Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins compared Yungblud to a legendary musician during a recent episode of his podcast, leaving the singer amazed.

Yungblud was the latest guest on Corgan’s show The Magnificent Others. Throughout the discussion, they delved into Yungblud’s shift from pop to rock ‘n’ roll, leading Corgan to reveal which iconic musician he associates with the rising star.

Who Does Billy Corgan Compare Yungblud To?

“This is the person that I most compare you to… Elton John,” Corgan stated. “And what I mean by that is you can sing pop, you can sing a ballad and that crowd will go with you. You could do a ‘Tiny Dancer’-type song and it would feel great and credible but you can also sing rock.”

Corgan pointed out that John is one of the few artists who began with pop songs and piano ballads before successfully transitioning into rock, gaining even more popularity in the process.

“It was this kind of piano man stuff and that was of the time. But when he went rock is when he really exploded,” Corgan elaborated. “That shows you why Elton John hit that other level and why he was a stadium act and not just a big pop act.”

Corgan believes Yungblud’s performance at Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath’s “Back to the Beginning” concert, where he performed “Changes,” demonstrated his capability for the type of transition John experienced in his career.

Yungblud, "Changes" at Back to the Beginning 2025

How Did Yungblud React to Billy Corgan’s Elton John Comparison?

Yungblud agreed with Corgan’s comparison, expressing that it blew his mind because he has seen an increase in popularity since embracing his rock roots.

“Because it goes to a deeper level and I think that’s what’s kind of beautiful,” Yungblud explained.

“I’m a kid from a guitar shop whose education was T. Rex, [David] Bowie, Sex Pistols, The Exploited, The Clash, moving to me discovering NWA, shoegaze, bands like you and Public Enemy, who dreamt about it. Then the guitar shop is almost like the graveyard of rock stars who tried. And to end up here? I feel like I’m seven again in my dad’s shop.”

READ MORE: Yungblud’s Authenticity, Success + Connection With Rock Legends – Interview

He concluded by stating that he is thrilled people are noticing him now that he has transitioned into rock ‘n’ roll, as that genre has always inspired him.

Yungblud Credits Billy Corgan for Inspiring Him to Go Rock

Earlier in their conversation, Yungblud recalled seeing Corgan as a guest on an episode of Allison Hagendorf’s podcast and commented on his voice.

“Honestly, you were such a massive part of that turning point,” Yungblud acknowledged. “When you hear someone you look up to, an idol you look up to, say, ‘I think it’s time for him to sing, I think it’s time for him to do a rock album’… I was like, ‘Oh, finally I can really lean into [that].’

The rocker described that moment as like a “comet” hitting him, which touched Corgan deeply.

Check out Corgan’s full podcast episode below.

The Music Icon Billy Corgan Compares Yungblud To (And Why)