Olivia Rodrigo has officially launched her first-ever remix, collaborating with Chappell Roan for a fresh take on her hit “Expectations.” This vibrant rendition transports listeners back to the ’80s, infusing the original track with a lively new twist.
The Big Expectations Show: A Retro Game Show Experience
The accompanying music video adds an entertaining layer, showcasing a retro game show format dubbed “The Big Expectations Show.” The playful clip features Chappell Roan and Olivia Rodrigo competing for the spotlight. “Oh, Olivia does remixes now,” Roan quips at the start, setting the tone for the nostalgic vibes reminiscent of shows like Family Feud. A delightful cameo by Talking Heads frontman David Byrne, who plays the fictional host Johnny Johnson, enhances the playful atmosphere, while producer Dan Nigro makes an appearance as well.
A New Verse and Meaningful Collaborations
In this remix, Roan contributes a new verse, altering some of the lyrics to reference a less-than-stellar female suitor, adding a depth that intertwines with Rodrigo’s original themes. The two artists have a strong collaborative history, having worked together multiple times. Roan notably opened for Rodrigo during both the Sour Tour (2022) and the Guts World Tour (2024). They even performed Roan’s upbeat track “Hot to Go!” together on stage in Los Angeles. Recently, Roan headlined Rodrigo’s inaugural Daisy Chain Fields Festival, a significant event that raised $10 million in donations for women and girls, which was subsequently matched by philanthropist Melinda French Gates.
Olivia’s Reflection on Collaboration with Chappell Roan
Reflecting on her camaraderie with Roan, Rodrigo stated, “I remember her walking into the studio one day and just flat-out saying ‘I don’t give a fuck about what people say anymore. If I like it, then it’s good.’ I could tell she actually meant it, too. That’s her magic.” This sentiment resonates deeply with Rodrigo, who released “Expectations” earlier this year as part of her impressive third album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, following the successes of Sour and Guts.
A Safe Space for Fans at Daisy Chain
At the Daisy Chain festival held on August 29 in Great Park, Irvine, CA, Rodrigo expressed her hopes for the event, stating, “Music was the first medium where the way I felt was really accepted. Growing up, that was my safe space. So if girls can come to Daisy Chain and feel a little sliver of that, that would be a dream.”
Upcoming Event: The Super Graphic Spectacular
Looking to the future, Chappell Roan will host her own event, the Super Graphic Spectacular, on October 21 and 22 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. This two-night affair aims to raise funds for trans youth and LGBTQ+ communities, featuring performances by Roan, Lola Young, Caroline Polachek, Tinashe, Muna, and more.
