Culture 4 min read By Lauren Baxter
Billy Corgan praises Olivia Rodrigo for being unafraid to break the rules
The Smashing Pumpkins frontman says the pop star has figured out that freedom is the way to break free, and says she is not afraid to make imperfect songs.
Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan has praised Olivia Rodrigo's songwriting, calling it « free » and describing her as « not afraid » to take creative risks. He shared his view on a new episode of The New York Times' Popcast, where he was asked why he has been using his platform to champion newer artists.
Corgan said he does not know Rodrigo well personally, but argued that she has found a clear path to artistic independence. « I don't know her much, but she's figured out that the way to break free is to be free, » he said. He described her as « so smart » and « super savvy, » and pointed to her openness to a wide range of influences. « 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, » he added.
The hosts of the podcast had noticed similarities between Rodrigo's music and Smashing Pumpkins classics, including « 1979 » and « Disarm. » Corgan extended his point beyond her work, saying that pop stars should be as authentic in their craft as rock stars are in theirs. « Pop stars should be as authentic in their game as rock stars are authentic in their game, » he said.
The comments follow a notable collaboration this summer. Corgan brought Rodrigo out as a special guest when Smashing Pumpkins topped the bill at Lollapalooza in August, the band's first festival performance since headlining its traveling 1994 edition. The two performed a duet of « Thirty-Three, » from the 1995 album « Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. »
Corgan joins a growing list of prominent musicians who have publicly praised Rodrigo. Mick Jagger praised her ability to change styles away from what he called original girly pop, according to Billboard, while Jack White described her as « very cool » and « very real. » The Cure's Robert Smith collaborated with her on the single « What's Wrong With Me, » joined her at Glastonbury 2025, and has said he became a fan after hearing her breakout single « Drivers License. »
Rodrigo's momentum has continued alongside her third album, « You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love. » Earlier this month she teamed up with Chappell Roan on a new remix of « Expectations, » and enlisted David Byrne and Dan Nigro for the accompanying music video. Variety reported that the album returned to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 following the remix's release, earning a third total week at the top of the chart. The album first debuted at No. 1 when it was released in June.
The same Popcast interview also touched on Corgan's long friendship with Marilyn Manson. Corgan said he « personally didn't feel that he was guilty » of the sexual misconduct claims Manson has been accused of but denies, and said he « doesn't want the world to tell me who my friends are and who I should associate with. »
Corgan has recently been touring the UK and Europe with shows celebrating « Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, » which reimagined the record with a 60-piece orchestra. He also recently praised Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker as the most influential drummer of the last 30 years during an interview on his own podcast, The Magnificent Others.
4
