Olivia Rodrigo Debuts New Single "Drop Dead" at Coachella with Addison Rae

On April 18, 2026, Olivia Rodrigo made a surprise appearance during Addison Rae's set at Coachella, where she performed her newly released single "Drop Dead" live for the first time. The collaboration occurred toward the end of Rae's performance, as she sang her song "Headphones On." After the lyric "I compare myself to the new It Girl," Rodrigo joined Rae on stage, leading to a duet of the song before transitioning to "Drop Dead." This marked a significant moment for both artists, showcasing their camaraderie and musical synergy.

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"Drop Dead," which was released just a day prior to the performance, serves as the lead single from Rodrigo's upcoming album, *You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love*, set to be released on June 12 via Geffen Records. The song features influences from The Cure, with Rodrigo referencing their classic "Just Like Heaven" in the lyrics. The accompanying music video, directed by Petra Collins, showcases Rodrigo in the Palace of Versailles, adding a visual flair to her new musical chapter.

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Rodrigo has a history of surprise appearances at Coachella, having previously joined No Doubt on stage in 2024. Her upcoming album is anticipated to explore new themes, as she aims to inject joy into her songwriting, a shift from the angst prevalent in her earlier works, *Sour* and *Guts*. In a recent interview, she expressed her desire to write about positive experiences, stating, “It was a creative challenge to write from a joyful place.”

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Addison Rae, who released her debut album *Addison* in 2025, has quickly established herself as a prominent figure in pop music. Her single "Headphones On" received critical acclaim, ranking among the best songs of the year. Rae's performance style, characterized by energetic and engaging stage presence, complements her musical endeavors, making her a fitting collaborator for Rodrigo.

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Following the performance, Rodrigo expressed her excitement about the collaboration, stating, “Coachella, how much do we love Miss Addison?” Rae responded enthusiastically, “Oh my God, I might just drop dead,” referencing Rodrigo's new single. This exchange highlights the mutual admiration between the two artists and their shared enthusiasm for their music.

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While the collaboration was well-received by fans, some critics have pointed out that Rodrigo's surprise appearances, while exciting, may overshadow her own solo performances. There are concerns that her frequent collaborations could dilute her individual artistic identity as she continues to navigate her burgeoning career.

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In addition to her Coachella appearance, Rodrigo is set to host and perform on *Saturday Night Live* on May 2, marking her debut as a host. This upcoming performance is expected to further elevate her profile as she prepares for the release of her new album.

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• “I love this song so much!!! It’s the first chapter in the story of ‘you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love’ and it makes me wanna skip around and roll the windows down and make out!” — Olivia Rodrigo

Rolling Stone

• “It was a creative challenge to write from a joyful place. When you’re experiencing that you’re connected to someone, or feeling really good, you’re not in your head thinking about bittersweet poems!” — Olivia Rodrigo

NME | New Musical Express