Conan Gray Praises Close Friend and ‘Great Advice Giver’ Olivia Rodrigo as a ‘Beautiful Person’ (Exclusive)

Conan Gray Shares Heartfelt Words about Close Friend Olivia Rodrigo

Conan Gray, the talented pop star who recently released his fourth album “Wishbone” on Aug. 15, has nothing but admiration for his long-time friend Olivia Rodrigo. The 26-year-old artist formed a close bond with the 22-year-old “Good 4 U” singer through their mutual connection with producer Dan Nigro. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the friendship between Gray and Rodrigo blossomed as they shared the stage, attended events together, and championed each other’s projects.

Gray reveals that his experience of knowing Rodrigo both personally and professionally has shown him that there is little distinction between her on-stage persona and her authentic self. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Gray expresses, “I think the Olivia that the world loves is very much the Olivia that I love. She’s a great advice giver, and her music is extremely representative of who she is. It’s really fun going to her shows and seeing her on stage and knowing that the world gets to see such a beautiful person.”

Both Gray and Rodrigo have risen to fame as singer-songwriters who predominantly write their own music. They are also among the few Gen Z Asian American stars in the pop music scene. Gray, who is half-Japanese and half-white, grew up feeling like an outsider as “one of the only Asian Americans” at his school in Georgetown, Texas. On the other hand, Rodrigo, who is half-Filipina and half-white, had a different upbringing in Southern California.

Gray values the connection he shares with Rodrigo as fellow mixed-race Asian Americans, highlighting the importance of having a sense of community and friendship. He reflects on his own upbringing, noting, “The internet was my only way of really having people to relate to when it came to growing up as an Asian American.” The bond between Gray and Rodrigo extends beyond their personal experiences, as they often seek each other’s feedback on their music, even if the advice given may not always be spot-on.

In a candid conversation with Interview magazine, Rodrigo admits to initially underestimating the impact of Gray’s song “Memories” from his album “Superache,” which turned out to be a massive hit. Similarly, Gray had reservations about “Vampire” being the lead single for Rodrigo’s album “Guts,” proving that their close relationship doesn’t exempt them from making misjudgments when it comes to each other’s work. Despite their occasional misfires, their support for each other remains unwavering.

As Gray and Rodrigo continue to navigate their flourishing music careers, their friendship serves as a source of strength and inspiration. Their shared experiences as rising stars and as individuals with unique cultural backgrounds connect them on a deeper level, fostering a bond that transcends the music industry. The beautiful friendship between Conan Gray and Olivia Rodrigo stands as a testament to the power of support, understanding, and genuine connection in the world of entertainment.

In conclusion, the heartfelt words spoken by Conan Gray about his close friend Olivia Rodrigo offer a glimpse into the genuine and supportive relationship they share. As they rise to greater heights in their music careers, their bond serves as a reminder of the importance of friendship, authenticity, and mutual respect in an industry often characterized by competition and egos. The story of Gray and Rodrigo’s friendship is a testament to the beauty of camaraderie and solidarity in the ever-evolving landscape of pop music.