Paula Cole Applauds Olivia Rodrigo for Reviving the Spirit of Lilith Fair Nearly Three Decades Later: ‘It Inspires Women to Be Fearless’
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One of Lilith Fair’s original trailblazers, Paula Cole tells PEOPLE she is excited to see a new generation breathe fresh life into the iconic festival, saying she’s “so thrilled” to watch its latest revival take shape.
Paula Cole believes the music industry is ready for a new chapter inspired by Lilith Fair.
The 58-year-old singer-songwriter said she is excited to see Olivia Rodrigo launch the newly announced Daisy Chain Fields Festival, a nonprofit event featuring an all-female lineup and female-led bands.
Speaking with PEOPLE, Cole—who helped shape the original Lilith Fair—said she couldn’t be happier to see a younger artist carry the concept forward.
“I’m so thrilled. Someone finally made it happen, and it was Olivia Rodrigo. Good for her,” she said.
Originally created by Sarah McLachlan in 1997, Lilith Fair broke new ground by showcasing female musicians at a time when many believed women couldn’t successfully headline major music festivals. The event featured acclaimed performers including Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Erykah Badu, Jewel, Mýa, Natalie Merchant, Indigo Girls, Emmylou Harris, and Cole herself. After achieving major commercial success through 1999, the festival briefly returned in 2010.
Cole recently reunited with McLachlan during a performance in Boston, where they discussed Rodrigo’s upcoming festival and how it continues the legacy established by Lilith Fair.
According to Cole, McLachlan shared that Stevie Nicks would also appear at the event and noted that tickets sold out quickly. Cole said the enthusiastic response proves that audiences continue to support women-led festivals and that artists can succeed by creating opportunities on their own rather than waiting for approval from the industry.
She praised Rodrigo for taking the initiative, saying she was proud to see the singer turn the idea into reality.
Daisy Chain Fields Festival is scheduled for Aug. 29, 2026, in Irvine, California, with Sarah McLachlan set to appear as a special guest. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit nonprofit organizations that support women and girls, including Planned Parenthood and the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health.