This past weekend, downtown Chicago buzzed with excitement as thousands of fans flocked to Grant Park for Lollapalooza. For many, it marked the long-awaited return to live music after the pandemic halted concerts in March 2020. Despite concerns over rising COVID-19 cases, the festival’s energy remained undiminished, with standout performances from artists like Megan Thee Stallion and Miley Cyrus, who lit up the stage over the four-day event.

Miley Cyrus kicked off the festival with a bang, headlining the opening night in a dazzling red Gucci jumpsuit. Her setlist spanned her two-decade career, blending nostalgic hits like “The Climb” and “Party in the USA” with recent tracks like “Plastic Hearts.” Special guest appearances by Billy Idol, Wiz Khalifa, and Juicy J added extra star power to her performance. Between songs, Cyrus delivered introspective speeches, reminding the crowd of their collective strength and expressing hope that Lollapalooza represented a light at the end of a difficult tunnel.

Other memorable performances included Olivia O’Brien, who brought raw energy and honesty to her set, despite the sweltering heat. Flo Milli energized the crowd with her catchy hooks and visual flair, while Aly & AJ offered a more intimate performance that resonated with both Gen Z and millennial fans. Kim Petras electrified the stage with her choreography-filled set, and Megan Thee Stallion closed out the weekend with a sizzling performance, embodying her Hot Girl Summer mantra with confidence and flair.