American pop star Olivia Rodrigo has revealed she suffered an anxiety attack in the moments leading up to her highly anticipated headline performance at Glastonbury Festival 2025. The singer, known for her chart-topping hits and emotive lyrics, shared her experience, shedding light on the immense pressure artists can face when taking to such a prestigious stage.
Rodrigo's headline slot at Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage was a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. The festival, held annually in Somerset, England, is a cultural institution and one of the world's largest greenfield music and performing arts events. Headlining it is often seen as a crowning achievement for musicians, placing them in the company of legendary acts who have graced the stage over its more than 50-year history.
Her candid disclosure about her mental health struggles before the performance resonates with broader conversations within the music industry and among the public regarding the well-being of performers. Many artists have openly discussed the pressures of touring, public scrutiny, and the demands of live performances, particularly at high-profile events like Glastonbury.
This was not Rodrigo's first appearance at Glastonbury. She previously made a surprise guest appearance in 2022, joining Lily Allen on stage to perform 'F*** You' as a protest against the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the United States. Her return as a headliner just three years later underscores her rapid ascent to global stardom and her significant impact on contemporary pop music. The 2025 festival marked a pivotal moment, cementing her status as a leading artist.
Glastonbury Festival 2025 was widely covered across UK media, with performances often available to stream live and on-demand via the BBC iPlayer. The festival's extensive coverage ensures that moments like Rodrigo's headline set, and the stories behind them, reach millions of viewers across the UK and beyond, making her revelation particularly impactful for a wide audience.