Women take center stage at Lollapalooza 2024
Having attended every Lollapalooza in Chicago since its inception, I’ve cherished each festival's unique lineup and unforgettable moments. But Lollapalooza 2024 was something extraordinary from the very beginning. The anticipation for Chappell Roan had been building for months, and her performance at 5 p.m. on the festival's opening night was a defining moment.
Chappell Roan, the breakout star of 2024, electrified an astonishing crowd of 80,000 fans in vibrant hot pink and cowboy hats. According to CNN, her set drew the largest daytime audience in Lollapalooza history. The sight of thousands of attendees joining in the “Hot to Go” dance, captured by drone footage, will forever be etched in the festival’s legacy.
Chappell Roan, the breakout star of 2024, electrified an astonishing crowd of 80,000 fans in vibrant hot pink and cowboy hats. According to CNN, her set drew the largest daytime audience in Lollapalooza history. The sight of thousands of attendees joining in the “Hot to Go” dance, captured by drone footage, will forever be etched in the festival’s legacy.
The recent docuseries Lolla: The Story of Lollapalooza provides a deeper understanding of this milestone. The festival's debut in 1991 had only one female act, Siouxsie and the Banshees. This year, however, marked a turning point, showcasing the rise and prominence of female artists across the festival’s stages.
The 2024 lineup was a testament to this shift, starting with Kesha’s return to Lollapalooza. Having first performed here in 2009, Kesha reintroduced herself with her new single “Joyride” during an electrifying aftershow. Fans seamlessly transitioned between stages to catch both Chappell Roan and Kesha, transforming the festival into a two-hour celebration.
The 2024 lineup was a testament to this shift, starting with Kesha’s return to Lollapalooza. Having first performed here in 2009, Kesha reintroduced herself with her new single “Joyride” during an electrifying aftershow. Fans seamlessly transitioned between stages to catch both Chappell Roan and Kesha, transforming the festival into a two-hour celebration.
Day one culminated with Megan Thee Stallion’s dynamic performance, which featured a surprise appearance by Angel Reese and an enthusiastic crowd. Friday continued the trend with stellar performances from SZA, Renee Rapp, Victoria Monét, Raye, Megan Moroney, Sexyy Red, and a debut by Ava Maybee, daughter of Red Hot Chili Peppers' drummer Chad Smith.
Saturday saw Laufey make history as the first artist to perform with the Chicago Philharmonic, delivering a legendary set that included a surprise visit from British singer Raye. Romy and Tate McRae infused soul and dance into the festival, while Melanie Martinez headlined on Sunday, bringing the event to a thrilling close.
Saturday saw Laufey make history as the first artist to perform with the Chicago Philharmonic, delivering a legendary set that included a surprise visit from British singer Raye. Romy and Tate McRae infused soul and dance into the festival, while Melanie Martinez headlined on Sunday, bringing the event to a thrilling close.
This year’s Lollapalooza was truly iconic for female artists, and I’m eagerly anticipating what the next festival will bring. During a backstage chat with Perry Farrell, I mentioned Lady Gaga as a dream returnee for 2025, especially given her past appearances in 2007 and 2010.
Here’s hoping we can manifest Gaga’s return for next year’s festival!
Here’s hoping we can manifest Gaga’s return for next year’s festival!