Glastonbury festival organiser Emily Eavis has confirmed that the event has secured its headliners for next summer, while definitively dismissing widespread speculation that Madonna will be among them. The pop superstar, 67, recently walked out with the original Ronaldo and Ronaldinho to perform during the colourful half-time show at the recent Fifa Men’s World Cup final.
Madonna has hinted that she will perform in the UK next year, though she has not specified a location. This sparked intense industry gossip regarding a potential debut at the Somerset festival. Addressing the rumours during an appearance on Radio 4’s PM programme, Eavis spoke to presenter Katie Razzall to clarify the status of the 2027 lineup.
When asked directly about the possibility of Madonna taking a headline slot, Eavis was unequivocal: “No, it’s definitely not Madonna, I’ll tell you that.” Eavis elaborated on the current state of the festival’s planning, noting that the team has already locked in three other headliners. “But we have got three [other] headliners and we’re very excited about it – it’s all coming together really well,” Eavis added.
When questioned about the possibility of a performance from Taylor Swift, Eavis laughed and declined to discuss the lineup further. Madonna is yet to play the UK’s biggest festival, and the rumour mill began grinding in June when the star hinted to talk show host Graham Norton that she was planning something significant in the UK next summer.
Speaking about the ensuing speculation, Eavis noted: “Pretty much 95% of the stories you read are not true, and rumours are pretty much always wrong. But the good news is that we’ve got our headliners and we’re cracking on, and we just can’t wait to get back.” According to The Sun, Madonna could be heading for a record-breaking three-night stint at London’s Hyde Park instead, though this remains unconfirmed.
Eavis appeared on the PM programme to discuss arts funding and her hopes that Prime Minister Andy Burnham will back music education in schools and the “crumbling” smaller music venues where many future Glastonbury headliners start out. “I’m really hoping that Andy Burnham gets right behind the arts,” she said.
“Obviously, we’re a nation of makers and creators and vision makers and world changers, and it’s what we do so so well. And I really am hoping that he will recognise the arts and music as being a huge asset to Britain. It’s what we do best, it is what we are,” she added.
A spokesperson for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport told the it was “under no illusions about the financial issues facing the culture sector” and was “committed to supporting them during this difficult time.”
Last year’s Glastonbury festival was headlined by The 1975, Neil Young and Olivia Rodrigo, with Sir Rod Stewart in the legends slot. The event was rested for a fallow year this summer but will return in June 2027, with tickets expected to go on sale in November.
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