Olivia Rodrigo and The Cure's Robert Smith performed their new duet, 'What's Wrong With Me,' during the Primavera Sound festival, unveiling the collaboration ahead of Rodrigo's upcoming album release.
First Feature for Rodrigo
Rodrigo expressed her excitement to the crowd, saying, 'It’s really special to me for so many reasons, primarily because it’s the first song I’ve ever had a feature on.' She did not initially reveal Smith's involvement, keeping the audience in suspense.
Industry insiders were aware of Smith's role after a recent album listening session in Los Angeles, but they were instructed to keep the collaboration under wraps until Rodrigo's official announcement.
Building Anticipation
Rodrigo's admiration for The Cure was apparent with her previous releases, 'Drop Dead' and 'The Cure,' though neither hinted at Smith's involvement in the upcoming track. This on-stage duet was not their first collaboration; the pair performed 'Just Like Heaven' and 'Friday I’m in Love' at Glastonbury last summer.
New Album Details
Rodrigo's third album, 'You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love,' is set to release next Friday. The track listing was previously revealed, but Smith's feature on 'What's Wrong With Me' was kept secret. Despite the song's upbeat sound, the lyrics explore a moment of realization about a failing relationship. Sample lyrics include: 'Went to the doctor and she said I was fine / Tried meditation with a bottle of wine / It’s like somebody put a weight on my chest.'
Surprise Set and The Cure's Performance
Rodrigo's performance at Primavera Sound was a surprise, announced only five hours prior via Instagram Stories. Meanwhile, Smith was in Spain for The Cure's headlining set at the festival, marking their first concert in 18 months. The band played a 29-song set, mostly focusing on their classics, which is promising for fans anticipating their upcoming European tour.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/music/news/olivia-rodrigo-robert-smith-duet-whats-wrong-with-me-cure-1236768701/
