Ready for one of the most unexpectedly spectacular pop crossovers you’ve ever heard? While Olivia Rodrigo was busy headlining Glastonbury ’25 on Sunday night, the Californian star stunned fans when she invited an extra special guest to join her set for a live duet. But no one could have predicted the Gothfather himself, Robert Smith – of all people – would join the clean-cut pop singer for a two-song set, the pair joining forces to sing the Cure’s greatest hits: “Friday I’m In Love” and “Just Like Heaven.”
Now, this fan footage might look a little sketchy, but planted amidst the live audience, Music Man readers are bound to be dazzled by the festival vibes and pure positivity rushing through this clip. The crescent moon shining white beyond the stage, the panoramic views of the crowd dancing in the night-lit field; it’s almost like living the moment for yourself.
Both Robert and Olivia don an acoustic guitar each; a living image of pop’s evolution through the decades, and a testament to the undying force of The Cure’s hits as the band continues to inspire the most unlikely of chart-topping pop stars. Robert’s voice remains as flawless as on his 1987 and ‘92 singles, but when Olivia counterbalances his depths with her pitch-raised and crystal clear tones, the magic truly takes off.
The pair’s harmonies are outstanding, and any lifelong Cure fan is bound to lowkey lose their mind over Robert & Olivia’s fresh interpretation of the band’s biggest hits. Sometimes, all it takes is a subtle reimagination to re-spark the zest and primal love for songs that have followed you all your life, and this clip delivers exactly that.
This performance captures the beating heart of pop: Robert, aged 66, and Olivia, 22, twining the generations together through two time-defying hits. And fans in the YouTube comments have been filled with a newfound respect for Olivia, with one top commenter writing, “As a fan of The Cure, I’m ecstatic about this as Olivia Rodrigo just won the ‘coolympics’ for life. She’s one of the few young artists I like right now and the fact that she’s going to get a new generation of kids to discover The Cure is just awesome.”
With countless fans of The Cure and Olivia being left spellbound by this clip, fans have been rushing to share their thoughts, with many shocked by Olivia’s realness, writing:
“Who even performs with THE CURE at 22!! No one is doing it like Olivia right now.”
“It’s probably the biggest thing I love about [Olivia]… she knows her music history, rates & honours where the best goods came from in the first place! The OG’s who actually invented the wheel. Love this!”
“Where do I start? I’m a fifty-something male – not really your teenage girl target audience. From the start to the end of Rodrigo’s performance, I was engaged, mesmerised, impressed and entertained – sometimes moved to tears. Pure pop/rock entertainment – and with a stunning band. She really connected with everyone and was genuinely honoured to be there. Tell Charli XCX, that’s how to put on a f****** show worthy of Glastonbury!”
“They killed it. Best performers of Glasto.”