The most obvious Glastonbury 2025 headliner no one is talking about
Glastonbury headliner speculation has been rife after a frantic ticket sale last month, with potential names like Kings of Leon and Lana Del Rey causing a stir.
Sir Rod Stewart is the only act officially announced so far – taking the Sunday Legends slot – with Nile Rodgers accidentally confirming he is also set to perform.
However, there’s one huge name who is a glaringly obvious choice to headline in 2025 but we’ve all completely missed it.
The Weeknd could be set to take to the Pyramid Stage after quietly announcing a brand new album weeks back.
His sixth studio album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, is set to be released on January 24, leaving plenty of time for a tour around the US and the world with a suspicious Glastonbury gap.
He was in the bookies running for both 2023 and 2024’s lineup previously but has never taken to a stage at Worthy Farm.
In 2013, The Weeknd, real name Abel was announced for the West Holts Stage on Friday but never actually performed, with no explanation given at the time.
Meanwhile, Arctic Monkeys headlined the Pyramid Stage with Rolling Stones and Mumford and Sons as the other top billings that year.
This year, fans have predicted a male vocalist could take the Friday slot with a female pop star and an iconic rock band as the other headliners.
A popular pick for a solo male act is Eminem, who bookies have at a reasonable 4/1 odds, following the likes of Stormzy and Kendrick Lamar.
His discography features some incredibly popular songs (Picture: Rich Fury/The Forum via Getty Images)
It’s thought the organisers will choose someone a little unexpected, with Sam Fender and Fred Again frequently mentioned.
So why not a four-time Grammy Award-winning, multi-diamond certified, Oscar-nominated, R&B icon?
The Weeknd undoubtedly has the back catalogue to carry a Pyramid performance, with Blinding Lights holding the title of most streamed song on Spotify.
This accolade was previously held by former headliner Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You and five-time headliner (including 2024) Coldplay with Viva La Vida.
The Hills singer also has five of the most streamed songs in the top 100 on Spotify, tied with 2024’s Friday closer Dua Lipa and Bruno Mars.
He has 17 UK Top 10s to his name, spending 97 weeks in the top 10 charts total – so he could definitely bring out a crowd-pleasing set list.
This was the main complaint with fellow R&B star SZA last year, technical issues aside, her songs simply weren’t known by the wider crowds – by comparison, she has 6 top 10s with 29 weeks in the charts.
If Emily Eavis and the organisers are hoping to continue widening Glastonbury’s appeal, why not do so with one of the most successful singers of the past decade?
Plus, with collaborations like Post Malone, Disclosure, Lana Del Rey, Kendrick Lamar, Daft Punk, Ariana Grande, and Madonna; the surprise guests could be insane.
The most obvious Glastonbury 2025 headliner no one is talking about