Pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo has officially confirmed that her third studio album is currently in production. The Grammy-winning artist made the announcement in October 2025 during a promotional video for American Express, stating, “Now I’m home, and I’m working on my new album.”
The confirmation comes after months of speculation from fans who have been eagerly awaiting news of “OR3,” the unofficial fan nickname for Rodrigo’s third album following her debut SOUR (2021) and sophomore effort GUTS (2023).
Album Timeline and Recent Hints
During an October 2025 interview with Nylon magazine, Rodrigo hinted at her future plans, stating, “I won’t say too much, but I think 2026 is going to be a busy year for me. I’ve been having a lot of fun dreaming things up.”
The album confirmation follows the conclusion of Rodrigo’s GUTS World Tour in August 2025, when she sent a fan newsletter stating, “the GUTS world tour is officially over!! thank u 4 making each and every show so special. the end of the GUTS era feels bittersweet, but I’m sooooo excited for all that’s y3t to come!!!!”
Visual Hints at New Creative Direction
Evidence of Rodrigo’s album progress came during her final festival performance at Osheaga in Montreal, where she appeared wearing a red T-shirt with a glittered number three. After the performance, she handed out her signature GUTS rings to audience members as a symbolic farewell to her second album cycle.
Rodrigo has worn red frequently throughout 2025, including during her July appearance at Wimbledon and other performances. The color change has led fans to speculate that red may be the visual theme for the third album.
Artistic Evolution
Speaking with ELLE magazine in October 2025, Rodrigo revealed she’s experimenting with “new sounds,” explaining, “I’m working on new music and I’m having a lot of fun. It’s nice to be home from touring, to really get to sink my teeth into new songs and new sounds and new stories. I’m having a really good time.”
Regarding how the new material differs from her previous work, Rodrigo explained, “It feels so different. Just by virtue of, I guess I’m a little older now and I feel like I have more experience. I think the tour and all the festivals were really educational for me and taught me a lot about who I am and what kind of music I want to make and what music I want to play for people. I’m taking all those lessons into the studio with me.”
Current Status and Background
Rodrigo has established herself as a major force in pop music following her breakthrough with “drivers license” in 2021. Her albums SOUR (2021) and GUTS (2023) both achieved critical acclaim and commercial success, with GUTS debuting at number one on the Billboard 200.
In her American Express video, Rodrigo revealed how fan reactions during the GUTS World Tour have influenced her songwriting, stating that audience responses to certain songs “really informs the way” she writes music.
Rodrigo also shared details about her creative routine, revealing her food preferences during different album cycles: “burritos” while working on SOUR, “bean and cheese tacos” during GUTS, and now “salmon” for her current project, noting “I’m getting healthier as I get older.”
Upcoming Performances
Beyond the album confirmation, Rodrigo teased upcoming performances, hinting at a “special performance” coming “very soon” while adding she didn’t want to “give too much away.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Olivia Rodrigo’s third album be released?
No official release date has been announced. However, Rodrigo hinted that 2026 will be a “busy year” for her, suggesting fans may see new music next year.
What will the new album sound like?
Rodrigo has confirmed she’s experimenting with “new sounds” and “new stories,” describing the material as feeling “so different” from her previous work due to her personal growth and touring experience.
Has the album title been revealed?
No official album title has been announced yet.
Will the album have a red theme?
Visual evidence suggests a possible red aesthetic, as Rodrigo has worn red frequently in recent appearances and appeared with a red shirt featuring the number “3” at her final GUTS tour show.
How has her songwriting changed?
Rodrigo has described how fan reactions during her world tour have informed her songwriting approach, and that her touring experience taught her about the kind of music she wants to create.