Olivia Rodrigo, the US pop sensation behind chart-topping hits like Drivers License and Vampire, has been announced today, March 6, as one of the headliners for Glastonbury 2025.
The news has divided fans of the iconic festival, with some questioning whether the 22-year-old hit-maker has the stature to join the ranks of legendary acts who have previously topped the bill.
Known for her raw, confessional lyrics and Gen Z anthems, Rodrigo has quickly become one of the biggest names in pop music over the past few years.
Yet, her headline slot on Sunday - the most important date of the festival as it’s the closing day - has sparked some divisive debate and marks a significant moment for Glastonbury.
Rodrigo represents a new generation of artists taking center stage at the festival. We take a look at just what has made Rodrigo centre stage.
Who is Olivia Rodrigo?
Born on February 20, 2003, in Temecula, California, Olivia Isabel Rodrigo grew up in a musical household. Her father is a Filipino-American therapist, and her mother is a teacher of German and Irish descent.
Rodrigo began singing and playing the piano at a young age, citing artists like Taylor Swift and Lorde as early influences.
Her big break came in 2016 when she landed a role in Disney’s Bizaardvark, followed by her starring role as Nini Salazar-Roberts in the Disney+ series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
It was here that she began to showcase her songwriting talents, penning songs for the show’s soundtrack.
Rise to Stardom
Rodrigo’s career skyrocketed in 2021 with the release of her debut single, Drivers License, which broke streaming records and topped charts worldwide.
The emotional ballad, rumoured to be inspired by a personal breakup, became an anthem for Gen Z and earned Rodrigo widespread acclaim.
Her debut album, SOUR, followed later that year, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and earning three Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist.
The album’s raw, confessional lyrics and blend of pop and punk influences resonated with millions, solidifying her as a voice of her generation.
In 2023, Rodrigo released her sophomore album, GUTS, which further showcased her growth as an artist. Tracks like Vampire and Bad Idea Right? demonstrated her knack for sharp storytelling and catchy melodies, earning her another wave of critical and commercial success.
Rodrigo’s Glasto History
Rodrigo first performed at Glastonbury in 2023 on the Other Stage, delivering a standout set that included a surprise guest appearance by Lily Allen.
During her performance, she made a powerful statement on reproductive rights following the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade.
Her stint was praised on social media by festivalgoers who remarked that she was an impressive live performer.
Controversy Over Headline Slots
Glastonbury’s headliners have traditionally been music icons with decades of influence and a vast catalogue of hits. Recent years have seen the likes of Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Radiohead grace the Pyramid Stage.
Even in 2025, Rodrigo will share the headline spotlight with music veterans Neil Young and Crazy Horse, who are set to perform on Saturday night.
Young, a rock legend with a career spanning over 50 years, last headlined Glastonbury in 2009.
The 1975 pop rockers, whose frontman Matty Healy became a tabloid favourite after a brief romance with Taylor Swift in 2023, topping the bill on Friday has also had pushback.
Glasto fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts about this year’s line-up with many stating how unhappy they are about Rodrigo and The 1975 as top picks.
But, it’s not been all doom and gloom as their army of fans have been quick to express their excitement about the news.
What’s behind Glasto’s choices?
Organisers appear determined to strike a balance between established acts and fresh talent, offering a diverse lineup that spans generations and genres.
From iconic Nineties electronic pioneers The Prodigy and Canadian alt-rock legend Alanis Morissette to the indie rock veterans The Libertines, the festival is set to celebrate music’s enduring legends.
On the other end of the spectrum, rising stars like Messy singer Lola Young, US pop sensation Gracie Abrams, and viral phenomenon Shaboozey - whose hit A Bar Song (Tipsy) has dominated TikTok since its release - will bring a contemporary edge to the bill.
Which other big names will be rocking Glasto?
The Other Stage headliners for 2025 have also been revealed.
After turning the world lime green with her culture-dominating album Brat last summer – and rivalling Dua Lipa’s headline extravaganza with merely a DJ set at Glastonbury 2024 – Charli XCX will headline the festival’s second stage on Saturday.
The London rapper Loyle Carner will top the bill on Friday, and The Prodigy will close the stage on Sunday.
This marks the dance group’s first Glastonbury performance since the death of their frontman, Keith Flint, in 2019, just before that year’s festival.
Glastonbury 2025 will take place from June 25-29, with Rodrigo headlining on Sunday, Neil Young and Crazy Horse on Saturday, and The 1975 topping the bill on Friday.
British singer RAYE, Grammy-winning rapper Doechii, British hip-hop artist Loyle Carner, Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro and rapper Busta Rhymes round off the line-up.
It was announced last year that Rod Stewart will take on the Sunday teatime Legends Slot on the Pyramid Stage.
