One of the most iconic music festivals of our generation, Lollapalooza, had an insane run in its home city of Chicago this summer. It also made history as the festival was available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu for the first time this year.
So many incredible and historic moments happened over those four days, so I’m going to break it down and catch you up on everything you missed.
Asha Banks Opened on Day 1
The My Fault: London actress made her Lollapalooza debut by opening the T-Mobile stage to play her hits and live debut her highly anticipated unreleased track, “Biggest Fan.” Though her set wasn’t live-streamed, Banks still had support from so many people in the crowd, proving she is well on her way to becoming a household name and headliner material.
Audrey Hobert Played Her Biggest Crowd To Date
Audrey Hobert’s whimsical personality and debut album have taken over the internet, and she is definitely not going anywhere anytime soon. The singer-songwriter played her biggest show on the first day of the festival at the Allianz stage. And before you ask, yes, the trampoline was there.
Bella Kay sang at Her First Festival
The “iloveitiloveitiloveit“ singer performed on the BMI stage to a huge crowd, dressed head to toe in Hollister to sing her viral hits and songs from her recently released album, My Reckless Abandon. She will be touring across the US this fall for fans who couldn’t see her at Lolla.
Sombr Brought Out 5 Seconds of Summer
Sombr’s Lollapalooza debut at the T-Mobile stage was electric, but he especially delighted fans by bringing out Australian boy band 5 Seconds of Summer to perform their iconic song “She Looks So Perfect”. No one expected this moment, and no one will forget it.
Lorde brought out Charli XCX (Again)
Lorde’s headlining set was incredible, opening with a brand-new unreleased song. Her set also featured a live performance of “Girl, so confusing” with Friday headliner Charli XCX, who surprised fans by appearing on stage to sing the remix live for the fourth time.
John Summit Headlined His Hometown Fest For The First Time
Summit went full out for Lolla this year, with a full production on stage along with dancers to play his hits and newest from his most recent album, CTRL ESCAPE. He brought out British singer-songwriter Absolutely during his set. Summit also showed a bittersweet video explaining his career and life to the crowd before playing his best mixes.
Olivia Rodrigo Made A Surprise Appearance With The Smashing Pumpkins
After Rodrigo was spotted at O’Hare, many fans speculated she would be performing a surprise set at Lollapalooza (she did this a while back at Primavera Sound). They were right, as she was brought out on Friday to sing with The Smashing Pumpkins during their headlining set.
Charli XCX Debuted New Album Live
Charli xcx is undoubtedly one of the most influential artists in pop culture at the moment (BRAT summer is still very much a thing). She had one of the most powerful sets of the weekend, blending BRAT, Wuthering Heights, and Music, Fashion, Film. For half an hour, Lollapalooza was a rave, as she performed multiple songs from her most recent record live for the first time. She even brought a runway to her stage, giving the fans plenty of fashionable moments.
Looking forward to the tour, Charli!
Lil Uzi Vert Pulled Up With Major Lazer to Close Day 2
After his set was cancelled due to a mix of travel and rain delays, it seemed Lil Uzi Vert would not be performing at Lolla this year, leaving many fans disappointed. Hours later, he surprised everyone by joining DJ group Major Lazer for some of their biggest hits as they closed out night two on the Perry’s stage.
Zara Larsson Still Has Main Pop Girl Energy
Larsson’s set was delayed due to Lil Uzi Vert’s last-minute cancellation, but she made up for it by delivering her best performance of the year to her biggest US crowd to date.
Olivia Dean Brought Out Sam Fender
The UK superstar is already on her way to global superstardom, and her headlining cements her legacy and the comeback of jazz music as a whole. She surprised fans by bringing out Sam Fender to play their beautiful collaboration “Rein Me In” in the United States for the first time, and it was absolutely wonderful.
Jennie Debuted New Music
Jennie’s K-pop training and pop star power were on display during her headlining set. She performed her newest single, “Less Than A Lover,” as well as a few unreleased songs. As the first Korean musician to headline Lollapalooza, she made history playing her hits and showcasing her skill with an ease most performers spend their lives chasing.
Disco Lines Closed Out Night Three
Day three was still eventful, even with the late start. Fan-favorite DJ Disco Lines closed out Saturday night, playing all of his hits including “I Don’t Trust A Soul” and “No Broke Boys.” He even performed a special mix incorporating Chicago legend Chief Keef’s cult classic “Love Sosa” with his signature brand of EDM and rap to create an electric environment, and the rest of his set? Insane.
Adéla Took over on Day Four
The Debut: Dream Academy produced the successful global girl group KATSEYE and the beginnings of a new one, Saint Satine. Still, both groups pale in comparison to the star power held by Adéla Jergová, the 22-year-old Slovak superstar. She quickly progressed from playing small venues to opening for Demi Lovato, and is now playing for massive crowds. Adéla debuted “Marijuana,” and sang her hit “Red Bottoms,” getting the audience hyped and ready for the rest of the day.
aespa brings out ty dolla $ign
Korean girl group Aespa made their Lolla debut this year, and did not disappoint. They brought out rapper and producer Ty Dolla $ign during their set to perform their new song “Switchblade,” to the delight of fans.
Tate McRae teases new era and fourth album
McRae began teasing her fourth era before her dual festival appearances this weekend, leaving fans wondering if she would reveal another new song as she did at last year’s show. McRae walked out much blonder than before, and honestly? She’s not beating the Britney Spears allegations. The entire setlist was stacked with hits, “ANYTHING BUT LOVE” and the scrapped bridge of her bonus song, “Siren sounds.”
McRae also teased a new song at both Lollapalooza and Osheaga, ending her set by dipping herself in gold. Overall, it was one of her most powerful performances. I cannot wait to see what she does next and what this new era holds.
Though the festival had its ups and downs, it’s pretty safe to say that this was the most memorable edition of Lollapalooza to date, and I cannot wait to see what they have in store for next year!