If you're the type who spends every summer guessing Glastonbury's headliners, you can cross one name off the list today. Emily Eavis was asked point-blank on BBC Radio 4's PM programme whether Madonna would be closing out the Pyramid Stage in 2027. Her answer left no room for ambiguity: "No, definitely not Madonna, I can tell you that."
Glastonbury is taking a fallow year this year to let the land at Worthy Farm rest, with the 2027 return already scheduled for Wednesday, June 23 through Sunday, June 27. As per tradition, organizers haven't announced any names yet, but Eavis confirmed three headliners have actually already been settled, saying "everything is proceeding smoothly."
When asked whether Taylor Swift was one of them, Eavis didn't deny it—she just smiled and declined to say more. That ambiguous silence is, in some ways, more intriguing than the flat denial about Madonna—at least it means another big name from the rumor mill hasn't been ruled out.
Eavis also took a swipe at the tabloid ecosystem in passing: "About 95% of what you read about Glastonbury isn't true—the rumors are almost always wrong." That comment somewhat explains why the Madonna rumor burned through the entire summer—when asked about her plans for next year on The Graham Norton Show, she said she'd do a promotional tour first, followed by "something bigger." Pressed on whether it would happen in the UK, she only offered, "Maybe—why would I tell you everything?" This isn't the first time Madonna's name has been linked to Glastonbury; talks reportedly took place back in 2024 before falling through.
Plenty of other names are circling outside the confirmed lineup: both Mick Jagger and Keith Richards have hinted The Rolling Stones could tour again in 2027, reviving speculation after their sole headline slot back in 2013; Robbie Williams, having announced two outdoor shows the week after the festival, has been linked to the Legends Slot, having previously said he'd "smash it" if he landed the spot; Duran Duran have said they'll only play if they can headline; while Brian May has flatly ruled out Queen, reasoning that "Michael Eavis likes badger culling."
For comparison, this year's Pyramid Stage featured The 1975, Neil Young, and Olivia Rodrigo as headliners, alongside a lineup including Charli XCX, Wolf Alice, Rod Stewart, Doechii, and Kneecap. The 2027 lineup has yet to be announced, but for now, at least one thing's certain: Madonna won't be the answer.
