If you’re a pop star hosting a major performance, consider elevating the experience by inviting a personal idol on stage.
Summer’s Hottest Pop-Star Trend
This summer, no accessory is as iconic for pop stars as a surprise guest on stage. Artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, and Drake have made headlines in 2025 by inviting their musical heroes for memorable duets at festivals and major shows. The trend kicked off early in the year at Coachella, later taking center stage at co-headlining concerts like the one featuring Janelle Monáe and Grace Jones in June. These spontaneous collaborations between generations create unforgettable moments for audiences, leading to brag-worthy experiences for lucky fans. Here’s a look at 10 remarkable unannounced pops from music legends we’ve recently witnessed.
Olivia Rodrigo and David Byrne at Gov Ball
Kicking off a summer of surprises, Olivia Rodrigo’s electrifying set at Governors Ball became unforgettable when former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne joined her for a rendition of “Burning Down the House.” Their synchronized performance, filled with energy and charisma, had the audience roaring with excitement. Rodrigo exclaimed, “Holy shit, that was so cool,” perfectly capturing the essence of that memorable moment.
Olivia Rodrigo and Ed Sheeran at Hyde Park
A few weeks later, Rodrigo kept the momentum going by welcoming Ed Sheeran to the stage at London’s BST Hyde Park festival. She expressed her admiration for him, calling him, “one of my favorite Brits,” before they beautifully performed “The A Team.” Sheeran later shared that singing with Rodrigo was an honor, reflecting on how their collaboration connected him to a new generation of fans.
Olivia Rodrigo and Robert Smith at Glastonbury
At Glastonbury, Rodrigo solidified her title as a queen of ’80s music by bringing out Robert Smith of The Cure, where they performed classics like “Just Like Heaven.” Recognizing Smith as a personal hero, Rodrigo showed her excitement, and the audience reveled in the energetic duet. Their collaboration showcased not only nostalgia but also a vibrant synergy that captured the spirit of the festival.
Sabrina Carpenter and Duran Duran at Hyde Park
During her performance at BST Hyde Park, Sabrina Carpenter playfully instructed the audience to howl at the moon, only to surprise them with a classic hit from Duran Duran. With Simon Le Bon joining her for “Hungry Like the Wolf,” Carpenter celebrated the legacy of the ’80s while showcasing her own pop influence. The performance not only resonated with Carpenter’s enthusiasm for music history but also thrilled the fans present.
Drake and Lauryn Hill at Wireless
Drake’s recent headlining act at the Wireless Festival featured numerous surprise guests, but Lauryn Hill’s appearance was a standout moment. Performing the iconic “Ex-Factor,” which segued into Drake’s “Nice for What,” the collaboration drew huge applause from the crowd. Fans appreciated this special moment, especially given Hill’s previous challenges during performances earlier in the month.
Conclusion
As the summer unfolds, these surprise collaborations not only highlight the camaraderie between established musicians and rising stars but also create magical moments that audiences will remember for years to come. Whether it’s Rodrigo, Carpenter, or any other artist, this trend of musical guest stars is sure to continue captivating fans across festivals and mega-shows.
