Olivia Rodrigo is leading a packed New Music Friday with “Drop Dead,” the lead single from her upcoming third studio album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love. The track includes an Amy Allen co-write and a nod to The Cure, putting Rodrigo back in the center of the week’s biggest pop conversation.
The release has also drawn attention because it arrives alongside a wide wave of new music from major names across pop, rock, and dance. Billboard’s New Music Friday poll is asking listeners to choose the standout release, and Rodrigo’s entry is competing with songs and projects that cover a broad range of sounds.
Olivia Rodrigo returns with a new lead single
“Drop Dead” marks Rodrigo’s latest step into her next album cycle, and the song is framed as the lead single from her third studio album. The reference to The Cure and the involvement of Amy Allen give the release extra weight for fans tracking how Rodrigo’s sound continues to evolve.
Rodrigo has already built a strong pop profile, and this new release keeps her positioned among the week’s most closely watched drops. The song arrives in a release window crowded with both established stars and rising acts, which makes the poll especially competitive.
Sombr and Madonna add more buzz to the poll
Sombr also made a notable move this week with “Potential,” a new single released ahead of his set at Coachella weekend two on Saturday, April 18. The timing gives the track added visibility, especially for listeners following artists tied to festival momentum.
Madonna joined the week’s conversation with “I Feel So Free,” the first taste of Confessions II, which she debuted on iHeartRadio’s Pride Radio Friday. The new song extends her dancefloor focus and adds another high-profile option for voters in the poll.
A crowded week across pop, rock, and dance
Several other releases widened the field. Tyla and Zara Larsson teamed up on “She Did It Again,” while Demi Lovato released “Low Rise Jeans” as a tribute to Britney Spears’ Blackout era. Lana Del Rey also shared “First Light,” described as a cinematic cut tied to the new James Bond video game of the same name.
Rosalía also returned with new material, refreshing last year’s critically acclaimed Lux with several new songs led by “Focu ‘Ranni.” The range of releases shows how much ground the week covered, from sleek pop collaborations to cinematic and experimental turns.
More singles and albums expand the competition
The single releases did not stop there. New tracks also arrived from Riley Green, Midland, Inayah, WizTheMc, Buju Banton, Cody Johnson, 21 Lil Harold & BabyDrill, Ava Max, Belles & Dolly Parton, and Kenya Grace.
The album side was similarly busy, with Nine Inch Noize — the collaboration between Nine Inch Nails and Boys Noize — releasing a 12-track self-titled project that reworks NIN classics such as “Closer.” ZAYN also dropped his fifth studio album, Konnakol, while Sexyy Red shared Yo Favorite Trappa Favorite Rappa and M.I.A. unveiled the gospel-leaning M.I.7.
Other notable projects in the mix
Additional releases included Lewis Capaldi’s Survive EP, Yaya Bey’s Fidelity, Protoje’s The Art of Acceptance, Jessie Ware’s Superbloom, rjtheweirdo’s At Least She’s Beautiful, Tokischa’s Amor & Droga, Flying Lotus’ 1983, Amma’s Middle Child, and John Summit’s CTRL Escape.
Billboard is inviting fans to vote on their favorite New Music Friday release, and the result reflects a week that spans pop, dance, rock, country, and more. With Olivia Rodrigo, sombr, and Madonna all in the spotlight, the poll captures just how wide and competitive the latest release slate has become.
