Billie Eilish made history on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury on Friday night. During her energetic set at Worthy Farm she treated the audience to a selection of hit songs from her two number-one albums including Bury A Friend, When The Party’s Over and Bag Guy.
Wearing a black and white baggy top and cycling shorts with chunky white trainers, the US Grammy-winning pop star became the youngest ever solo headliner after making her debut in 2019 on The Other Stage at 20-years-old.
As Billie topped the bill at the return of Glastonbury after three years for its 50th anniversary, her performance had festival fans watching the BBC coverage at home divided. @em_o_t tweeted: "Catching up with some #Glastonbury sorry but I don’t understand the Billie Eilish hype... it’s just flashing lights & whispering?"
@withe_a commented: "Was like watching a 13 year old with a Casio." @JamesCo11515553 said: "Billy Eillish is not a headliner. Watching her I don't see or hear anything to change my mind. My opinion of course."
@smithkc1966 said: "Glastonbury needs to rediscover its rock roots." @adawri81 tweeted: "Has its place but definitely not a Glastonbury headline act. Mediocre music at best and won't stand the test of time, in fact I've already forgotten about it. Only my opinion of course, but far better acts to headline this festival."
@lindannsmith wrote: "Good light show but pretty boring. Virtually the same base backing track & panting voice- overrated." @robgreen8a complained: "My God, this is dull!" And @BikersPeaky pleaded: "Next act please! Would love the Killers to liven things up a bit."
But others rushed to defend her. @ithrow1 praised: "@billieeilishwas nothing g but a Queen last night, she backs her own lead vocal with her own backing vocals and her brother on the harmonies, she directs her on screenplay and back drop, she is 20, and she is more talented than most... she needs a break from the oldies."
@sparkym5 said: "2I was watching Glastonbury last night thinking about the thousands of young revellers enjoying Billie Eilish and how music tastes have changed, then I realised that in 1987 Star Trekkin by the firm got to number 1, things were not better in my day and could be much worse."
@GJS2010 commented: "It's like it's her gig. Astonishing that a 20 year old owned Glastonbury. And rightly so." And @JackBrownbill said: "Glastonbury is mint. So much variety. I’m not a Billie Eilish fan, but love the fact she had headlined at 20 years old. I admire that and surely can inspire other young women. Something for everyone at this festival."
@NickyParkington applauded: "@billieeilish gave our 15 year old daughter a reason to sit and watch TV with us last night. For that alone, I am grateful.. what a performance. @glastonbury Theres some talent right there.."
@Sat1977Scott tweeted: "#BillieEilish ain't my type of music watched it all and fair play for a 20yr old to headline Glastonbury I actually enjoyed it, has her own style and it's definitely working, an absolute megastar doing her own thing.."
@gill_locke gasped: "Wow oh wow, so wish I was there what performance!!! Thanks to the @BBC for capturing the moment in time when a 20 year old girl got 100,000 people to get real low."
@Fraser1874 said: "I don’t get Billie Eilish. But I’m 45 and literally spent my night playing bowls. I’m not supposed to get Billie Eilish. There’s a massive amount of people that do it’s all about them. So cut the lassie some slack. Live and let live #Glastonbury."
@Richard_K_P made the point: "Whilst she’s not necessarily my thing (and why would a 47-year-old bloke be her target audience?), I thought Billie Eilish was great. A pleasure to watch her with my 11-year-old daughter who enjoyed every minute of it and sang along virtually all the way through."
@joolsevelyn messaged: ""Billie Eilish is not what I expect of a Glastonbury headliner”, says Clive, 63 year old plumber with 3 children and a grandchild on the way." And @DrColeFletch said: " Outstanding #Glastonbury performance from her tonight. Just her, some drums, a guitar and what looked like a really comfy outfit. This old woman approves. Awesome, talented human."
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