Olivia Rodrigo says 'Heated Rivalry' was 'inspiring' ahead of new album era

Olivia Rodrigo has praised the breakout sports romance series Heated Rivalry, calling it a bold creative risk that inspired her as she works on new music.

Speaking to Cosmopolitan, Rodrigo said: “It was inspiring as a creative person. These people took a big swing, they didn’t compromise and I think that’s so rad, and it paid off.”

The hit series Heated Rivalry, which follows a high-stakes and emotionally intense hockey romance between two rival players Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander portrayed by Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams respectively, has gained a strong fan following for its mix of sports drama and romantic storytelling. The show’s success has also helped launch its lead actors into wider recognition across film and television.

Rodrigo’s comments come as she continues work on her highly anticipated third studio album You Look So Sad For A girl So In Love, which follows the global success of Sour and Guts. While details about the upcoming record remain limited, it is expected to mark a new creative phase for the Grammy-winning singer as she continues evolving her pop-rock sound.

The singer also showed support for the series’ rising star Storrie, attending his Saturday Night Live hosting appearance and joining the after-party, further highlighting her connection to the show’s growing cultural footprint.