Olivia Rodrigo is set to release her latest single, “The Cure,” on Friday, May 22. Although the song shares a name with the iconic British rock band, Rodrigo has made it clear that there is no direct connection between her work and that of The Cure. In a recent interview on the Elvis Duran Show, Rodrigo expressed her admiration for the band and labelled the name coincidence a delightful surprise.
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The 23-year-old singer-songwriter stated, “Honestly, this song, ‘The Cure,’ has nothing to do with the band. Although I love it so much, it just is a happy coincidence.” Despite the lack of inspiration from The Cure, Rodrigo has developed a close friendship with the band’s frontman, Robert Smith. She mentioned their regular communication, stating, “I love him. We talk like, every week. He’s amazing.”
Rodrigo’s rapport with Smith became evident when she invited him on stage during her Glastonbury performance in June 2025. The two entertained the crowd with renditions of “Just Like Heaven” and “Friday I’m in Love.” Smith later shared his thoughts on their friendship with British Vogue, expressing his appreciation for Rodrigo’s music. “I bought *Sour* and then *Guts* (both on CD!),” he revealed. “Although most of the songs on those two albums are not really ‘aimed at my demographic,’ they are all so good that it is hard not to fall in love with them.”

Discussing the themes of “The Cure,” Rodrigo shared that the song represents a new outlook that she had not previously articulated in her earlier works. “I’m proud of how it came together,” she remarked. “It’s a new perspective that I haven’t had the maturity to express before in earlier albums.” The artist also disclosed that “The Cure” is a personal favourite among the songs she has penned, showcasing her evolution as an artist.

The upcoming single follows Rodrigo’s earlier release, “Drop Dead,” both of which will feature on her much-anticipated album, *You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love*, due to be released on June 12. During a recent dialogue on *On Air with Ryan Seacrest*, Rodrigo revealed that working on this album coincided with a transformative moment in her life, as she experienced “real romantic love for the first time.”
Rodrigo elaborated on her discoveries during the album’s creation, stating, “There’s just so much to unpack in it. It’s about discovering so many things about myself and also being in a real relationship. I think a good relationship holds a mirror to you and shows you parts of yourself that you never would have been able to see before. There’s a lot of looking inward.”
The exploration of self-discovery and the complexities of love is becoming a hallmark of Rodrigo’s writing. With lyrical depth that resonates particularly with her younger audience, she continues to articulate sentiments of vulnerability and growth that many find relatable.
As “The Cure” approaches its official release, anticipation is building among fans and critics alike. With her unique blend of pop sensibilities and poignant lyrical storytelling, Rodrigo is carving out a significant place for herself in the music industry. The public is eager to see how this new piece fits into her ever-evolving narrative as an artist.
Olivia Rodrigo may not be paying homage to The Cure with her recent single, but her connection to Robert Smith and her passion for music certainly weave a rich tapestry of creativity and friendship that echoes through her work.
