Olivia Rodrigo surprised a small crowd in Brooklyn on Sunday night (April 26) by making an unannounced appearance at a New York City open mic to perform her new single “Drop Dead.”

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The performance took place at Pete’s Candy Store in Williamsburg, known for showcasing emerging artists rather than hosting major pop stars. Rodrigo’s stripped-back performance quickly gained attention online, with attendees sharing clips and reactions after recognizing her.

This moment comes as Rodrigo builds excitement for her upcoming third studio album, You Seem Pretty Sad For A Girl So In Love, set to release on June 12 via Geffen. “Drop Dead” has already become a key part of the album’s promotion, following its live debut earlier this month during a surprise appearance at Addison Rae’s Coachella set.

At the Brooklyn open mic, the song took on a different vibe. Without the grandeur of a festival stage, Rodrigo delivered an intimate version that emphasized the emotional depth of the track.

The surprise performance is part of a series of smaller, low-profile shows connected to the album’s release. Just days prior, Rodrigo performed an invite-only show at The Echo in Los Angeles, where she was joined by Weyes Blood and debuted additional new material.

“Drop Dead” also features lyrics referencing The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven.” This connection dates back to Rodrigo’s 2025 Glastonbury set, where she performed alongside Robert Smith on “Friday I’m in Love” and “Just Like Heaven.”

Rodrigo’s ability to captivate both large festival crowds and intimate venues has been crucial to her rise. Her 2023 album GUTS debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, while singles such as “vampire” and “bad idea right?” reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.