Olivia Rodrigo Joins Robert Smith Onstage at Primavera Sound for Debut Collaboration
Pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo surprised fans at Primavera Sound by bringing out her 'personal hero,' Robert Smith of The Cure, to debut their new collaboration, 'what's wrong with me,' a track steeped in '80s-inspired melancholic romanticism.
Olivia Rodrigo's admiration for The Cure frontman Robert Smith is no secret. Last year, she famously brought him onstage at Glastonbury to perform classics, calling him a "personal hero." Her sophomore album, GUTS, even features a track playfully titled "the cure," and her single "drop dead" references the iconic "Just Like Heaven."
This long-standing reverence culminated in a truly special moment last night at Primavera Sound in Barcelona. In a surprise set, Rodrigo welcomed Smith to the stage, not for a cover, but to debut their brand-new collaboration, "what's wrong with me."
The pop star, who had been teasing her festival appearance for hours, expressed immense excitement over the track. "It's really really special to me for so many reasons but primarily because it's my first song that I've ever done a feature on which is really exciting," she shared with the crowd. "It's my first collaboration and I'm so proud of it and I can't believe that this song exists with the person that it exists with and I'm just so f*ckin' over the moon."
Later, on social media, she confirmed the track's release: "'what’s wrong with me featuring Robert Smith will be out June 12 with the album. I am still in disbelief that Robert who is in my eyes one of the most brilliant, legendary, wonderful people to ever exist is on this record with me." The song is set to appear on her upcoming album, promising a fresh sonic direction.
"what's wrong with me" leans heavily into an '80s-inspired sound, evoking the forlorn, dreamy atmosphere reminiscent of The Cure's "Pictures Of You." Robert Smith's distinct vocals blend seamlessly, creating uniquely beautiful harmonies with Rodrigo. It's a collaboration that solidifies Rodrigo's clear preference for The Cure's melancholic romanticism over, say, The Smiths' more acerbic stylings—a move few pop stars would dare attempt with a figure like Morrissey.
Fans eagerly await the official release, but the live debut offered a compelling glimpse into this unexpected, yet perfectly matched, musical pairing.
Related Articles
Listen to Olivia Rodrigo on Foxsoundi. Click here to listen!
Comments (0)
Login to comment