Fans are wearing diapers to stay in the front row, and Olivia Rodrigo says she can smell it
The pop star says some fans go to extreme lengths to keep their spots, while also sharing that she has lost most of her hearing in one ear.
The dream of seeing your favorite star up close is turning concert pits into a test of physical survival.
WHAT HAPPENED
Olivia Rodrigo shared some surprising facts about her live shows during a chat on KISS FM UK. She is promoting her new album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love.
The singer said some fans wear adult diapers so they never have to leave the front row. Rodrigo told the hosts she has actually smelled this while performing on stage.
This issue is not brand new. Fans of Taylor Swift also talked about using diapers to keep their spots during long show times.
Rodrigo also shared a personal health update during the interview. She is 60% deaf in her left ear. She joked that people must speak into her right ear to tell her secrets.
What the details show
- Rodrigo's new album came out on June 12.
- She has 60% hearing loss in her left ear.
- Fans of both Rodrigo and Taylor Swift have reported wearing diapers to shows.
- Her new song with Robert Smith is called "What's Wrong with Me."
- A viral video from 2021 showed fans fighting in the crowd at one of her shows.
THE BIGGER QUESTION
Why has live music become so stressful that fans feel they cannot even use the bathroom? Ticket prices are at an all-time high, and getting a front-row spot takes hours of waiting in line.
When people pay hundreds of dollars, they feel they cannot lose a single second of the experience. This pressure is turning fun music events into intense, unhealthy contests.
THE OTHER SIDE
Some fans say they have no choice if they want to get their money's worth. They argue that venues do not do enough to protect spots for people who need to step away for a quick break.
While this view explains their panic, risking health and hygiene for a closer view of a stage seems like a losing trade.
WHAT HAPPENS NOW
Concert crowds are getting more intense every year. If fans keep pushing their bodies to these limits, venues may have to change how they run show floors.
We might see more assigned seating or better rules to keep people safe and clean. For now, fans will have to choose between their comfort and the perfect view.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- How many fans are actually doing this at major shows?
- Are venues taking steps to help fans keep their spots during bathroom breaks?
- Will Rodrigo's hearing loss affect how she performs her live shows in the future?
Transparency notes
Published: Jun 18, 2026. No major post-publication update has been logged.
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Sources
External source links were not provided in this article body. Our editors reference publicly available materials and update stories as new verified information arrives.
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