REVIEW

LOLLAPALOOZA 2025 MADE ITS ICONIC RETURN — to Chicago’s Grant Park from July 31 to August 3, packed with four days of festival-goers eagerly camping out to catch their favorite artists, once-in-a-lifetime surprises and diverse talent from all over the world. From surprise collaborations and star-studded headliners to spotlighting hometown artists, this year’s Lolla was one for the books.

Headliners include Tyler The Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, Korn, Twice and Sabrina Carpenter. Korn delivered a blistering, high-octane headlining set that reminded fans why they remain icons of nu-metal, while Rodrigo brought a heartwarming GUTS celebration to her headlining moment. To close out the festival, Carpenter showed her pop star dominance—drawing a massive crowd and surprising everyone by bringing out the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire for a high-energy, cross-generational moment.

This year’s lineup saw a powerful representation of female artists across genres. Girl group KATSEYE stunned with a dazzling, dance-heavy performance. R&B trailblazer Doechii broke all the rules with a high-concept, genre-bending performance that lit up the stage, while artists like Gracie Abrams, Remi Wolf, Clairo, and Mariah the Scientist all created intimate, emotional spaces on the festival grounds.

Yet beyond the big-name headliners, Lollapalooza always spotlights some of the city’s most exciting homegrown talent. Ravyn Lenae’s soulful set was both futuristic and rooted in Chicago’s rich R&B lineage, while indie-rock band Ratboys delivered an emotionally charged performance. Djo, the psych-pop project of Chicago native Joe Keery, captivated the crowd with his viral “End of the Beginning” hit.

Whether you came for the headliners, discovered a new favorite on a side stage, or felt the pride of seeing Chicago artists shine on a big platform, Lolla 2025 delivered a memorable and record-breaking weekend.

THURSDAY, JULY 31

Sister rockers and Luna sweethearts Girl Tones kicked off Lollapalooza with a jolt of high-octane energy that set the tone for the entire weekend. The two-piece channeled the raw spirit of classic 90s Riot Grrrl rock. The crowd was headbanging, dancing, and shouting along, fully locked into their explosive set. Despite being just a duo, Girl Tones filled the stage like a full band, delivering a sound that was both tight and unfiltered. Their chemistry radiated outward, as their opening set felt like a headline moment, showing that Girl Tones are not only ones to watch, but ones to follow into the pit.

Hometown favorites Ratboys made their Lollapalooza debut this year, bringing their indie rock and shoegaze sound to the Bud Light stage. As one of the few Chicago-based bands on the lineup, their set felt like a homecoming, and local fans showed up in full force, crowding the barricades. Frontwoman Julia Steiner’s vocals rang out strong and steady. Steiner wielded a Flying V guitar, even during the band’s softer, more stripped-down songs. Their setlist pulled heavily from their acclaimed album The Window.

Hometown R&B and pop songstress Clairice made a stunning Lollapalooza debut as part of the Chicago Made showcase, delivering a performance that was sensual and self-assured. Taking the stage with a radiant presence, Clairice immediately captivated the crowd, her vocals smooth, rich and effortlessly mesmerizing. Performing tracks from her debut EP Patient On Me alongside fan-favorite “Truly,” her set was an embodiment of feminine strength, tender yet fearless.

Alt-electronic duo FCUKERS turned up the heat with a high-energy, dancefloor-ready set that had Grant Park buzzing. Shannon Wise and Jackson Walker Lewis delivered a performance that was sexy, chic and gritty—wrapped in a vibe that felt both fresh and uniquely nostalgic. Fans were treated to some of their most iconic tracks, including the irresistible “Bon Bon,” “Homie Don’t Shake” and “Play Me.”

Magdalena Bay took the Lollapalooza stage on a mesmerizing journey, performing their newest album Imaginal Disk in its entirety to an entranced crowd. From ethereal opener “Image” to fan favorites like “Death & Romance” and “Love Is Everywhere,” the band created a dream-like realm. The stage itself became a visual portal, adorned with glowing angel wings that framed the band’s surreal, otherworldly atmosphere. Frontwoman Mica Tenenbaum’s airy, ethereal vocals floated effortlessly over shimmering synths, creating a chill yet lighthearted vibe that kept the crowd captivated. She switched between a series of costume masks, from delicate sunflower petals to a fierce monster visage, while also sporting multiple costume changes, including a fiery flame cape and a celestial ensemble adorned with planets. Fans mirrored her look by painting half their faces in shimmering silver and blue, turning the crowd into a living extension of the performance’s cosmic aesthetic.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1

Japanese all-women punk band Otoboke Beaver ignited the Lollapalooza crowd with a ferocious, high-energy set that had mosh pits erupting and the audience fully charged from start to finish. Frontwoman Accorinrin radiated passion and gratitude, telling the crowd how much she loves Lollapalooza and how honored the band was to perform on such a legendary stage. Dressed in vibrant rockabilly floral outfits that contrasted sharply with their hardcore sound, Otoboke Beaver delivered a bewitching performance defined by guttural screams and blistering energy. Their punk fury was matched by a clear, powerful message: “As a Japanese punk band, stop genocide and stop the starvation of Gaza. We want peace in the world,” Accorinrin declared. The band ripped through fan favorites like “Don’t Light My Fire,” “S’il Vous Plaît” and “datsu. hikage no onna.”

T-Pain drew one of the biggest daytime crowds of the weekend with a set that doubled as a nostalgia trip and a masterclass in live performance. Fans of all ages packed the lawn, ready to sing every word. He kicked things off with his signature hits like “Think It’s a Game” and “Bartender,” sending waves of excitement through the crowd as they danced and rapped along to every line. He showed off vocal range with a string of unexpected and soulful covers. His rendition of Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me” was tender and heartfelt, while “Tennessee Whiskey” and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” turned into massive sing-alongs that had the entire park swaying. T-Pain reminded everyone why he remains a beloved figure in pop culture and why his live sets are always a good time.

Nu-metal legends Korn closed out the night with a headlining set that shook Grant Park to its core. With a massive crowd gathered, frontman Jonathan Davis stepped up to the mic, letting out his iconic scream, “Are you ready?” and launched into “Blind,” igniting pure catharsis in the crowd. The band tore through a mix of fan favorites, from the crushing chaos of “Y’All Want a Single,” “Falling Away From Me,” and “Got the Life” to “Twisted Transistor” and the haunting build of “4 U.” Davis’ aggressive bark and signature scatting were as unrelenting as ever. The crowd, some of whom came dressed as literal corn in a nod to the band’s name, was locked in from start to finish, feeding off every guttural scream and drop-tuned riff.

Pop star Olivia Rodrigo delivered one of Lolla’s most anticipated and electrifying performances. Before she even stepped on stage, fans had been camped out for hours, some arriving at sunrise just to claim a front-row spot. Many in the crowd wore shades of purple, a loving tribute to Rodrigo’s GUTS era, and the sea of color only added to the electric atmosphere as tens of thousands packed in to sing their hearts out. Rodrigo hit the stage in a sparkling silver two-piece, shimmering under the lights as she powered through hit after hit with confidence. From the heartache of “Drivers License,” to the raw vulnerability of “Vampire,” Rodrigo performed each of her chart-toppers to a massive. She had great chemistry with her all-female band who accompanied her and brought a rock sound to her set. One of the most unforgettable highlights came when Weezer joined Rodrigo on stage for a surprise appearance, teaming up for explosive renditions of their 1994 classics “Buddy Holly” and “Say It Ain’t So.”

SATURDAY, AUGUST 2

UK alt-rock band bôa made a long-awaited and triumphant Lollapalooza debut, bringing their 90s rock revival to the daytime stage with a set that was both nostalgic and full of new life. Though their set was tight and dynamic throughout, it was the performance of their iconic track “Duvet” that sent chills through the crowd. The song, originally released in the late 90s and best known as the opening theme for the anime Serial Experiments Lain, has experienced a viral resurgence in recent years, especially on TikTok. By leaning into the timeless quality of their sound, bôa proved that their second life is just as resonant, relevant and raw as ever.

Pop icon MARINA lit up the stage in true star form, donning a bubblegum pink Vivienne Westwood look that perfectly matched her theatrical flair. With a setlist that spanned her full, genre-shifting discography, MARINA offered fans a glittering, high-drama journey through eras past and present—from Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land to FROOT, all the way back to her beloved Electra Heart days. She opened with the fiery anthem “Venus Fly Trap,” immediately commanding attention with her powerful vocals and playful, flirtatious energy. Mid-set, Marina surprised the crowd with the live debut of “Everybody Knows I’m Sad.” By the time she closed with the explosive fan-favorite “Bubblegum Bitch,” the crowd was fully in her grasp, singing, dancing, and reveling in the eclectic pop realm that only MARINA can deliver.

Self-proclaimed swamp princess Doechii delivered one of the most theatrical and impactful performances of Lollapalooza 2025. Her set, creatively structured as a live play titled Doechii’s School of Hip-Hop, transformed the stage into a vibrant classroom-meets-playground, complete with a giant boom box, school desks, and even a slide that Doechii and her dancers used throughout the performance. Doechii commanded attention with fierce choreography, quick-fire bars, and a presence that radiated joy, fierceness and sensuality. She tore through hits like “Nissan Altima,” “Anxiety,” and “Denial is a River” at a breakneck pace, each “lesson” in her school of hip-hop spotlighting a different aspect of her artistry, from vulnerability to dominance to sheer lyrical brilliance.

The set was a love letter to hip-hop and queer culture. In one of the show’s standout moments, Doechii brought out JT of City Girls as a surprise guest, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Holding it all down was DJ Miss Milan, whose old-school record-scratching solo and magnetic stage presence added yet another layer of authenticity and depth to the set. Dozens of musical references, from Missy Elliott to Doug E. Fresh, were referenced into the performance.

Global superstars TWICE made history at Lollapalooza as the first all-female K-pop group to headline the festival, and their performance was nothing short of groundbreaking. With a perfectly polished blend of powerhouse vocals, sharp choreography and commanding energy, the nine-member group—Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung and Tzuyu—delivered a set that radiated global femme power. Their performance marked a milestone not just for TWICE, but for the growing presence of K-pop on international festival stages. TWICE moved effortlessly through hits like “Talk That Talk,” “Moonlight Sunrise” and “Strategy.” They also surprised the crowd with the live debut of “Takedown.”

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3

Rebecca Black proved herself a true festival force on Sunday with not just one, but two standout sets that showcased her range and deep connection to her audience. Earlier in the day, she lit up Perry’s stage with a high-energy DJ set that had the daytime crowd dancing through sand and dust clouds. Her set was rooted in queer, femme energy, with infectious crowd interaction and a deep understanding of how to move a festival audience. Later in the evening, she returned to the stage for her full artist set, taking complete command and delivering a polished performance. Playing highlights from her critically praised SALVATION album, Black embodied a versatile stage presence, at turns fierce, reflective and raw. From sunrise to sunset, Black didn’t just show up, she showed out as she shifted from club bangers to more intimate, emotionally-driven tracks that proved her evolution as an artist.

Aliyah’s Interlude lit up Lolla with a high-voltage performance rooted in fierce self-love, hot girl affirmations and pure star power. Opening with the commanding “Fashion Icon,” the artist wasted no time bringing the audience into her world of self-love. Dressed in matching schoolgirl outfits alongside her two backup dancers, Aliyah transformed the stage into her classroom leading the crowd through classes like “Put That Man in His Place 101.” Mid-set, she pulled out a whiteboard covered in handwritten affirmations like “I get everything I want,” and had the audience shout them back, turning the performance into an interactive celebration of queer joy, femininity and inner strength. Her uplifting speech, “You can reinvent yourself today, tomorrow. You aren’t the same person you were yesterday,” was met with roars of support. She closed the electric set with her breakout hit “It Girl.”

French rock band La Femme made their Lolla debut with an expansive, genre-bending set that felt like a whirlwind tour through 80s and 90s Euro-rock and electro-pop. The band performed tracks from their recently released album Rock Machine, blending psychedelia and punk, La Femme’s Lolla set was anything but predictable.

The Marías brought their signature smooth rendezvous of jazz percussion, hypnotic guitar riffs, nostalgic horn solos and smoke-velvet vocals to their Lolla set, turning the festival grounds into a sultry, dreamlike escape. Frontwoman María Zardoya was ethereal and commanding, floating across the stage with effortless grace as she danced and urged the crowd to move with her. The band’s setlist pulled from their beloved debut CINEMA and their latest project Submarine, with crowd favorites like “Hush” and “Run Your Mouth” igniting swells of movement. One of the set’s most magical moments came with a cover of The Cardigans’ “Lovefool.”

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