Glastonbury veterans have publicly admitted they underestimated Olivia Rodrigo’s headline set at this year’s festival. The US pop star captivated both the crowds at Worthy Farm and viewers at home with her dynamic fusion of rock and pop music. The surprise appearance of The Cure’s Robert Smith, who joined her on stage for renditions of “Friday I’m In Love” and “Just Like Heaven,” added an unforgettable highlight to her performance.
Olivia expressed her excitement and respect, describing the experience as “absolutely honoured” to share the stage with the iconic rock star.
Glastonbury is known for its diverse audience, where a cultural divide often exists between older and younger music enthusiasts. Yet Olivia managed to bridge that gap seamlessly, creating a connection that resonated across generations. One attendee remarked that her set was “exactly what music is about.”
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On social media platform X, users reflected positively on Olivia’s performance. One wrote, “I knew very little about Olivia Rodrigo and assumed (wrongly) it would be a pop star singing to backing tracks and synths. But the superb live band and guitar solos blew me away!”
Another commenter praised her continued growth, saying, “I saw Olivia Rodrigo at Glastonbury a couple of years ago, and she killed it. Now, headlining the Pyramid Stage, she’s absolutely smashing it. An inspired choice.”
A third user emphasized the joy she brought to young fans, stating, “Olivia Rodrigo’s crowd embodies what music is about — young people celebrating their heroes.”
Even some traditional rock fans acknowledged her impact. One self-proclaimed Neil Young fan commented, “Olivia Rodrigo is a far better end-of-evening act. Neil is great but just not the right fit for that moment. Olivia is.”
The enthusiastic response continued, with fans praising her playlist as “bangers for days” and celebrating her “wicked set so far.”
Another thoughtful observer weighed in on the generational divide at festivals, saying, “Complaining about the bands at Glastonbury is pointless. It’s not all about us, and we don’t get to dictate how kids experience the raw emotions of teenage angst. If Olivia Rodrigo connects with them, that’s what matters.”
Olivia Rodrigo will close out the festival on the Pyramid Stage, complementing The Prodigy, who headlined the Other Stage.