Olivia Rodrigo Teases Emotional Third Album

The pop star's upcoming OR3 project will reportedly feature plenty of 'sad love songs'.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 12:16am

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Olivia Rodrigo has been dropping hints about her highly anticipated third studio album, OR3, which is expected to be released sometime in April 2026. Unlike her previous two albums, OR3 will likely feature a lighter, more pink-hued aesthetic, and the music will reportedly explore the complexities and fears of romantic love.

Why it matters

Rodrigo's first two albums, SOUR and GUTS, were major commercial and critical successes, establishing her as one of the biggest pop stars of her generation. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see how she will evolve her sound and songwriting on OR3, which promises to delve deeper into the emotional rollercoaster of relationships.

The details

Rodrigo has been dropping hints about OR3 for months, including a heart-shaped lock with her updated logo and the word 'April' spotted in London, as well as a mural in Los Angeles that gradually shifted from purple to pink. The artist has also been wearing more pink-hued outfits, a departure from her usual purple aesthetic. In an interview, Rodrigo revealed that the album will be filled with 'sad love songs' that explore the anxiety and fear that can come with falling in love. One track is even inspired by the relationship between Miranda and Steve on Sex and the City.

  • Rodrigo's last studio album, GUTS, was released in August 2022.
  • In February 2026, Rodrigo's longtime producer Dan Nigro shared a photo from the studio, captioned 'Finishing records...'
  • Rodrigo is expected to release OR3 sometime in April 2026.

The players

Olivia Rodrigo

A 23-year-old pop star known for her hit albums SOUR and GUTS, who is now gearing up to release her third studio album, OR3.

Dan Nigro

Rodrigo's longtime producer, who shared a photo from the studio in February 2026 indicating they were finishing work on the new album.

Madison Hu

Rodrigo's best friend, who listened to the new album and described it as being about how 'love is complicated'.

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What they’re saying

“I realized all my favorite romantic love songs were beautiful because they had a tinge of fear or yearning in them.”

— Olivia Rodrigo

“I think that's what she learnt this year.”

— Madison Hu, Rodrigo's best friend

What’s next

Rodrigo is expected to reveal the official release date for OR3 in the coming weeks, as well as share more details about the album's themes and musical direction.

The takeaway

Olivia Rodrigo's evolution as an artist continues with OR3, which promises to showcase her growth as a songwriter by exploring the complex emotions of love and relationships through a more introspective, melancholic lens.