Melinda Gates helps Olivia Rodrigo raise $20M for women-driven nonprofits

Olivia Rodrigo introduced Daisy Chain Fields festival attendees to a surprise guest with a huge heart.

After revealing that her inaugural music festival raised $10 million for various women-focused nonprofits, the “Drivers License” singer revealed a shocking fundraising update.

Before her headlining set at the event in Irvine, Rodrigo announced that Melinda French Gates would match every donation to the dollar, for a grand total of $20 million fundraised.

Olivia Rodrigo introduced Melinda French Gates at her inaugural Daisy Chain Fields festival on Saturday in Irvine, Calif. (Monica Schipper)

Rodrigo, who announced her first female-driven festival in June, told the crowd that she was “grateful” for each of the booked acts who performed “for free” throughout the day as she celebrated her initial $10 million fundraising effort.

“I really believe that giving women the tools to decide their own futures and live healthy lives free of violence and discrimination is the most effective tool we have at changing the world for the better,” Rodrigo said. “And I don’t know many people who represent that idea more than Melinda French Gates.”

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The former Disney Channel actress admitted that Gates was “one of the most inspiring women I’ve ever met,” while championing her dedication to “empowering women and girls that might have otherwise been forgotten.”

Gates matched fundraising efforts Saturday with a grand total $20 million raised for women-driven organizations. (Christopher Polk)

“She’s generous and brave and has done so much good in this world, and I’m totally floored because as well as being in attendance here tonight, she’s pledged to double every dollar that we made here today to a grand total of funds being donated to $20 million,” Rodrigo told the crowd. “I’m so grateful!”

“Look at what you have done,” Gates told Rodrigo after joining the “good 4 u” singer on stage. “Look at what you created!”

“What I love about you is that you know that real power is not up here on stage, it’s with everybody there, all of you,” Gates continued. “When women and girls come together to dream and to lead, we change the world.”

Olivia Rodrigo admitted that Sarah McLachlan inspired her to create Daisy Chain Fields after McLachlan’s success with Lilith Fair. (Kayla Bartkowski)

The former wife of Microsoft founder Bill Gates added, “And, so long after the lights go down from this festival, the organizations doing this work will keep doing it because you all are here, so thank you for being here and thank you Olivia.”

During a press conference Friday before the festival, Rodrigo announced the multi-million figure raised for specific, women-focused nonprofits.

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Ten organizations will receive an equally split total from the funds raised at the festival, which included: Baby2Baby, Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Center for Reproductive Rights, FreeFrom, Jhpiego, Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health, National Domestic Workers Alliance, National Institute for Reproductive Health, National Women’s Law Center and Planned Parenthood.

Garbage singer Shirley Manson praised Rodrigo’s fundraising efforts while performing a medley of hits. (Monica Schipper)

In addition to Rodrigo’s headlining gig, Chappell Roan, Garbage, Doechii, Not For Radio, the Breeders, Bikini Kill, Quiet Light, Rachel Chinouriri, and Eli also performed at Daisy Chain Fields.

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Katseye was initially slated to perform in the afternoon, but canceled due to member Megan Skiendiel’s ankle injury. Three of the ladies in the girl group made a brief appearance to introduce Devon Again, who filled in for what would have been their time slot.

Doechii performed at Daisy Chain Fields completely covered in hot pink paint. (Kayla Bartkowski)

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Stevie Nicks, Alanis Morissette and Sarah McLachlan each joined Rodrigo on stage to sing duets, where Rodrigo admitted McLachlan’s Lilith Fair was the inspiration behind her festival.