Dove Cameron attended the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 15 at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The event coincided with the release of her pop single "When in Rome," which serves as a precursor to her first studio album.

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The March 15 debut at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Dove Cameron used the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party as a launchpad for her latest musical venture. the former "High School Musical" star appeared at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where the high-profile gathering served as the backdrop for the release of "When in Rome."

According to the report, the song is a bright, upbeat pop track that immediately climbed the charts. This strategic timing allowed Dove Cameron to merge her status as a film and television actress with her evolving identity as a recording artist, ensuring maximum visibility during one of the entertainment industry's most photographed weekends.

A 71 percent streaming landslide over Jhené Aiko and Bleachers

The immediate commercial impact of "When in Rome" was evident in its early streaming performance. Within the first 24 hours of release, the track captured more than 71 percent of streaming votes in a popular music ranking contest, as reported in the source.

This dominant performance saw Dove Cameron surpass established artists including Jhené Aiko, Slayyyter, and Bleachers.. Specifically, the contest highlighted competition from Slayyyter's "Crank 2" and Bleachers' "Caught My Own Believing," yet the new single from Dove Cameron remained the primary focus of listener attention, signaling a strong appetite for her new sound.

Damiano David and the Italian influence of 'When in Rome'

The thematic core of "When in Rome" appears deeply tied to Dove Cameron's personal relationship with Måneskin frontman Damiano David. The song's title and its romantic lyrics evoke the atmosphere of Italy, a country with which Damiano David shares a strong cultural connection.

The accompanying music video, directed by Hannah De Vries, further emphasizes this whimsical approach. The production featured an ensemble of playful performers and local alley cats, which Dove Cameron described as a "two-day joy" that created an alternate reality of spontaneity and love.

The transition from ballads to a full studio album in 2026

Industry critics have noted that "When in Rome" represents a stylistic pivot for Dove Cameron. While her previous solo work leaned heavily on ballads, this new track emphasizes an upbeat rhythm that reinforces her identity as a pop star unafraid to experiment.

Billboard has reported growing anticipation for Dove Cameron's first full-length studio album, which is scheduled for release later in 2026. While the single has established a strong foundation, several details remain unconfirmed, including the official album title and whether the project will maintain the high-energy tempo of "When in Rome" or incorporate the more somber tones of her earlier work.