Olivia Rodrigo Parts Ways with Managers: What It Means for Her Career

Introduction

In a surprising move that has the music world buzzing, Olivia Rodrigo has parted ways with her longtime managers, Aleen Keshishian and Zack Morgenroth of Lighthouse Management + Media. According to industry insiders, Rodrigo is not planning to hire a new manager, instead opting to assemble her own executive team. This decision comes amid her ongoing success following the smash releases of SOUR and GUTS.

HITS Daily Double reports that Olivia Rodrigo has parted ways with her managers Aleen Keshishian and Zack Morgenroth.

She is reportedly not seeking another manager, and instead forming her own executive team. pic.twitter.com/U63U4ka62W

— Pop Base (@PopBase) October 17, 2025

Olivia Rodrigo’s Management History

Olivia Rodrigo, 22, first skyrocketed to fame with her debut album SOUR (2021), which became a sextuple-platinum hit and the most-streamed album by a female artist on Spotify. She earned three Grammy Awards for it and broke multiple records worldwide.

Her follow-up album, GUTS (2023), topped charts globally and solidified her status as a leading voice in pop music. Rodrigo initially parted ways with her first manager, Kristen Smith, in early 2022 before signing with Keshishian and Morgenroth. Under Lighthouse Management, she successfully executed the sold-out GUTS World Tour, which grossed over $184 million across four continents, with Keshishian credited for major tour successes.

Details of the Split and Future Plans

Reported first by HITS Daily Double on October 17, 2025, the split appears amicable, though specific reasons have not been disclosed. Rodrigo continues to be represented by attorney David Lande and WME for legal and live booking matters, ensuring continuity while she builds her own executive team.

This self-managed approach is part of a growing trend among top-tier artists seeking autonomy, giving Rodrigo full creative and business control as she potentially enters her “OR3” era, hinting at a third album.

Industry Speculation and Taylor Swift Connection

The timing of this news coincides with a minor online drama involving Taylor Swift. Keshishian reportedly liked an Instagram reel that appeared to reference Swift’s album The Life of a Showgirl. Fans speculated the gesture as a subtle industry message, though neither Rodrigo nor her former managers have confirmed any connection.

This sparked a wave of online discussions about past perceived rivalries between Rodrigo and Swift, though most commentary remains speculative. Social media reactions have ranged from excitement over Rodrigo’s independence to playful debates between fanbases.

Fan and Industry Reactions

The announcement quickly went viral, with the PopBase tweet gaining over 28,000 likes and nearly 1 million views. Fans praised Rodrigo’s bold move, calling it her “boss era,” while industry insiders see it as a strategic play for greater creative and financial control. Comparisons were drawn to other artists like Ariana Grande, who also transitioned to self-management to safeguard their careers.

What This Means for Rodrigo’s Career

Rodrigo’s decision to self-manage marks a pivotal point in her career. By controlling her own executive team, she can directly oversee touring, merchandising, album releases, and other projects. Her track record of chart dominance and cultural impact suggests that this move could maximize both her creative freedom and financial potential.

As fans await news of her next album or potential new ventures, the split signals both the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in the career of one of Gen Z’s most influential pop icons.

FAQs

Q1: Why did Olivia Rodrigo leave her managers?

A1: While specific reasons haven’t been disclosed, reports suggest it was an amicable, strategic decision to gain more control over her career.

Q2: Is Olivia hiring new managers?

A2: No, she is forming her own executive team to manage her projects.

Q3: Does this affect her touring and bookings?

A3: Rodrigo remains represented by WME for live bookings, so ongoing tours like the GUTS World Tour continue as planned.

Q4: Does this relate to Taylor Swift?

A4: There’s speculation online due to Keshishian liking a reel referencing Swift, but no official connection has been confirmed.

Q5: What can fans expect next from Olivia?

A5: Fans anticipate new music and projects under her self-managed structure, possibly starting her “OR3” era.

Conclusion

Olivia Rodrigo’s departure from her longtime managers is more than just a headline—it represents a shift toward full artistic autonomy in a competitive industry. This move underscores her maturity and strategic thinking, suggesting that the singer is positioning herself for a future where she can dictate the terms of her career, creatively and financially. With the world watching, her next steps could redefine how young artists navigate fame, management, and influence in modern pop music. This is not just a managerial change—it’s a statement of independence, power, and long-term vision.