A Robert Smith-assisted closer of pop greatness

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people. I can’t believe this is my life right now,” Olivia Rodrigo exclaims as she takes to the Pyramid Stage as Glastonbury 2025’s final headliner. If she hadn’t told us, you’d be forgiven for forgetting what a milestone moment this is for the American pop star. She arrives on top form and runs through the performance of a lifetime with utter, effortless ease.

Kicking off with an explosive rendition of ‘Obsessed’, the set captures the same charm and grandeur as some of the rock greats that inspired her, and she wastes no time breaking out huge hits like ‘Ballad Of A Homeschooled Girl’ and ‘Vampire’, complete with a carnival firework display and a metal-inspired backing band. Things only escalate from here.

Olivia Rodrigo performs at Glastonbury 2025. Credit: Andy Ford for NME

One of the most impressive feats of her set comes with her ability to navigate the raging energy of her punk numbers like ‘Brutal’ and ‘All American Bitch’, along with the heartfelt and tender additions like ‘Traitor’ and ‘Favorite Crime’. Not only does she manage to intertwine each with an effortless flow, but she lets her emotions shine through in a way that feels authentic.

The California songwriter has always worn her alt-rock influences on her sleeve, landing surprise collaborations from indie royalty like David Bryne. It only makes sense that the surprise guest tonight befits such a historic occasion. Introducing him as “probably the greatest songwriter to come out of England”, Robert Smith took to the stage for unforgettable duets of The Cure classics ‘Friday I’m In Love’ and ‘Just Like Heaven’. It was electric, and closing Glasto in style is something the godfather of goth knows plenty about.

The flawless vocals and choreography sometimes work to make the set can feel a little too perfect and polished, with seldom a moment for the singer to take a break from the carousel of hits to really connect with the eager fans amassed. That being said, there is no doubt about the commitment that Rodrigo has put into this set. For the few naysayers doubting whether or not the 22-year-old was ready to take on the coveted Pyramid slot as the last headliner before a fallow year, this one that will stand the test of time and leave us impatient for the Glasto magic to return.

Olivia Rodrigo performs at Glastonbury 2025. Credit: Leon Neal/Getty Images

Olivia Rodrigo’s Glastonbury 2025 setlist was:

‘Obsessed’
‘Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl’
‘Vampire’
‘Drivers License’
‘Traitor’
‘Bad Idea Right?’
‘Love Is Embarrassing’
‘Pretty Isn’t Pretty’
‘Happier’
‘Enough For You’
‘Friday I’m In Love’ (with Robert Smith)
‘Just Like Heaven’ (with Robert Smith)
‘So American’
‘Jealousy, Jealousy’
‘Favorite Crime’
‘Deja Vu’
‘Brutal’
‘All-American Bitch’
‘Good 4 U’
‘Get Him Back!’

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