Lollapalooza
Olivia Rodrigo Brings Out Weezer for Epic Surprise Performance at Lollapalooza 2025
Olivia Rodrigo turned her Lollapalooza 2025 headlining set into an unforgettable rock celebration by inviting Weezer on stage for a surprise collaboration. The 22-year-old pop sensation, making her debut at the iconic Chicago festival, delivered a high-energy performance, culminating in a duet that had fans buzzing across social media.
Toward the end of her set at Grant Park, Olivia Rodrigo shared a personal anecdote with the roaring crowd. “You always remember your first concert. It’s a very, very special moment,” she said, reflecting on her earliest live music experience. “I watched this incredible band and I am so over the moon because that incredible band is actually here tonight to play a few songs. Will you please say hello to Weezer?”
The audience erupted as Weezer, led by frontman Rivers Cuomo, took the stage for their first Lollapalooza appearance since 2005. Together, Olivia Rodrigo and Weezer performed the band’s iconic 90s hits “Buddy Holly” and “Say It Ain’t So,” with Olivia Rodrigo playing guitar and harmonizing with Rivers Cuomo. Fan-shot videos of the moment quickly went viral on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), showcasing Olivia Rodrigo’s seamless dive into alternative rock alongside one of her biggest musical inspirations.
The duet was a full-circle moment for Olivia Rodrigo, who has often cited alternative rock influences in her music. Her collaboration with Weezer follows a growing trend in her live performances of bringing out legendary surprise guests. Earlier this summer, she performed with David Byrne at the Governors Ball and joined Robert Smith of The Cure for a show-stopping set at Glastonbury.
View this post on Instagram
Weezer’s Lollapalooza appearance was equally momentous. While the band has been a staple of rock festivals, this marked their return to Lollapalooza after a 20-year absence. Their joint performance with Rodrigo underscored a rare cross-generational fusion that captivated fans old and new.
Olivia Rodrigo’s Lollapalooza set also featured fan favorites like “Obsessed,” “Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl,” “Driver’s License,” “Traitor,” “Bad Idea, Right?” and “Love Is Embarrassing.” Her dynamic stage presence and heartfelt vocals proved once again why she remains one of pop’s brightest stars.
The festival continues through the weekend, with headliners Rüfüs Du Sol and TWICE taking over on Saturday, and Sabrina Carpenter and A$AP Rocky closing out Sunday’s lineup. Yet, Rodrigo and Weezer’s surprise duet has already cemented itself as one of Lollapalooza 2025’s defining viral moments.
With Olivia Rodrigo’s ability to effortlessly bridge the gap between Gen Z pop and 90s alt-rock icons, fans are already speculating who she might bring out next on her tour stops.
