Olivia rodrigo delivered a stunning headline performance at glastonbury Festival in June 2025, capping off the iconic event on the Pyramid stage. Her set featured a major surprise that sent ripples through the packed crowd: the unexpected appearance of Robert Smith, the legendary frontman of The Cure. This marked Rodrigo’s first time headlining the prestigious festival, a significant milestone in her rapidly ascending career.
The collaboration between the pop superstar and the goth rock icon was a highlight of the entire festival. Rodrigo introduced Smith with profound admiration. She described him as “perhaps the best songwriter to come out of England.” She also hailed him as a “Glastonbury legend” and a “personal hero.” Smith, known for his distinctive look, joined her on stage in a sequinned hoodie. He carried his signature acoustic guitar, ready for the special moment.
An Unforgettable Duet: Rodrigo and Smith on Stage
Midway through her powerful 90-minute set on Sunday, June 29th, Rodrigo brought out her special guest. The anticipation in the air was palpable. Robert Smith’s appearance generated a “rapturous reaction” from the massive audience. It was a moment that bridged generations and genres. The duo then launched into a performance of two beloved classics from The Cure’s extensive discography.
Their joint performance began with the universally cherished 1992 hit “Friday I’m In Love.” The crowd immediately erupted, singing along enthusiastically. Following this buoyant anthem, they performed the equally iconic 1987 track “Just Like Heaven.” Both songs were met with immense joy and participation from festival-goers. Rodrigo later paid tribute to the song again during her encore. She wore a shirt featuring lyrics from “Just Like Heaven.” The collaboration underscored the mutual respect between the two artists. It also showcased the timeless appeal of The Cure’s music.
Robert Smith’s Glastonbury Legacy
Robert Smith and The Cure hold a significant place in Glastonbury history. The band has headlined the festival multiple times throughout their career. Their most recent headline slot was in 2019. Smith’s return to the Pyramid Stage alongside one of pop’s biggest current stars added another memorable chapter. It solidified his status as a true Glastonbury legend. This guest spot highlighted the festival’s tradition of unexpected collaborations. It also demonstrated the enduring influence of British music on global artists like Rodrigo.
Rodrigo herself had previous Glastonbury experience. She debuted on the Other Stage in 2022. That performance also featured a notable guest. She brought out Lily Allen to perform Allen’s song “Fuck You.” They dedicated it to the U.S. Supreme Court justices. This history shows Rodrigo’s inclination for impactful stage moments.
Rodrigo’s Headline Triumph: Setlist and Stage Presence
Olivia Rodrigo’s headline set was a comprehensive showcase of her hits. She expertly navigated her two highly successful albums. The setlist was split evenly between her 2021 debut Sour and her 2023 release Guts. She opened strongly with rock-influenced versions of songs like “Obsessed” and “Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl.” These tracks featured prominent guitar solos, setting a high-energy tone.
Throughout the performance, Rodrigo displayed confident stage presence. She moved around the stage like an experienced headliner. Her vocals were powerful, supported by a “rocking band.” She mixed high-tempo tracks with more stripped-back moments. She performed her breakout hit “Drivers License” from the piano. The audience responded strongly to songs like “Get Him Back!”, “Brutal,” and “Vampire.” Other fan favorites included “good 4 u,” “jealousy, jealousy,” and “traitor.”
Connecting with the Glastonbury Crowd
Taking a moment during her set, Rodrigo expressed awe at the sheer size of the audience. “Holy fucking shit,” she exclaimed. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people in my life.” She described headlining the Pyramid Stage as “an absolute dream come true.” This genuine reaction resonated with the massive crowd. Her set also included personal touches. She dedicated her song “so american” to her British boyfriend, actor Louis Partridge. He was watching backstage.
She shared her affection for England before the song. She mentioned enjoying the culture and English sweets. She specifically praised “English boys.” “So American” was written about falling in love with a boy from London. She touched on navigating cultural differences and inside jokes. She cited examples like him eating a jacket potato with beans. She also mentioned him teasing her American pronunciation of “Glastonbury.” These personal anecdotes endeared her further to the UK audience.
The latter part of her set included songs like “Bad Idea Right,” “Happier,” and “Enough for You.” The encore, following an outfit change to Union Jack shorts, was explosive. It featured “Brutal,” “All-American Bitch,” “Good 4 U,” and “Get Him Back.” This closing section was described as a “perfect, cathartic ending.” It was accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display.
Glastonbury 2025: Music, Politics, and Memorable Moments
Glastonbury 2025 drew over 250,000 attendees to Worthy Farm. The festival is known for its diverse lineup and cultural impact. Beyond Rodrigo’s headline set, the event featured numerous other notable performances. Rod Stewart played the Legends Slot on Sunday. Neil Young headlined Saturday night. Other artists like Pulp, Haim, Lorde, The 1975, Charli XCX, and Noah Kahan also performed. Kahan notably brought out guests like Brandi Carlile and Laufey.
The festival also saw politically charged moments. Some artists used their platforms to voice views on current events. This included discussions and incidents involving bands like Bob Vylan and Kneecap. Festival organizers addressed some of these incidents directly. Emily Eavis stated that certain chants “very much crossed a line.” She reinforced that “there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech, or incitement to violence.” While some acts embraced political commentary, others, like The 1975, stated a desire for their message to focus on “love and friendship.” However, The 1975’s set included powerful visual montages. These displayed controversial imagery, offering a complex perspective on politics at the festival.
Rodrigo’s performance, while centered on music and personal connection, occurred within this broader context. Her set was a musical highlight. It provided a powerful conclusion to a festival marked by both artistic achievement and socio-political commentary. The duet with Robert Smith stood out as a moment of pure musical celebration and mutual respect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What songs did Olivia Rodrigo and Robert Smith perform together at Glastonbury?
Olivia Rodrigo and Robert Smith of The Cure performed two classic songs during Rodrigo’s headline set on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury 2025. They performed The Cure’s 1992 hit “Friday I’m In Love.” This was followed by their 1987 track “Just Like Heaven.” Both performances were met with enthusiastic crowd participation and were a major highlight of the festival’s final night.
Why did Olivia Rodrigo describe Robert Smith as a ‘hero’?
Olivia Rodrigo introduced Robert Smith during her Glastonbury set with immense praise. She referred to him as “perhaps the best songwriter to come out of England.” She also called him a “Glastonbury legend and a personal hero of mine.” This highlights her deep admiration for Smith’s songwriting legacy. It acknowledges his significant influence on her as an artist and her appreciation for English bands like The Cure.
What was significant about Olivia Rodrigo’s headline performance at Glastonbury 2025?
Olivia Rodrigo’s headline performance on the Pyramid Stage was highly significant. It marked her first time headlining the festival, following a debut on the Other Stage in 2022. Headlining the Pyramid Stage is a major achievement, solidifying her status as a global superstar. The set itself was a comprehensive showcase of her hits. The surprise appearance of Robert Smith was a major moment, adding historical context and cross-generational appeal to her performance.
Conclusion
Olivia Rodrigo’s headline debut at Glastonbury 2025 was a resounding success. Her confident stage presence and hit-filled setlist showcased her talent and connection with the audience. The surprise appearance of Robert Smith was a truly special moment. It created an unforgettable collaboration between two artists from different eras and genres. Their joint performance of “Friday I’m In Love” and “Just Like Heaven” will be remembered as a defining highlight of the festival. This performance firmly established Rodrigo as a major festival headliner capable of delivering truly iconic moments.
