Billie Eilish, Karol G, Carly Rae Jepsen amongst the many magnificent ladies of Lollapalooza

Billie Eilish Photos provided by Pooneh Ghana, Ismael Quintanilla III and Ashley Osborn for Lollapalooza 2023

As the annual Lollapalooza spectacular opened its four-day stand in Grant Park, co-headliner Billie Eilish proclaimed, “I literally can’t see any place where there’s not people.”

It was both a testament to her meteoric popularity as one of this generation’s most trusted and innovative voices, while also speaking to the festival’s endurance for what’s now been well over three decades.

Even though it’s been a bit since she dropped anything other than a couple “Guitar Songs” and “What Was I Made For?” from the “Barbie” soundtrack, Eilish is still riding high off the pair of blockbuster projects, “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” and “Happier Than Ever,” which literally shifted the entire landscape of alternative pop/rock since she last appeared on the very same grounds as an emerging afternoon artist.

Billie EilishDespite the enormity of the audience, the 21-year-old singer/songwriter, who went back to black hair and sported a Chicago Bulls jersey, commanded attention with a down-to-earth stage presence, hypnotic beats, occasional acoustics, and ultimately, a huge helping of homespun hits, from “Ocean Eyes” to “Bad Guy” and the latest long player’s title track, accompanied by producer/brother Finneas and a drummer.

On top of all her artistic excellence, the environmentally conscious event and Eilish collectively partnered with REVERB to use solar powered battery systems for her performance as part of wider a plan to continue reducing emissions in the future and further build upon current sustainable practices, such as the Rock and Recycle Program and YETI Hydration Stations.

Across the field, Karol G got started a few minutes sooner with “Bichota” and a bunch from “Mañana Será Bonito” (“Tomorrow Will Be Pretty”), which led her to becoming the first woman to ever have a Spanish-language album debut at the top of the Billboard 200.

The Colombian singer/songwriter also made similar history as a closer of Lollapalooza, reeling in both reggaeton regulars and those who embraced her pop crossover collaborations with Shakira, Becky G, Tiësto and tons more.

Country lovers encountered the classic “Bell Bottom” stylings of Lainey Wilson, who proudly proclaimed “Things A Man Oughta Know” while bringing attitude and authenticity to a diverse night of leading ladies.

Billie EilishFellow troubadour Noah Kahan is commanding massive crowds pretty much everywhere on earth since releasing the breakthrough body of work, “Stick Season,” cast in the folksy pop tradition of Mumford & Sons, Hozier and loads of retro inspirations, but make no mistake, this is a true original who’s as connective as they come.

Newcomer Charlotte Sands is already fully formed rock star breathing fresh life into the pop/punk landscape with empowering and inclusive anthems, including “Dress,” inspired by Harry Styles’ fashion sensibilities and dedicated to everyone’s right to choose how they express themselves.

Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern, better known as Sofi Tukker, were a blast from beginning to end given an unceasing spread of world-flavored EDM bangers, alongside an ever so timely spin on Aqua’s “Barbie Girl.”

In addition to being an endorphin-rushing draw on the official opening day, Carly Rae Jepsen also headlined the IHG Hotels & Resorts Lollapalooza Kick-Off Party inside the Boleo at the luxurious Kimpton Gray Hotel.

An exclusive VIP audience was treated to top tunes such as “Run Away With Me,” “Cut To The Feeling,” and of course, “Call Me Maybe,” plus bubbly pop pleasantries from her brand new album, “The Loveliest Time.”

Those looking to relax and unplug at any point during the festival can head over to the hotel for a chance to win a stay in the swanky “Guest How Carly Rae Jepsen Guests’” suite or experience its many standard amenities to recharge for another round.


Lollapalooza continues at Grant Park through Sunday, August 6. For additional details, visit Lollapalooza.com.