Olivia Rodrigo and Yungblud Join Smashing Pumpkins for Nostalgia-Fueled Lollapalooza Set

The Smashing Pumpkins performed a homecoming set at Lollapalooza 2026 on day two of the festival, featuring several high-profile surprise guests. According to reports from Billboard and Rolling Stone, pop star Olivia Rodrigo and artist Yungblud joined the band on stage. Specifically, coverage from BrooklynVegan and Consequence of Sound highlights that Olivia Rodrigo performed the song "Thirty-Three" with the group. Additionally, Rock Sound and JamBase report that Billy Corgan joined Yungblud on stage for a rendition of the song "Zombie" during the Chicago event. The performance took place amidst massive crowds, as noted by Yahoo and Rolling Stone. Multiple outlets have focused on the diverse nature of the guests and the fashion elements of the show.

Harper's BAZAAR and Yahoo emphasized Olivia Rodrigo's appearance, noting she wore a 20-year-old Balenciaga minidress during her surprise appearance. Review coverage from wbez.org and the Chicago Sun-Times describes the performance as a success, stating the band "smashed it" with their guests. The Chicago Tribune further analyzed the set, suggesting the performance proved the band was not merely a nostalgia act. This specific blend of modern pop and alternative rock stars served as a focal point for the festival's second day. Context for the event includes a celebratory homecoming atmosphere and a series of eclectic pre-show activities. Block Club Chicago identifies the performance as a celebration of a homecoming Lolla appearance titled "Pumpkinpalooza." NME and Rolling Stone report that the band also reunited with Melissa Auf der Maur.

In a more unconventional turn, BrooklynVegan and Rolling Stone detail how the band brought out Barry Williams, known for his role as Greg Brady on The Brady Bunch, to perform a cover of "It's a Sunshine Day." This range of collaborators suggests a deliberate effort to blend legacy rock with television history and current chart-topping artists. Future attention will likely center on the digital release of these collaborations. Currently, BrooklynVegan and Consequence of Sound have provided video footage of the "Thirty-Three" performance, while JamBase and Rock Sound have shared recordings of the "Zombie" rendition. The coverage indicates a strong emphasis on the visual and auditory impact of these surprise pairings. Observers will likely monitor if these one-time festival collaborations lead to further studio recordings or official partnerships between the veteran rock ensemble and the younger generation of artists who joined them on the Lollapalooza stage.