. Rodrigo described the event as one of the highlights of her career, writing, "Seeing daisy chain come to fruition yesterday was the greatest joy of my career."
She noted moments from the festival, such as "friendship bracelets being made on the grass" and "young girls on their dads shoulders," and said she was still "in a bit of disbelief that it happened." Rodrigo also mentioned a "wish tree" installed at the festival's entrance by Yoko Ono, where attendees left wishes. "We read so many of them. some were silly like I hope my dog lives forever or I hope my hair grows longer etc. but by and large almost every tag said the same thing. everyone hoped for the world to be more peaceful," she wrote.
The festival's fundraising success was bolstered by a pledge from Melinda French Gates, who attended the event and promised to double the funds raised. Gates, who joined Rodrigo on stage, praised the singer's philanthropic efforts, saying, "Olivia Rodrigo is a force. What Daisy Chain Fields sets in motion will last far beyond a single night, by opening up opportunity for women and girls around the world and showing a new generation how much their voices matter."
Rodrigo expressed gratitude for Gates' support, telling the crowd, "Melinda is one of the most inspiring women I've ever met. She's devoted her life to empowering women and girls that might have otherwise been forgotten. She's generous and brave and has done so much good in this world, and I'm totally floored because as well as being in attendance here tonight, she's pledged to double every dollar that we made here today to a grand total of funds being donated to $20 million. I'm so grateful!"
In her statement, Rodrigo emphasized the collective effort behind the festival: "Daisy Chain Fields is about what can happen when we come together and use our collective power to support one another. I'm incredibly grateful to Melinda and Pivotal for believing in this mission and making the impact of our first festival twice as powerful."
Rodrigo concluded her Instagram message with a thank-you to attendees and a note of optimism: "Thank you to everyone who came yesterday who showed me that joy is a part of the solution. until next yearrrrr."