Acclaimed Canadian pop singer-songwriter Olivia Penalva continues to solidify her place as one of the country’s most compelling voices in contemporary pop, returning with her second single of 2026, titled “Code Blue,” out May 1, 2026. As her music continues to climb beyond 620 million global streams, garnering more than 17 million YouTube views, and appearances on Billboard’s Hot 100 and Canada’s Emerging Artist Chart, Penalva’s emotionally rich, cinematic sound and clever writing style continues to engage and grow her global fanbase. After first breaking through at just 13 with her holiday single “Christmas for Two,” she has gone on to achieve consistent multi-format radio success, including her breakout hit “Love Me” charting at #17 on CHR Mediabase, #22 on Hot AC, and #23 on AC, alongside a YouTube Music Trending Artist on the Rise feature and inclusion in Virgin Radio’s #WomensHistoryMonth campaign. Her follow-up single “Ex’s” further cemented her momentum, reaching the Top 20 at CHR and Hot AC in Canada and breaking into the Top 50 on U.S. mainstream pop radio, while earning two iHeartRadio Future Star nods and additional Top 40 charting with “Skyline (The Madlucky Remix).” Most recently, her first single of the year “Distance Makes A Love Story” Penalva was featured on MOVE 103.5 Vancouver, continuing to expand her national radio presence. Pairing personal storytelling with undeniable pop sensibility, Penalva creates music that resonates widely while leaving space for listeners to see themselves within it.
“Code Blue” captures the emotional aftermath of giving too much of oneself to love. A self-reflective moment of identity loss and reckoning in the wake of heartbreak, the track continues the narrative thread of her previous release and will be available everywhere on Friday, May 1 2026.
About “Code Blue”:
Leaning into emotional fallout and raw self-confrontation, “Code Blue” is a reflection of the disorienting aftermath of love, past the initial heartbreak to where the deeper question of identity remains. A clever continuation of the narrative thread that runs through her album Spiderwebs and previous 2026 single, “Distance Makes A Love Story”, the track focuses on the moment that reveals how much of oneself was lost in loving someone else, alongside facing a changing reality as new beginnings emerge. Framed as an “emotional code blue,” Penalva’s skilled songwriting vulnerably captures the universal response to rejection, balancing frustration, clarity, and reluctant acceptance as anyone confronts the question: who am I now? Sonically and lyrically, the song builds toward a standout, cinematic bridge where the desperation peaks, echoing a plea to be pulled back to life, not from heartbreak, but from the loss of oneself. With layered harmonies and and an enveloping atmospheric pull, the track highlights Penalva’s distinct writing style and exceptional vocals. Out May 1, 2026, “Code Blue” marks a pivotal moment in Penalva’s storytelling, channeling the chaos of personal reckoning into a relatable and ultimately self-affirming chapter.
Quote: “‘Code Blue’ is about that moment after heartbreak where the pain fades, but you’re left questioning who you are without that person. It’s an emotional reset where you realize just how much of yourself you gave away, and work to figure out how to take it back.”- Olivia Penalva
Olivia Penalva Biography
Olivia Penalva is a Canadian pop singer-songwriter known for her ethereal vocals, emotionally rich melodies, and introspective storytelling. Her music has been described as a weighted blanket for the soul: soothing, immersive, and deeply resonant, blending intimate lyrics with lush, cinematic production. Earning a Top 20 spot on Canadian radio for singles “Love Me”, her follow up single “Ex’s” also reached the Top 20 on both CHR and Hot AC radio in Canada. The song also marked Olivia’s first foray into US radio, with a Top 50 spot on mainstream pop radio. With over 620 million worldwide streams and more than 17 million YouTube views, Olivia has built a dedicated global fanbase drawn to her evocative storytelling and emotional honesty.
Inspired by artists like Sara Bareilles, Maggie Rogers, and Lennon Stella, Olivia creates songs that sit at the intersection of vulnerability and strength, offering both comfort and catharsis. Her latest album, Spiderwebs, showcases her signature dreamy pop sound and explores themes of self-discovery, love, and resilience. The project has received widespread recognition, with features in eTalk, Billboard Canada, Cashbox Canada, Buzz Music USA, and Canadian Beats, further establishing Olivia as a compelling and relatable voice in pop music.
Beyond the studio, she thrives in live performance, creating personal and powerful moments with audiences. With new music on the horizon, Olivia continues to evolve artistically, inviting listeners to follow along as her journey and sound unfolds.
Connect with Olivia Penalva:
Website / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / Spotify / TikTok / X / Soundcloud
