glastonbury Festival 2025 delivered an unforgettable surprise when pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo welcomed legendary frontman Robert smith of The Cure to the iconic Pyramid Stage. This momentous collaboration unfolded during rodrigo’s highly anticipated headlining set on Sunday, June 29, creating waves across the music world. The unexpected pairing saw the two artists join forces for stripped-down, acoustic renditions of two beloved Cure classics, captivating the massive festival crowd and viewers alike. Rodrigo’s decision to share her spotlight with a rock icon underscored her deep musical appreciation and commitment to honoring influential artists, cementing a truly special moment in Glastonbury history.
An Unforgettable Glastonbury Moment
Olivia Rodrigo’s appearance on the Pyramid Stage marked a significant milestone: her first time headlining the prestigious main stage at Glastonbury. Stepping onto the platform that has hosted countless music legends, Rodrigo was visibly moved by the sheer scale of the audience before her. “Holy fucking shit, this is the most people I’ve ever seen in my entire life,” she exclaimed to the adoring crowd. “This is a dream come true, I actually can’t believe this is my life right now.” The energy was already electric as she performed hits from her acclaimed albums Sour and Guts.
Mid-set, the excitement reached a fever pitch with a surprise announcement. Rodrigo paused her performance to introduce a very special guest. Her words were filled with genuine reverence for the artist she was about to welcome. She lauded him as “perhaps the best songwriter to come out of England” and declared him “a Glastonbury legend and a personal hero of mine.” The crowd erupted in cheers as Robert Smith, distinctive in a sequined hoodie, emerged onto the stage.
The Iconic Duet Unfolds
The collaboration between the chart-topping pop sensation and the iconic alternative rock figure was delivered with charming simplicity. Rodrigo and Smith positioned themselves with acoustic guitars, opting for an intimate, stripped-down sound that allowed the timeless melodies of The Cure’s songs to shine. Their voices blended beautifully, trading verses and harmonies on the chosen tracks.
The first song performed was the incredibly popular 1992 hit “Friday I’m in Love.” The acoustic treatment gave the upbeat track a fresh, tender feel, perfectly suited for the festival atmosphere. Following this fan favorite, they transitioned into the equally cherished 1987 classic “Just Like Heaven.” This poignant performance resonated deeply with the audience, many singing along to every word. The crowd’s reaction throughout the duet was reportedly rapturous, celebrating the unexpected fusion of two distinct musical eras. The choice of songs, both enduring hits, appealed across generations present at the festival.
Rodrigo’s Pattern of Legendary Collaborations
The surprise appearance by Robert Smith at Glastonbury is not an isolated event but rather the latest in a fascinating series of high-profile collaborations for Olivia Rodrigo. Over the past year or so, Rodrigo has made it a notable part of her live shows to bring out and perform with established musicians from various genres, particularly those with a strong legacy in alternative rock and classic songwriting. This pattern highlights her diverse musical influences and her respect for the artists who have shaped the landscape of music.
Earlier in June 2025 alone, Rodrigo shared the stage with Talking Heads frontman David Byrne. This happened during her headlining set at the Governors Ball festival in New York, where they performed the Talking Heads hit “Burning Down the House.” Just the week prior to Glastonbury, Rodrigo had also teamed up with acclaimed singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. This collaboration took place during her sold-out show at London’s Hyde Park, where they performed an acoustic duet of Sheeran’s debut single, “The A Team.” Rodrigo described Sheeran as “one of my favorite Brits and one of the best songwriters of all time.”
These collaborations, including those with No Doubt, Jewel, Sheryl Crow, and Stevie Nicks over the past year, showcase Rodrigo’s intentional effort to connect with and pay tribute to figures who have significantly impacted music history. It positions her not just as a pop star, but as an artist with deep roots and broad appreciation for different musical styles and eras. Her genuine admiration for these artists is often evident in her introductions, making the moments feel authentic and heartfelt for the audience.
Glastonbury History and Festival Highlights
Glastonbury Festival itself holds a rich history, particularly for artists like Robert Smith and The Cure, who have headlined the event multiple times, including a memorable appearance in 2019. Rodrigo’s ascent to headlining the Pyramid Stage in 2025, after her festival debut on the smaller Other Stage in 2022 (where she was joined by Lily Allen), symbolizes her rapid rise in the music industry. Her successful 90-minute set at this year’s festival drew from both her debut album Sour and her sophomore effort Guts, with the setlist split evenly between the two. Fan favorites like “Get Him Back!”, “Brutal,” and “Drivers License” received huge responses from the packed field.
Beyond the main stage performances, the festival weekend was filled with notable moments. While the musical collaborations stole headlines, the event also saw various artists using their platform for explicit political commentary. These discussions, ranging from chants during punk and hip-hop sets to lyrical content, added another layer to the diverse happenings across the festival grounds.
Olivia Rodrigo’s surprise performance with Robert Smith, however, remained a central talking point. It perfectly encapsulated a unique blend of current pop prominence meeting established rock legend, a type of cross-generational moment that Glastonbury is famous for facilitating. The image of the two artists, acoustic guitars in hand, sharing smiles and vocals on timeless songs, will likely become one of the most memorable moments of Glastonbury 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What songs did Olivia Rodrigo perform with Robert Smith at Glastonbury?
During Olivia Rodrigo’s headlining set on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury on June 29, 2025, she was joined by Robert Smith of The Cure for a surprise collaboration. Together, they performed two classic songs by The Cure. The tracks they played were acoustic versions of the popular hits “Friday I’m in Love” (originally released in 1992) and “Just Like Heaven” (from 1987). Both artists played acoustic guitars and shared vocal duties on the songs.
Where did Olivia Rodrigo and Robert Smith perform together at Glastonbury?
The surprise collaboration between Olivia Rodrigo and Robert Smith took place on the main stage at Glastonbury Festival. They performed together on the legendary Pyramid Stage during Rodrigo’s headlining set on the final day of the festival, Sunday, June 29, 2025. This was a particularly significant location as it was Rodrigo’s first time headlining this major stage.
Why is Olivia Rodrigo collaborating with legendary artists like Robert Smith?
Olivia Rodrigo’s collaborations with iconic musicians such as Robert Smith, David Byrne, Ed Sheeran, and others like No Doubt, Jewel, Sheryl Crow, and Stevie Nicks demonstrate her deep respect for music history and her wide-ranging influences. These pairings allow her to pay tribute to artists she admires, introduce classic songs to her younger fanbase, and position herself as an artist with significant musical depth beyond her pop hits. It’s a strategic and authentic way to connect across genres and generations.
Conclusion
Olivia Rodrigo’s surprise acoustic performance with Robert Smith of The Cure at Glastonbury 2025 was a defining moment of the festival. It wasn’t just a collaboration; it was a genuine merging of different musical eras on one of the world’s most famous stages. Rodrigo’s clear admiration for Smith and The Cure, coupled with Smith’s willingness to join her, created a heartwarming and musically rich experience for everyone watching. This event further solidifies Rodrigo’s status as a major artist with broad appeal and a keen awareness of music’s rich history, promising more exciting performances and collaborations in the future.
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References
- www.rollingstone.com
- consequence.net
- www.billboard.com
- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/de/news/ni65357824/?ref=nmnwr_1″>www.imdb.com
- www.killyourstereo.com
