Billy Corgan Explains Why Rock Stars Love Olivia Rodrigo

Billy Corgan has joined a growing chorus of rock legends singing the praises of Olivia Rodrigo, and his reasoning reveals something deeper about what makes the Gen Z artist stand out in an increasingly homogeneous pop landscape.

During an appearance on The New York Times’ Popcast, the Smashing Pumpkins frontman was asked why he’s been championing younger artists like YUNGBLUD and sombr. When hosts brought up Rodrigo specifically, noting the musical similarities between her songs and The Pumpkins’ classic catalog, Corgan could have bristled at the comparison. Instead, he leaned into it.

Breaking Free by Being Free

“She’s so smart,” Corgar raved about Rodrigo, whom he shared the stage with during a duet of “33” at Lollapalooza this summer. “She’s super savvy.” But beyond technical skill, he identified something more fundamental about her approach to artistry.

“I don’t know her much, but she’s figured out that the way to break free is to be free,” he explained. “She’s like, ‘Bring me all these influences.’ She’s not afraid. She’s not afraid to make an imperfect song. She’s not afraid to have one vocal slightly out of tune.”

That last bit matters. In an era where auto-tune and digital perfection reign supreme, Rodrigo’s willingness to leave imperfections in her recordings feels radical. It’s also deeply punk rock, even if her music leans pop.

Corgan went further, arguing that authenticity transcends genre boundaries. “Pop stars should be as authentic in their game as rock stars are authentic in their game,” he said. It’s a simple statement, but it cuts to the heart of why established artists across multiple generations have publicly backed Rodrigo.

The Generational Advantage

There’s also a practical benefit to connecting with younger artists, according to Corgan. They weren’t around when The Smashing Pumpkins released albums that initially received mixed reviews but are now considered classics. “Their opinions of him are shaped purely by music,” the Popcast hosts noted. That’s freedom few artists get to experience once they reach a certain level of fame.

Rodrigo’s supporters read like a who’s who of music royalty. Sheryl Crow has called her the “real deal.” Mick Jagger told Billboard that Rodrigo is “really good” at rock music and praised her ability to shift styles. Alanis Morissette and Stevie Nicks both appeared at her inaugural Daisy Chain Fields festival. Jack White stayed in touch after they met in 2022, describing her as “very cool, very real.”

Songwriting Prowess

Perhaps most tellingly, Robert Smith of The Cure partnered with Rodrigo for “What’s Wrong With Me,” featured on her third album “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love.” When Smith discussed the collaboration with The Hollywood Reporter, he zeroed in on something specific: Rodrigo’s identity as a songwriter.

“Olivia’s desire to be recognized as a songwriter is very refreshing,” Smith said. “It’s unmodern in a way.” He went on to describe watching her work in real-time, noting that she crafted ideas in a single morning that might take other songwriters years to develop. For Smith, an artist who’s spent decades perfecting his craft, that kind of prolific talent and hunger speaks volumes.

What’s fascinating here is that none of these rock legends seem threatened by Rodrigo. Instead, they appear genuinely impressed and invested in her success. In an entertainment industry often characterized by gatekeeping and generational tension, Rodrigo represents something different: an artist willing to absorb influences, honor her predecessors, and carve out her own path without apology.

Billy Corgan’s takeaway captures it perfectly. She’s not breaking free by rebelling against the system or pretending she invented something new. She’s breaking free by simply being authentic within the constraints of modern pop music, and maybe that’s the most radical thing a young artist can do right now.

Source: Billboard

If rock legends keep championing Gen Z artists like this, what does that say about where music is actually headed?