Olivia Rodrigo, the pop sensation who has turned heartbreak into chart-topping anthems, is once again making headlines—but this time, it’s not for a new single. On October 18, 2025, multiple outlets including Poprant and Where Is The Buzz reported that Rodrigo has parted ways with her long-time managers, Aleen Keshishian and Zack Morgenroth of Lighthouse Management and Media. This significant move comes as the three-time Grammy winner gears up for the launch of her highly anticipated third album, often referred to by fans as the “OR3” era.
The split has been described as amicable but decisive. According to sources cited by Poprant, Rodrigo is not searching for a new manager in the traditional sense. Instead, she’s assembling her own executive and creative team, signaling a bold new chapter of self-direction. “She’s now actively looking for new management and is weighing up all her options,” an insider told The Sun, though more recent reports clarify that Rodrigo is focused on building an in-house team rather than replacing her managers outright.
Rodrigo, who hails from Murrieta, California, shot to international stardom with her 2021 debut album SOUR, which broke streaming records and became the most-streamed album by a female act on Spotify, as highlighted by Where Is The Buzz. Her sophomore effort, GUTS, released in 2023, not only topped the US Billboard 200 but also dominated charts in the UK and around the world. With such a track record, Rodrigo’s decision to take the reins of her own career isn’t just a coming-of-age moment—it’s a declaration of independence from the machinery of pop stardom.
But what prompted this shake-up? The answer, it seems, lies partly in the complex web of social media drama that has increasingly entangled the music industry. Earlier in 2025, Keshishian found herself trending online after liking a video that was perceived as shading Taylor Swift. The post, linked to Swift’s single “Father Figure”—widely rumored to be a diss track targeting Rodrigo and referencing Swift’s own feud with Scooter Braun—sparked a wave of backlash from Swift’s fiercely loyal fanbase. As Poprant detailed, “Swift’s fans started associating Rodrigo with the scandal,” even though the artist herself had nothing to do with the online spat.
This episode is just the latest in a series of public dustups that have dogged Rodrigo’s rise. Despite the noise, she has largely stayed above the fray, declining to comment publicly on the management change or the surrounding controversies. Instead, she’s allowing her actions to speak louder than words. As one fan commented online, “I think it is impressive that she is individually going to be the one to determine who she is represented by.” Another fan’s excitement was palpable: “Full creative control, you guys! This era will be hers and hers only—it’ll be more special, I’m crying!”
Rodrigo’s move isn’t without precedent. She previously split from manager Kristen Smith three years ago, just before her first tour. At the time, an insider told The Sun, “Kristen helped make Olivia an international superstar.” The source added that while management changes can be disruptive, they can also be opportune moments for reinvention—especially before a major tour or album cycle.
Indeed, Rodrigo has been hard at work on her next project. In an appearance on the YouTube series Amex Platinum Presents: There’s Nothing Like It just a week ago, she opened up about her excitement for the future. “Now I’m home and I’m working on my new album. I’ve worked a lot with Amex over the past few years to do some special performances and there is one coming up very soon, but I won’t give too much away,” she teased. Rodrigo also reflected on the whirlwind of her recent GUTS Tour, which concluded in August 2025. She singled out a show in the Philippines as a highlight: “Everyone was so kind to me. It was one of the loudest shows I ever played. Everyone was singing all of the words at the top of their lungs. I had a portion of the show where I was on the moon. I could be really close to the audience and see all of their faces and kind of point to them and say ‘Hi.’”
After the tour wrapped, Rodrigo and her team celebrated with a “wrap party,” marking the end of an era and, perhaps, the beginning of a new one. She noted, “I like to be in Los Angeles as I was born in the same place,” emphasizing her roots even as she looks ahead.
Of course, the pressures of pop stardom are never far away. Some fans have expressed concern that going without a traditional management structure could expose Rodrigo to new risks. As one online commenter pointed out, “A strong management team can make all the difference in how your music does. Look at Dua Lipa… Radical Optimism flopped.” Still, Rodrigo’s supporters seem largely optimistic, interpreting her decision as a sign of confidence and maturity. “This OR3 period is already for the books,” another fan enthused.
Rodrigo’s career thus far has been defined by her ability to turn personal upheaval into universal anthems. Her debut, SOUR, captured the angst and vulnerability of Gen Z heartbreak, while GUTS explored the complexities of fame and self-discovery. Now, as she prepares to release her third album under her own direction, fans and industry observers alike are eager to see how her newfound autonomy will shape her sound and message.
It’s worth noting that Rodrigo is not the first young artist to seek greater control over her career in the wake of public controversies or management disputes. The music industry is littered with stories of stars who, after early success, found themselves at odds with the very teams that helped launch them. What sets Rodrigo apart is her apparent willingness to learn from these challenges and chart her own course, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
As anticipation mounts for the “OR3” era, one thing is clear: Olivia Rodrigo is determined to be the architect of her own destiny. Whether this bold move pays off in even greater creative heights remains to be seen, but if her past is any guide, Rodrigo’s next chapter is sure to be one worth watching.
