Olivia Rodrigo Joins Billy Joel At Madison Square Garden

Billy Joel brought out 19-year-old pop star Olivia Rodrigo for a two-song guest appearance during his latest sold-out concert at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Wednesday. Rodrigo emerged towards the middle of the evening to lead Joel and his band on her 2021 smash “Deja Vu” and contributed to the ensuing “Uptown Girl.”

“I’m gonna bring up another young musician,” Joel said as his band delicately played the “Deja Vu” intro. “This is a very talented singer and songwriter and a triple Grammy winner. She won the Billboard 2022 Woman of the Year award. She’s got the American Music Award. She’s got all kinds of awards. She’s very talented. I like her music, and so do my kids. She’s very talented. Please say hello to Olivia Rodrigo.”

The crowd exploded as Rodrigo took the stage. “Hi guys,” Olivia exclaimed. “Thank you so much for inviting me, Billy. I’m such a huge fan and I couldn’t have written this next song without you.” Rodrigo’s “Deja Vu” features lyrics referencing Billy Joel and his 1983 hit “Uptown Girl.” Billy Joel grinned widely as Olivia sang “I’ll bet that she knows Billy Joel/’Cause you played her ‘Uptown Girl.'”

Joel and Rodrigo embraced following “Deja Vu.” The pair then dueted on “Uptown Girl,” which Billy explained was by Olivia’s request. Watch fan-shot video footage of the collaboration below:

Billy Joel loaded the rest of the setlist for his 82nd consecutive MSG sell-out with beloved material from throughout his career. The “Piano Man” opened the 25-song performance with “A Matter Of Trust” and played such classics as “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song),” “An Innocent Man,” “New York State Of Mind” and “Allentown” before Olivia Rodrigo’s appearance.

The 73-year-old musician followed the guest spot with “I Go To Extremes” and “Only The Good Die Young.” Next came a “The River Of Dreams” incorporating elements of “Dancing In The Street.” Then, guitarist Mike DelGuidice had a turn in the spotlight for a cover of Giacomo Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma.” Billy went on to close the set with “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant” and “Piano Man.” Last night’s encore featured “We Didn’t Start The Fire,” “It’s Still Rock And Roll To Me,” “Big Shot” and “You May Be Right.” Joel’s MSG residency continues on September 9.