Everyone remembers the release of “Sour,” by Olivia Rodrigo in 2021. The ultimate break up album that caught the attention of heart broken singles around the world with notable songs drivers license, brutal, and deja vu. It was the album that jump started Rodrigo’s music career and the start of a battle between a blonde and a brunette. Fans speculated the album was written about Joshua Bassett and the alleged blonde was Sabrina Carpenter. Quickly, sides were taken and shame was set. Carpenter then released, because I liked a boy in 2022.
This hot topic is reamerging in 2025, because Carpenter was recently spotted at Rodrigo’s concert in London’s Hyde Park. This concert follows Carpenter’s success with her “Short n’ Sweet,” tour and Rodrigo’s “GUTS” tour. The two clearly have put any animosity they once had for one another aside, but it’s suspected the two never quarreled. Instead, the public pitted them against each other.
A tale as old as time comes when two very successful women pit against each other, so much so that the narrative painted becomes a reality. Beyonce and Taylor Swift are both talented, hard-working women who have paved the way for their success. Both with loyal fan bases and easily recognizable talent. However, rather than celebrate these amazing singers for their performances, creative minds, and consistency; many fall sheep to arguing over who is better. In 2009, their fanbases feuded after Kanye approached the stage during Swift’s acceptance speech at the MTV awards and proclaimed Beyonce should’ve won instead. Despite this disrespectful act, Swift and Beyonce have been nothing but cordial with each other. The public continued to spin a narrative that the two had “beef,” but instead of fueling this egregious behavior, the women pursued their passion for music.
Before Swift and Beyonce, there was Spears vs. Aguilera. Presently, it’s Minaj vs. Megan Thee Stallion. It is exhausting as a fan of two artists to not only feel as though you must take a side in regards to whose music you prefer, but to watch talented artists fight. The media plays an important role in portraying women in a certain light, that can be deemed negative and aggressive. As consumers of media, people must take the time to analyze and understand the strategy that is being used against them. It is important for consumers to develop their own understanding of situations and acknowledge when the media is actively causing drama that is not there for the sake of “news.”