The Weeknd returns as Lollapalooza’s “Starboy,” Dua Lipa’s next, Zedd lights up the night

The Weeknd Photo provided by Roger Ho/ Lollapalooza 2018

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.

The Weeknd

Dua Lipa by Candice Lawlar/ Lollapalooza 2018

For those that choose simply The Weeknd, that meant all the red hot tracks that landed him in the big leagues the first time around up through “My Dear Melancholy,” an EP that dropped this spring. However, the Canadian singer, songwriter and producer with the soulful voice was smart to bookend his brisk set with the smash Kendrick Lamar collaboration “Pray For Me” straight into “Starboy” and “Party Monster,” before wrapping with the current, pleading cut “Call Out My Name” and the now classic bass throbber “The Hills.”

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.

The Weeknd

LL Cool J by Candice Lawlar/ Lollapalooza 2018

Rapper Logic remained on his quest to spread “peace, love and positively” bringing the best of “Everybody” with the fresher mixtape “Bobby Tarantino II.” Pop notable Carly Rae Jepsen kept the spunk going well beyond “Call Me Maybe,” while Catfish and the Bottlemen cranked up its blustery blend of British alternative and indie rock.

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.