Who is Olivia Rodrigo? The Filipino-American singer whose debut single has topped charts around the world

'Drivers License', which was released on January 8, has hit the No 1 spot in eight different countries

Olivia Rodrigo's debut single 'Drivers License' has hit No 1 in the Billboard's Hot 100 chart. AFP

Olivia Rodrigo may be having the best time of her life.

The 17-year-old American actress and singer's debut single, Drivers License, has topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, less than two weeks since its release.

The song, which was released on January 8, has quickly become a smash hit, breaking Spotify's record for single-day streams, excluding holiday songs. The track has also become the No 1 song in eight different countries, including the US and the UK.

"Never in my wildest dreams did I expect all of this support," wrote Rodrigo in a post on Instagram to her five million followers. "So grateful for Dan Nigro and everyone who has supported me in this crazy adventure. Thank you guys endlessly for listening."

On Instagram, the young singer shared a video of her as she listens, almost in disbelief, to her song on the radio for the first time. Last week, praise and support came in the form of a comment by none other than American singer Taylor Swift who wrote: "I say that's my baby and I'm proud."

Last year, Rodrigo signed with Interscope Records and Geffen Records, and Drivers License is the debut single from her upcoming album. The song which Rodrigo co-wrote with producer Nigro, is about heartache after a break-up.

Rodrigo is part Filipina on her father's side of the family.

Speaking of her heritage, she told the Centre for Asian American Media in 2018: "My great-grandfather immigrated [to the US] from the Philippines when he was just a teenager. He’s my grandma’s dad, and my grandpa is also Filipino as well.

"My dad grew up in a house where they were always making Filipino food, his grandpa always spoke Tagalog. All of those traditions have trickled down to our generation. Every Thanksgiving we have lumpia and things like that."

Rodrigo first stepped into the spotlight as an actress when she appeared on the Disney Channel series Bizaardvark and later on Disney+ series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.

Time will tell what is in store for the young artist, but no doubt 2021 is already off to a great start for her.