Sabrina Carpenter headlines Sunday's lineup at Lollapalooza 2025 in Chicago. (Image Credit: Raph_PH)
Lollapalooza 2025, Day 4 Recap: Sabrina Carpenter Throws the Ultimate Pop Dance Party
Lollapalooza 2025 wrapped its final day in a blaze of lights, beats, and electric performances — all without a single drop of rain, though Chicago’s skyline shimmered through the haze of Canadian wildfire smoke. As the sun set over Grant Park, thousands gathered for a night to remember, headlined by two very different but equally magnetic artists: the effortlessly stylish A$AP Rocky and the bubbly pop powerhouse Sabrina Carpenter.
But before the final fireworks lit the sky, Sunday delivered a rich and diverse lineup full of surprises, first-time moments, and cultural crossovers that captured the magic of what Lolla is all about.
Sabrina Carpenter Closes Lolla With Pop Perfection
As the final performer of the weekend, Sabrina Carpenter transformed the T-Mobile Stage into a glammed-up throwback to old-school dance shows like Soul Train and American Bandstand. The set design oozed nostalgia, with neon lights, checkerboard floors, and dancers straight out of a 70s dream sequence. But make no mistake — this was no museum piece. Sabrina’s performance was a full-blown celebration of modern pop joy.
In a jaw-dropping surprise, she brought out Earth, Wind & Fire to join her on iconic anthems Let’s Groove and September, turning the field into a citywide disco. The generational crossover was unexpected but perfect — a true Lolla moment that had fans of all ages dancing in unison.
Throughout her set, Carpenter delivered her signature hits like Feather, Nonsense, and Espresso with flawless vocals and choreography that made it feel more like a televised award show than a festival set. It was theatrical, colorful, and filled with the kind of cheeky charm that has made her one of 2025’s most beloved pop stars.
“You never know what to expect with Sabrina,” one fan gushed, glitter makeup smudged from dancing. “But it’s always a ride.”
A$AP Rocky Arrives in a Helicopter (Because, Why Not?)
Earlier that night, A$AP Rocky reminded the crowd that he’s the undisputed king of the unexpected. After keeping fans waiting past his set time — a classic Rocky move — he arrived via helicopter, dangling with a megaphone and donning pink curlers in his hair. It was absurd, theatrical, and deeply iconic.
Once grounded, he launched into Taylor Swif, followed by hits like L$D, Sundress, and deep cuts like LVL and I Smoked Away My Brain — rare gems for longtime fans. He kept the energy loose but loving.
“I know rap is competitive right now, but I’m gonna spread love tonight,” he said. And he did just that.
Remi Wolf’s Mystical Madness
If there was one set that felt like a wild dream, it was Remi Wolf’s. She took fans on what she called a “brutal, dehydrated, mystical” journey, belting out fan favorites like Cinderella and Hello Hello Hello, all while performing high kicks in hoop skirts and dancing through floral decor.
Her cover of Life Is a Highway felt like a cosmic karaoke session, and her unfiltered storytelling about hotel hook-ups had the crowd howling. In a festival packed with polish, Remi was the wild card we didn’t know we needed.
Mariah the Scientist and Young Thug Heat Things Up
Mariah the Scientist had a solid set that could’ve used more visual flair — but then she dropped the mic figuratively by bringing out Young Thug. The crowd erupted as the pair performed Walked In, their 2021 hit. It was a fiery moment that briefly turned her mellow set into a heatwave.
Mariah’s vocals were strong, especially on Burning Blue and All For Me. With her upcoming album Hearts Sold Separately generating buzz, she’s poised to make even bigger waves.
Katseye’s Lolla Debut Proves K-pop is Here to Stay
One of the most talked-about performances of the day came from Katseye, the global girl group blending Latin flair, hyperpop, and K-pop choreography. They debuted Gabriela, a fiery song with flamenco breaks and Spanish verses that sent fans into a frenzy.
Each member brought their own cultural heritage to the stage — from Korea to the Philippines, Venezuela to India — turning the performance into a global celebration. Songs like Touch and M.I.A. confirmed they’re not just a novelty act; they’re here to dominate.
Their fandom, known as the Eyekons, showed up in full force — and after this set, it’s safe to say their numbers will only grow.
Landon Barker Proves He’s More Than a Nepo Baby
Yes, Landon Barker is the son of Travis Barker. But at Lolla, he proved he’s carving his own path. Clearly nervous at first, the 21-year-old found his groove mid-set with Freaks and a gritty emo cover of Kids by MGMT.
“I always worry nobody’s gonna show up,” he admitted, but the crowd proved otherwise. By the end, with Die in California, he had the audience chanting for more. Dad would be proud.
Other Notable Mentions
-
Post Animal filled in for Wunderhorse and gave fans a treat with a surprise set featuring Stranger Things star Joe Keery.
-
Dua Saleh brought artistry and activism to the Grove Stage, highlighting their newest project I SHOULD CALL THEM.
-
Gigi Perez continued to ride the wave of her hit Sailor Song with a moving performance and a call to protect queer and trans rights.
A Fitting Finale to an Iconic Festival
From wild theatrics to heartfelt surprises, Lollapalooza 2025’s final day delivered a spectacle that summed up the entire festival: colorful, chaotic, and unforgettable. Sabrina Carpenter’s closing performance was the icing on the cake — a glitzy, glitter-filled celebration that turned Grant Park into the world’s largest pop party.
As fans poured out into the warm Chicago night, one thing was clear — Lollapalooza 2025 didn’t just meet expectations. It blew them out of the park.
0 Comments