Olivia Rodrigo 2021 was a whirlwind year in the world of pop music, and it wasn’t just because of the catchy tunes. Olivia Rodrigo‘s song “drivers license” became a massive hit, but it also sparked intense speculation about a love triangle between her, Joshua Bassette, and Sabrina Carpenter.
The Spark: “drivers license” and its Lyrics
Fans dissected every word of “drivers license,” convinced it hinted at a past relationship between Rodrigo and Bassette, her co-star on “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.” Lyrics like “And you’re probably with that blonde girl / Who always made me doubt / She’s so much older than me” fueled the fire, especially considering Carpenter is blonde and older than Rodrigo.
The Rumored Responses: More Songs and Social Media
The drama escalated with the release of more music. Bassette dropped “Lie Lie Lie,” which some thought was a response to Rodrigo’s song, but he denied it. Then came Carpenter’s “Skin,” with lyrics like “Maybe ‘blonde’ was the only rhyme,” further convincing fans it was a diss track aimed at Rodrigo.
Olivia Rodrigo – Clearing the Air (or Not)?
Both Rodrigo and Carpenter denied the songs were about each other. Rodrigo clarified she barely knew Carpenter, and Carpenter insisted “Skin” wasn’t a diss track. Bassette, meanwhile, remained silent on the supposed love triangle but later admitted his song “Crisis / Secret / Set Me Free” addressed his side of the story.
The Show Must Go On (and the Met Gala Too)
Despite the rumors, Bassette returned for season 2 of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.” The drama seemingly fizzled out after a seemingly friendly interaction between Olivia and Sabrina at the 2022 Met Gala. Both have since moved on romantically.