Glastonbury wrapped up in spectacular fashion as American pop star Olivia Rodrigo delivered a show-stopping headline performance on the Pyramid Stage, leaving both longtime fans and festival newcomers in awe.
The 22-year-old singer-songwriter charged through a set packed with punk-pop energy and emotional ballads, bringing the perfect mix of raw vocals, relatable lyrics, and effortless charm. It was a high point that capped off a weekend of music legends, genre icons, and rising stars.
After performances by The 1975 and Neil Young earlier in the weekend, Rodrigo’s set felt refreshingly direct and emotionally charged. Kicking off with the snarling riffs of Obsessed and the tongue-in-cheek Diary of a Homeschooled Girl, she commanded the stage in a white lace corset and knee-high boots, firing up the crowd with infectious energy.
“Glastonbury’s been my dream festival forever,” she told fans with a wide grin. “And I can’t believe today’s the day.”
Rodrigo’s ascent to fame has been meteoric. Her breakout hit Drivers License shattered streaming records and shot straight to the top of charts in 2021, launching her from Disney Channel alum to global pop sensation. Though the melancholic ballad initially defined her, Rodrigo has since expanded her sound with gritty, guitar-driven anthems, many of which featured prominently in her Glastonbury performance.
The set was a mix of catharsis and celebration. Tracks like Brutal, Good 4 U, and Get Him Back! had the audience screaming along, while the deeply personal Drivers License created a unifying, emotional moment for the thousands gathered.
One of the night’s most memorable highlights came when Rodrigo brought out Robert Smith of The Cure for surprise duets on Friday I’m In Love and Just Like Heaven. The collaboration was a nod to her love of ‘80s British pop and thrilled the crowd. Rodrigo beamed throughout the performance, frequently glancing at Smith in disbelief and admiration.
“He’s the nicest, most wonderful man ever,” she said afterward. “I’m so honoured to play with him tonight.”
Rodrigo’s authenticity proved key to her connection with the crowd. There were no elaborate costumes or backup dancers — just her powerhouse vocals, relatable lyrics, and a razor-sharp all-female band. She further endeared herself to British fans with shoutouts to Marks & Spencer treats like Colin the Caterpillar and sticky toffee pudding, joking, “I love how nobody judges you here for having a pint at noon.”
As fireworks lit up the sky and inflatable balls bounced across the crowd, Rodrigo ended her set with a furious rush through her biggest hits, confirming her status not just as a star — but as a headliner worthy of Glastonbury’s grandest stage.
Festival Highlights from the Final Day
Earlier in the day, ska veterans The Selecter opened the Pyramid Stage with a high-energy set. Frontwoman Pauline Black, a former NHS worker, dedicated Frontline to healthcare workers, receiving an enthusiastic response from the crowd.
Celeste debuted a grittier, more intense sound, moving away from the jazzy soul of her debut with darker tracks like Everyday, built on the haunting tones of Death in Vegas’s Dirge. She told the audience, “Everything happens when it’s supposed to.”
Joy Crookes, dressed in a vibrant sari, delivered a smooth, sultry set of bass-heavy tracks, including her infectious new single Perfect Crime, which had the crowd singing along within minutes.
Rock veterans The Libertines offered a nostalgia-filled set before Rod Stewart took over the “legend slot.” Donning his signature showman style, Stewart eventually found his rhythm after a slow start, delivering classics like Maggie May, Some Guys Have All The Luck, and We Are Sailing. He was joined by Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood for a crowd-pleasing rendition of Stay With Me.
Disco icons Nile Rodgers and Chic followed, drawing an even larger crowd with a joyous set full of timeless hits like Le Freak, Good Times, and Like A Virgin. As they played, a biplane overhead painted a smiley face and heart in the sky — the perfect touch to an already euphoric moment.
At the Woodsies Stage, AJ Tracey delivered one of the weekend’s most high-energy sets. He teased the crowd into action before bringing out Aitch for their 2020 hit Rain, sending fans into a frenzy with a barrage of UK rap bangers.
Other standout moments included The Prodigy dedicating their thunderous Other Stage set to late frontman Keith Flint, and Jorja Smith soothing weary festival-goers with her smooth British soul.
Wolf Alice brought both power and tenderness to their performance, debuting tracks from their upcoming album The Clearing. Their surprise cover of Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams and the fan-favorite Bros were particular highlights. Lead singer Ellie Rowsell’s confidence as a frontwoman shone, especially as she closed the set with the high-octane Yuk Foo and Greatest Hits.
As the festival drew to a close, Olivia Rodrigo’s heartfelt, high-energy set served as a perfect finale. By blending vulnerability with punk spirit and showcasing genuine love for her craft and her audience, she proved herself not just as a rising star — but a defining voice of her generation. Glastonbury will surely welcome her back with open arms.
