This girl dad cried at Olivia Rodrigo concert—and the reason has us tearing up, too

There’s no denying that something a little bit magical happens when a dad connects deeply with his daughter. And that’s exactly what happened in a viral TikTok at Olivia Rodrigo’s Lollapalooza set. Spoiler: Dads can cry, too—and yes, it’s exactly as sweet as you think it is.

The viral TikTok shows Christian Lopez standing with his daughters when Rodrigo starts singing “Pretty Isn’t Pretty,” a song about the vicious cycle of beauty and what girls go through trying to live up to impossible standard.

The camera pans to his face: wide eyes, jaw tight, blinking back tears. He later told NBC Chicago, “I didn’t know the words… and then I hear the words and I’m like, ‘Oh my god, my 12-year-old could feel like this?’” Cue collective Internet swoon.

Why girl parents everywhere got it

Pretty Isn’t Pretty is a window into young (and even not-so-young) girl’ hearts. Psychologists say shared emotional experiences, like concerts or movies, strengthen empathy and parent-child bonds. And crying openly? Yup, that’s totally healthy, too. It releases stress, boosts connection, and shows your kids that feelings are okay.

Lopez explained he spent most of the day sweating through the crowd and then, bam, the lyrics hit. “There’s always something in the mirror that I think looks wrong,” Rodrigo sings. Lopez froze. His daughters sang along. He realized: wow, my kids might feel this way too. Cue full-on tears.

As Lopez’s experience went viral, it was clear the Internet was in agreement about his experience. Comments included:

• “Dad is experiencing girlhood rn.”
• “The dad looking around and realizing so many girls including his daughters feel this way.”
• “Girl dad through and through.”

Related: Dad breaks down in tears after hearing what teachers said about his 4-year-old daughter

The science behind dad-crying at concerts

So if you were looking for a reason to buy those concert tickets your child is asking for, consider this: Music is brain chemistry in motion. Studies show emotionally resonant songs activate the empathy and reward centers in our brains simultaneously. Translation: Your tear ducts and your love for your kids are having a meeting, and everyone’s invited.

How to steal this bonding move (no concert required)

• Feel deeply. Watch a performance, a movie, or even a TikTok with your child—and let yourself cry a little if the feelings arise.
• Talk about it. When topics of self-image come up, embrace those moments to start conversations with kids about self-worth and confidence.
• Validate feelings. Show your kids it’s okay to be emotional—it’s brave, not embarrassing.
• Laugh afterwards. Because yes, dad crying is hilarious, too.

The real takeaway

There’s nothing wrong with feeling your kids’ feelings—especially when they’re set to an Olivia Rodrigo soundtrack. This dad’s viral moment reminds us: Love sometimes shows up as tears, laughter, and a little public embarrassment.

And honestly? That’s parenting at its finest.