Olivia Rodrigo and Conan Gray Highlighted Friendship on Main Stage at Gov Ball 2025
At Gov Ball 2025, the spotlight was on friendship as best friends Olivia Rodrigo and Conan Gray wowed audiences with their back-to-back performances at the New York City festival on Saturday. Both artists took a moment during their sets to showcase their admiration for each other, highlighting the power of their friendship.
Olivia Rodrigo headlined the GOVBALLNYC main stage presented by Verizon, showing a different side of herself as a performer with her rock ‘n roll energy. She even surprised the audience by bringing out David Byrne from Talking Heads for a special rendition of “Burning Down the House.” Preceding Rodrigo was Conan Gray, who delivered a theatrical performance as the sun set, standing out with his sailor chic outfit and crow’s nest setup amidst crashing waves. Performing hits like “Heather,” “Never Ending Song,” and his latest release, “This Song,” Gray expressed his excitement to be with his fans as he anticipates the release of his upcoming album, Wishbone.
During his set, Gray made sure to give a shoutout to Rodrigo, referring to her as his “best friend” and hyping up her upcoming performance. Rodrigo, in turn, reciprocated the support by acknowledging Gray’s set during her performance. The seamless transition between their sets made it feel as though they were a packaged deal, showcasing their strong bond and mutual admiration for each other.
The friendship between Conan Gray and Olivia Rodrigo dates back to around 2021 when they publicly connected over Taylor Swift’s “Fearless (Taylor’s Version).” Gray emphasized the importance of quality friendships in his life, especially with someone like Rodrigo, whom he adores and considers a reliable companion in the midst of fame’s complexities. Their friendship has blossomed over the years, with joint performances during Rodrigo’s Sour era and attendance at high-profile events like the Met Gala in 2023.
The camaraderie between Rodrigo and Gray is not just limited to their personal relationship but extends to their professional lives as well. Rodrigo’s public endorsement of Gray’s work and the shared on-stage moments they create underscore the value they place on supporting each other as artists. As they continue to navigate the music industry together, their fans eagerly await the possibility of a musical collaboration in the future.
The magnetic friendship between Olivia Rodrigo and Conan Gray serves as a heartwarming reminder of the power of genuine connections in a competitive industry. Their mutual support and celebration of each other’s accomplishments not only enrich their personal lives but also inspire their fans to cultivate meaningful relationships built on trust, respect, and shared success. The dynamic duo of Rodrigo and Gray is a testament to the enduring impact of strong friendships that transcend boundaries and elevate each other to greater heights in their respective careers.