Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan have released a retro-themed music video for their newly dropped “expectations” remix, featuring a 1980s game show appearance hosted by Talking Heads frontman David Byrne alongside producer Dan Nigro.
The collaboration pairs Rodrigo’s third studio album track with a fresh verse from Roan, marking an official studio crossover between two of pop music’s most prominent artists. The release arrived on streaming platforms alongside a conceptual visual styled around classic television game shows. This collaboration follows a years-long friendship that has seen the two artists support one another through various career milestones and personal challenges.
Origins of the Mantra and the First Official Collaboration
The track traces back to a songwriting session for Rodrigo’s latest album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love. Discussing the creation of the original song, Rodrigo explained that producer Dan Nigro pushed her to draft a personal statement of self-worth rather than another heartbreak ballad. She noted that she wanted to create a mantra, something she could sing every night, likening the goal to the impact of Kendrick Lamar’s “be humble” lyric.
Photo: Fashion Times UK
Dan [Nigro] challenged me to write a mantra song and we were listening to a bunch of mantra songs, pop songs and rap songs that were like, ‘This is what I’m worth, this is what I got’…it’s kind of a manifestation tool, let’s hope.
Photo: Capital UK
Olivia Rodrigo, via Capital UK
When it came time to rework the track, the concept evolved through conversation between the two artists. While working on the second verse, Rodrigo recounted sharing frustrating dating anecdotes with Roan, leading to an impromptu creative direction. Roan subsequently contributed a newly written verse featuring queer themes, marking a milestone for both performers. Roan, who noted that most of her own songwriting leans toward fantasy, described this verse as a way to speak for a generation of songwriters who obsess over the precision of their lyrics.
I don’t know if everyone would be down to have a fully queer verse on their song. I think that that says a lot about your support for queerness. It feels very feminist to me, but that is so you.
Chappell Roan, via Capital UK
The project marks Chappell Roan’s first officially credited guest feature on another artist’s track, as well as Rodrigo’s debut remix release. Both artists expressed that their friendship has served as a grounding force while navigating the pressures of the entertainment industry. Rodrigo described the industry as an “insane” environment to grow up in, calling Roan a vital confidant and support system. Roan added that the remix felt like the perfect opportunity for her first-ever feature.
The 1980s Game Show Music Video Featuring David Byrne
Directed by Bardia Zeinali, the accompanying music video leans heavily into retro aesthetics, drawing visual inspiration from programs like Family Feud and Hollywood Squares. The production places both artists in vintage costumes—complete with tartan corsets, tulle skirts, and oversized bows—competing on a fictional television program titled The Big Expectations Show. The video also features a vintage yellow convertible, which Rodrigo used in the promotional photographs shared on her Instagram to announce the project.
Photo: ELLE
Musician David Byrne anchors the visual as the fictional host, Johnny Johnson, guiding the contestants through the set.
I always feel shy asking people for favors, but he was so down. He showed up the entire day. He had a character that he had built out and he made this Johnny Johnson character. There’s so many outtakes we have of him just improvising and riffing and he was so into it.
Olivia Rodrigo, via Variety
Producer Dan Nigro also makes a cameo appearance near the end of the video, clutching an oversized 1990s mobile phone. Nigro has worked extensively with both artists, acting as a bridge for their creative collaboration.
A Shared History of Touring and Festival Collaboration
The partnership builds on years of mutual support within the music industry.
Olivia Rodrigo – expectations (feat. Chappell Roan) (Official Music Video)
Their connection was further reinforced during the summer, when Roan performed at Rodrigo’s inaugural Daisy Chain Fields festival in California—an all-women lineup event at Great Park in Irvine that raised $10 million in donations, which were then doubled by philanthropist Melinda French Gates to reach a total of $20 million for feminist and charitable causes. For Roan, the festival marked a return to live performance following a period away from the spotlight, and she credited Rodrigo for inspiring her by using her platform for good.
Following the release of the remix, Roan prepares to host her own charitable two-night event, The Super Graphic Spectacular, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on October 21 and 22. The event aims to benefit trans youth and LGBTQ+ communities, with a lineup that includes performers such as Caroline Polachek, Tinashe, and MUNA.
