Olivia Rodrigo surprised attendees at the Daisy Chain Fields festival with a special announcement. She revealed that her festival raised $10 million for women-focused nonprofits and shared exciting news. Melinda French Gates pledged to match every donation, bringing the total to $20 million.
The festival, held in Irvine, California, featured Rodrigo as the headline performer. During her set, she expressed gratitude to all the acts who performed for free and celebrated the initial $10 million raised. Rodrigo highlighted the importance of providing women with tools to shape their futures and live violence-free, crediting Melinda French Gates for embodying this ideal.
Rodrigo described Gates as one of the most inspiring women she has ever met. Gates’s dedication to empowering women and girls aligns with Rodrigo’s mission. Gates attended the festival and announced her intention to double the funds raised. This commitment led to a grand total of $20 million being donated to organizations supporting women-driven causes.
Gates joined Rodrigo on stage, commending her achievement and emphasizing the collective power of women and girls in enacting change. Gates expressed her admiration for Rodrigo’s understanding that real power lies with the community rather than on stage.
Rodrigo shared that Sarah McLachlan’s success with Lilith Fair inspired her to create Daisy Chain Fields. The festival’s proceeds will benefit ten organizations focused on women’s welfare, including Baby2Baby and Planned Parenthood, among others.
Notable performances included Garbage’s Shirley Manson and several artists, such as Chappell Roan, Doechii, and Rachel Chinouriri. Due to an injury, Katseye’s afternoon performance was canceled, with Devon Again stepping in. Stevie Nicks, Alanis Morissette, and Sarah McLachlan joined Rodrigo for duets, further enhancing the festival’s appeal.