The Weeknd returns as Lollapalooza’s “Starboy,” Dua Lipa’s next, Zedd lights up the night
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When the work week wrapped up, Lollapalooza made sure everyone knew it was Saturday with dueling headliners The Weeknd and Vampire Weekend. Though the R&B-infused hip-hop star and the indie rock band had absolutely nothing in common other than the names, it was still a coin toss who was worthiest of the walk given their mutually prominent stature.
But the real talk of the town other than The Weeknd and Zedd was Dua Lipa, who’s been steadily escalating since she burst out of England with 2017’s self-titled debut, but officially arrived as a mega-star with a sexy, sporty, sweaty, spectacular hour that was unquestionably main stage material.
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Dua Lipa by Candice Lawlar/ Lollapalooza 2018
In between, Russian/German DJ, producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Zedd spun the radio dial between tons of his own sugary tag teams with Maren Morris, Alessia Cara and Selena Gomez, alongside throwbacks to the immortal likes of Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston, plus some “One More Time” for Daft Punk’s sake. Even Elley Duhé showed up in the flesh for “Happy Now” as throngs of EDM appreciators jumped and twirled to the sights of flames and lasers lighting up the night.
But the real talk of the town other than The Weeknd and Zedd was Dua Lipa, who’s been steadily escalating since she burst out of England with 2017’s self-titled debut, but officially arrived as a mega-star with a sexy, sporty, sweaty, spectacular hour that was unquestionably main stage material. “Blow Your Mind (Muah),” “One Kiss,” “IDGAF” and “New Rules” were just a few of her galvanizing, rhythmic fist-pumpers that continue to be soundtracks of the summer.
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LL Cool J by Candice Lawlar/ Lollapalooza 2018
From the emerging voices, electronic band ARIZONA brought the brightest from its freshman effort “Gallery,” but also gave a glimpse of an equally promising future on the dance floor with “What She Wants,” “Freaking Out” and “Summer Days.” It was painful there was some overlap with dreamy synth poppers Pale Waves, but “There’s A Honey” especially hit the sweet spot, plus new wave-inspired newcomer morgxn appeared as both a solo piano storyteller and backed by a full band, displaying a glorious voice and an inclusive theme in either context.
Lollapalooza also made sure to uphold its tradition of hosting a certified legend amidst all the younger faces and rapper LL Cool J nailed what was basically an hour-long mega-medley. The man behind “Mama Said Knock You Out” turned in so many genre cornerstones it was impossible to keep count, but he did indeed “Rock The Bells” right to the very back of a packed house.
Lollapalooza continues at Grant Park through Aug. 5. For additional details, visit Lollapalooza.com.
For additional information on The Weeknd, visit TheWeeknd.com.