Lorde returned to Lollapalooza in Chicago on Thursday night with an emotionally charged performance that marked nearly a decade since her last complete set at the festival. The New Zealand singer, born Ella Yelich-O’Connor, headlined the T-Mobile stage opposite Naperville native DJ John Summit, who delivered a high-energy homecoming set on the Bud Light stage.
Lorde’s 2017 Lolla appearance was famously cut short by a thunderstorm evacuation, but this year she fully embraced the moment with a 20-song set that spanned her career. She performed tracks from her latest album "Virgin," as well as earlier works such as "Buzzcut Season" and "Ribs." The latter was dedicated to younger audiences still discovering themselves, with the stage illuminated by pink laser lights as fans sang along. Among the highlights was “The Lovers,” a song she had eagerly anticipated performing in 2017 before weather forced her offstage.
The performance was notable for its blend of introspection and theatricality. Accompanied by two musicians and interpretive dancers, Lorde’s choreography ranged from intense movement to moments of vulnerability as she utilized dramatic lighting and stage design to emphasize themes of human connection in an increasingly mechanized world. The night’s visuals included a bird’s-eye view of electronic equipment on stage and biometric monitors attached to Lorde, underscoring her expressed concerns about technology and artificial intelligence.
Addressing the audience, Lorde reflected on the current state of the world, describing the future as "harder and darker" than she had previously imagined. She urged attendees to cherish their shared presence and resilience, emphasizing communal support through dance, singing, and emotion. At one point, she paused to allow medics to assist fans in the crowd, integrating her message about human connection and care.
A surprise guest appearance by fellow pop artist Charli XCX added an unexpected highlight as the two performed a duet of “Girl, So Confusing,” a track from Charli’s 2024 album “BRAT.” The song, originally an open letter addressing comparisons between women in the music industry, took on added resonance as the two artists shared the stage, symbolizing solidarity amid a festival lineup dominated by female performers.
Meanwhile, John Summit, born John Schuster, energized the Bud Light stage with a headlining DJ set emphasizing his tech house sound. Summit, who grew up near Chicago before rising internationally after the release of his breakthrough track “Deep End,” engaged the crowd with tracks from his recent album “CTRL ESCAPE” and his own label’s imprint, Experts Only. His set included hits and collaborations, reflecting a trajectory from part-time DJ to established festival performer and entrepreneur.
Festival attendees grappled with the dilemma of choosing between the two acts, as both Lorde’s contemplative artistry and Summit’s pulsating beats offered distinct but equally compelling experiences. Together, their performances underscored a multifaceted weekend of music that highlighted personal growth, musical evolution, and community connection across genres and generations.