Olivia Rodrigo has been named the recipient of the fourth annual Universal Music Group x REVERB Amplifier Award, recognising her use of music, platform and fan engagement to support social and environmental causes. The award was presented during Sir Lucian Grainge’s 2026 Music Is Universal Artist Showcase, held during music’s biggest weekend in Los Angeles.
Established through the ongoing partnership between Universal Music Group and nonprofit organisation REVERB, the Amplifier Award honours artists who consistently use their reach to encourage positive change and real world action. Rodrigo joins a small group of previous recipients recognised for integrating purpose into their work and public presence.
The award was presented by Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Music Group, alongside Lauren Sullivan and Adam Gardner, Co-Founders and Co-Executive Directors of REVERB. The organisation has worked for more than two decades to address sustainability and social impact across the music industry.
Rodrigo, a three time Grammy award winner, was recognised for her direct engagement with fans and her willingness to use her platform to address issues affecting women and girls, alongside broader social concerns. The presentation took place at NYA Studios in Los Angeles on Saturday 31 January 2026, as part of the annual Music Is Universal Artist Showcase.
Speaking on receiving the award, Rodrigo said: “Receiving the UMG x Reverb Amplifier Award is an incredible honor, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who made this moment possible—Sir Lucian, Universal Music Group’s Global Impact Team, John Janick and the team at Interscope. This award is an important reminder in the belief that artists can be a force for real, lasting change.
“Music has always been about more than sound. It’s about connection. It’s about telling the truth. And it’s about showing up for one another, especially when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. Now, more than ever, in Minneapolis, and around the world, our platforms, no matter the size, can amplify more than our own voices.”
The Universal Music Group x REVERB Amplifier Award was created to highlight artists who go beyond awareness raising and actively encourage engagement, participation and action among their audiences. The award reflects a shared belief between UMG and REVERB that artists are uniquely positioned to mobilise communities both onstage and beyond live performances.
Susan Mazo, Chief Impact Officer and Executive Vice President at Universal Music Group, said Rodrigo’s approach reflects the intent of the award. “Olivia represents the very best of what this award stands for: the courage to turn influence into action,” Mazo said. “She leads with an authenticity that resonates far beyond the music, inspiring a generation to move with purpose. It is an honor to recognize her as our Amplifier Award recipient.”
REVERB Co-Founder Lauren Sullivan also reflected on how the role of artists in sustainability and social action has evolved since the organisation was established in 2004. “When we started this work in 2004, sustainability and social activism in music were the exception, not the expectation,” Sullivan said. “With this fourth Amplifier Award, we’re seeing how that’s changing.“
“Olivia Rodrigo reflects that shift in how artists are bringing other facets of who they are to the forefront, and her work is ensuring that an equitable and just future for women and girls is possible.”
The partnership between Universal Music Group and REVERB has expanded in recent years, with a focus on embedding environmental and social considerations across touring, live events and fan engagement. REVERB works with artists, venues and festivals to reduce the environmental impact of live music while also connecting audiences with nonprofit campaigns.
Founded by Lauren Sullivan and Adam Gardner, REVERB has partnered with hundreds of artists across genres, including Billie Eilish, Dave Matthews Band, Lorde, Dead and Company, Tyler Childers, Tame Impala and Jack Johnson. According to the organisation, its work has supported millions of fan actions for nonprofit causes and raised significant funding for environmental and social initiatives.
The presentation of the Amplifier Award during the Music Is Universal Artist Showcase places social and environmental leadership alongside artistic recognition during one of the most visible moments in the global music calendar. The event brings together artists, industry leaders and partners for performances and presentations that reflect the wider role of music in culture.
Sir Lucian Grainge’s Music Is Universal Artist Showcase has become a regular fixture during awards season, offering a platform to celebrate both creative achievement and broader industry values. The inclusion of the Amplifier Award reflects an emphasis on responsibility and leadership alongside commercial and artistic success.
Universal Music Group, the world’s largest music based entertainment company, operates across recorded music, publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content. The company has stated that its approach to impact and sustainability is intended to support artists while shaping wider cultural conversations.
REVERB continues to position itself as a long term sustainability partner to the music industry, working across backstage operations, touring logistics and fan engagement. Its model aims to make it easier for artists and industry partners to reduce environmental impact while supporting social and environmental organisations.
The recognition of Olivia Rodrigo with the fourth Universal Music Group x REVERB Amplifier Award signals a continued focus on the role of artists in encouraging civic participation, equity and environmental responsibility. As the partnership between UMG and REVERB develops, the award is intended to remain a marker of how influence and visibility can be used in service of broader public goals.
