Five years ago, Olivia Rodrigo’s debut single “Drivers License” rocketed the then-17-year-old from Disney alum to global pop phenomenon. Now, on January 8, 2026, Rodrigo has invited one of her musical heroes, David Byrne, to reinterpret her breakthrough hit, kicking off a series of high-profile covers marking the fifth anniversary of her chart-topping album Sour.
The collaboration between Rodrigo and Byrne, the legendary frontman of Talking Heads, is more than just a tribute; it’s a cross-generational celebration that’s caught the attention of fans and critics alike. According to Variety, Byrne’s version of “Drivers License” is the first in a planned series of reimagined tracks from Sour—a campaign that will stretch into June 2026, when the album itself turns five.
Byrne’s cover, released across digital streaming platforms, is also available for pre-order in several collectible vinyl editions. The standard seven-inch “translucent ruby” pressing, shipping April 3, 2026, features Byrne’s art-pop take on “Drivers License” on the A-side and a live duet of “Burning Down the House” with Rodrigo—captured during her 2025 headlining set at Governors Ball—on the B-side. Target is offering a “Tiny Vinyl” fruit punch-colored edition, pairing Byrne’s cover with Rodrigo’s original version as the B-side, set to ship April 30. Both editions are drawing pre-orders from devoted fans eager for a piece of this unique musical exchange.
Rodrigo, who has spent the last year hinting at big plans for 2026, marked the anniversary by sharing a heartfelt message on social media. “We’re starting off insanely strong with an incredible reworking of ‘drivers license’ from one of my all-time heroes, David Byrne,” she wrote. “David is nothing short of a legend and I actually cried when I heard his version of this song.” The emotional resonance of Byrne’s interpretation was clearly not lost on Rodrigo, who has often spoken about the lasting impact of her debut single. In a recent post, she reflected, “This song has totally changed my life in ways I still can’t totally wrap my head around. I’m forever grateful for this magical chapter and I can’t wait to scream red lights stop signs with u guys at every concert I play for the rest of my life.”
Byrne, for his part, approached the project with characteristic curiosity and a willingness to make the song his own. “My new friend Olivia Rodrigo invited me to interpret her 1st single to be paired with a release of our live cover of ‘Burning Down The House,’” Byrne shared on social media. “I discovered that her song resonates (I changed a few words!) and is universal—we all have those feelings and have had that experience… I recorded this while on tour in Atlanta and Miami with the incredible musicians, singers and dancers who are with me. We all had a great time!”
Indeed, Byrne’s version doesn’t simply mimic the original. Instead, he infuses it with his signature art-pop sensibility—quirky, baroque, and anchored by an impassioned vocal performance. Notably, Byrne tweaked some lyrics, shifting the perspective from Rodrigo’s “blonde girl” to a “younger blonde guy,” a move that’s sparked debate among fans and critics. According to Stereogum, while some listeners found this new wave spin on the heartbreak ballad unexpectedly offbeat, others appreciated the fresh energy and the inventive percussion, especially during the song’s bridge.
The release of Byrne’s cover is more than just a musical gesture; it’s a testament to the enduring popularity of “Drivers License” and Sour. As Variety reports, the album remains a streaming juggernaut—“the first and only album in Spotify history to have four songs each surpass two billion streams.” “Drivers License” itself has accumulated a staggering 4.7 billion global streams and is certified six-times platinum by the RIAA, underscoring its status as a modern pop classic.
This anniversary project comes at a transitional moment for both artists. Rodrigo, following the conclusion of her Guts tour, has been taking time off the road but is already teasing her third studio album. She’s dropped hints on social media—most notably, a glittery red “3” shirt and a cryptic license renewal application—fueling speculation about a new era of music. In an interview with Nylon last October, Rodrigo said, “I won’t say too much, but I think 2026 is going to be a busy year for me.”
Meanwhile, Byrne is riding a creative high of his own. His most recent solo album, Who Is the Sky?, released to critical acclaim in September 2025, has kept him on the road with a high-concept live show that earned rave reviews—Variety even named his Los Angeles date the best concert of the year. Byrne is about to embark on a three-month tour of Europe and Oceania, and his Broadway musical, Here Lies Love, is set to open in Los Angeles in February 2026. He’s also been collaborating with other artists, including Hayley Williams, further cementing his reputation as a restless musical innovator.
The cross-generational nature of this collaboration is especially striking. Rodrigo, who has cited Byrne and Talking Heads as major influences, spent much of the 2025 festival season sharing stages with icons like Weezer, Robert Smith, and Byrne himself, often covering their hits in her sets. Byrne’s willingness to return the favor—placing his own stamp on Rodrigo’s most personal song—highlights the mutual respect between the two artists and the cyclical nature of musical inspiration.
For fans, the Byrne-Rodrigo partnership is a reminder of how music can bridge eras and genres. It’s also a sign of Rodrigo’s growing stature within the industry; few artists can claim both the streaming numbers and the critical cachet that would prompt a legend like Byrne to participate in a commemorative project. As Rolling Stone notes, Rodrigo’s impact is such that she’s already thinking about performing “Drivers License” for decades to come, much like Stevie Nicks with “Landslide.”
Looking ahead, the “Sour” anniversary campaign promises more surprises. While details on the next covers in the series remain under wraps, anticipation is building. Fans are already speculating about which artists might be tapped next—could Robert Smith, another of Rodrigo’s heroes, be in line for a tribute?
In the meantime, Byrne’s cover stands as a fitting kickoff to the celebration, blending nostalgia, reinvention, and a touch of the unexpected. For Rodrigo, for Byrne, and for the millions of listeners who have found themselves belting out “red lights, stop signs,” this anniversary is more than just a milestone—it’s a testament to the power of a great pop song to connect across generations and keep evolving, five years on and counting.