Olivia Rodrigo Debuts New Song with Robert Smith During Surprise Set at Primavera Sound – Consequence of Sound
Olivia Rodrigo stunned fans on Saturday, June 6, 2026, when she staged a surprise popup performance at the Primavera Sound festival. The highlight of the set was the live premiere of “what’s wrong with me,” a new duet featuring Robert Smith of The Cure. This collaboration marks the first time Rodrigo has included a featured artist on one of her songs, signaling a creative shift ahead of her third studio album, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, arriving June 12.
What happened during Olivia Rodrigo’s surprise Primavera Sound set?
During a surprise appearance at the Primavera Sound festival on Saturday, Olivia Rodrigo revealed a new collaboration with The Cure’s frontman, Robert Smith. The event centered on the live debut of “what’s wrong with me,” a track that introduces a new dynamic to Rodrigo’s discography by incorporating a full vocal partner. Rodrigo brought Smith onto the stage partway through the song’s performance, turning the premiere into a high-energy duet.
In her introduction to the crowd, Rodrigo emphasized the personal significance of the track. She stated, “it’s really special to me for so many reasons — primarily because it’s my first collaboration.” She expressed disbelief that the song existed and noted the importance of the specific person she chose to collaborate with.
The set was not limited to the new duet. Rodrigo performed a mix of her established hits and new material, providing a comprehensive preview of her current musical direction. The performance included:
- “what’s wrong with me” (featuring Robert Smith)
- “drop dead” (from the upcoming album)
- “the cure” (from the upcoming album, which Rodrigo clarified is not related to Robert Smith’s band)
- “bad idea right?”
- “deja vu”
- “all-american bitch”
- “good 4 u”
How does “what’s wrong with me” fit into the new album?
The song “what’s wrong with me” is a key piece of Rodrigo’s third studio album, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, which is scheduled for release on June 12, 2026. The track is the third song the public has heard from the project, following the previous reveals of “drop dead” and “the cure.”
The inclusion of Robert Smith represents a departure from the solo-centric approach of her first two albums, Sour and Guts. By bringing in a legendary figure from the gothic and post-punk scene, Rodrigo is expanding her sonic palette just as she prepares to launch “The Unraveled Tour” in September.
| Album/Event | Key Release/Date | Notable Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Sour (2021) | “Drivers License” / “Good 4 U” | Topped US Billboard 200 |
| Guts (2023) | “Vampire” | Lead single debuted at #1 |
| Primavera Sound (June 6, 2026) | “what’s wrong with me” | First-ever career feature |
| you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love | June 12, 2026 | Upcoming third studio album |
| The Unraveled Tour | September 2026 | Upcoming world tour |
The evolution of the friendship between Olivia Rodrigo and Robert Smith
The collaboration at Primavera Sound is the result of a multi-year friendship between the two artists. Their professional relationship began in 2025 when Robert Smith joined Rodrigo on stage during her headlining performance at the Glastonbury Festival. This initial encounter laid the groundwork for a closer bond that extended beyond the stage and into the recording studio.
Smith has been open about his admiration for Rodrigo’s work, even as he acknowledges the generational gap between them. In a recent interview with Vogue, Smith mentioned that he purchased both Sour and Guts. While he admitted that most of the songs on those albums aren’t “aimed at my demographic,” he praised the quality of the songwriting, stating that they are “all so good that it is hard not to fall in love with them.”
The relationship has also evolved into a personal friendship. Smith told Vogue that Rodrigo “calls me up quite a bit to talk about clothes and fashion,” and noted that they spent “a couple of memorable nights in the studio together” while she was crafting her third album.
“She calls me up quite a bit to talk about clothes and fashion – and we have enjoyed a couple of memorable nights in the studio together.” — Robert Smith, via Vogue
Why this collaboration matters for Rodrigo’s career trajectory
Olivia Rodrigo has established a rare level of chart dominance since her debut. According to Wikipedia, she is the first artist to have the lead single from each of her first three albums debut at the top of the US Billboard charts. With “Drop Dead” serving as a number-one hit for her third project, the addition of Robert Smith on “what’s wrong with me” adds a layer of critical prestige and genre-blending that could redefine her image.
Breaking the “Solo” Mold
Until now, Rodrigo’s brand was built on a singular, diary-like perspective. By introducing her first-ever feature, she is signaling a willingness to experiment. The choice of Robert Smith—an icon of alternative music—suggests a move toward a more mature, perhaps darker or more atmospheric sound, moving away from the pure pop-rock of her earlier hits.
Cross-Generational Appeal
The pairing of a Gen Z powerhouse and a post-punk legend creates a bridge between demographics. Smith’s admission that Rodrigo’s music is “hard not to fall in love with” despite not being aimed at his age group validates Rodrigo’s songwriting as having universal appeal. This collaboration doesn’t just attract The Cure’s legacy fanbase to Rodrigo; it introduces a new generation to the influence of Robert Smith.
Understanding the broader context of the Primavera Sound appearance
The timing of the surprise set was strategically aligned with The Cure’s own presence at the festival. The Cure performed their own set on Friday, June 5, delivering a 29-song performance that featured a mix of classics and deep cuts. Rodrigo’s appearance the following day created a narrative arc for the festival, linking the legendary alternative act with the modern pop-rock star.
This event also served as a high-stakes marketing tool for the June 12 album release. By debuting the song live and in surprise fashion, Rodrigo generated immediate organic buzz and social media momentum. The performance of “the cure” (the song) alongside a performance with Robert Smith (the man) created a playful irony that has since become a talking point among fans and music critics.
Key takeaways from the Primavera set:
- Strategic Timing: The set occurred less than a week before the album release.
- Setlist Balance: Mixing new album tracks like “drop dead” with staples like “good 4 u” maintained fan engagement while pushing new content.
- Industry Secrecy: While the public was surprised, the collaboration had been known to a small group of industry insiders who attended a listening session in Los Angeles weeks prior.
The roadmap to “The Unraveled Tour”
Following the release of you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love on June 12, the focus will shift to Rodrigo’s live touring cycle. “The Unraveled Tour,” scheduled to begin in September, is expected to integrate the new sound established at Primavera Sound.
Given the success of the Robert Smith duet, fans are speculating on whether the collaboration will be a recurring part of the tour’s live set. The transition from the polished pop of Sour to the more aggressive tones of Guts, and now to the experimental collaboration with The Cure, suggests that the September tour will be her most sonically diverse to date.
For those following her career, this progression mirrors the trajectory of many great songwriters who move from highly focused debut sounds to more eclectic, collaborative efforts as they mature. Rodrigo’s ability to maintain #1 lead singles while evolving her sound is a testament to her current standing in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of Olivia Rodrigo’s new song with Robert Smith?
The new song is titled “what’s wrong with me.” It was premiered live during a surprise set at the Primavera Sound festival on June 6, 2026.
When is Olivia Rodrigo’s new album coming out?
Her third studio album, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, is scheduled for release on June 12, 2026.
Has Olivia Rodrigo ever had a featured artist on a song before?
No. During her performance at Primavera Sound, Rodrigo stated that “what’s wrong with me” is the first song she has ever had a feature on.
When does Olivia Rodrigo’s next tour begin?
Olivia Rodrigo will begin “The Unraveled Tour” in September 2026.
What other new songs has Olivia Rodrigo released from her third album?
Prior to the debut of “what’s wrong with me,” Rodrigo has shared “drop dead” and “the cure” from the upcoming album.
What is the relationship between Olivia Rodrigo and Robert Smith?
The two have developed a close friendship over the last couple of years. Robert Smith first joined Rodrigo on stage at Glastonbury in 2025, and they have since spent time together in the studio and discussed fashion and music.
