The bridge between Lollapalooza’s past and present kept getting built during the second installment of the world-famous festival, which is currently in the midst of its 20th anniversary as a stationary destination inside the spacious Grant Park.

It was topped by one of the the hottest pop/rock stars on the planet, Olivia Rodrigo, who already sold out a pair of United Center stops on the standard “Guts” World Tour and has since expanded the trendsetting project as “Guts (Spilled).”

Not only did the singer/songwriter/guitarist perform the best of both editions, diving directly into “obsessed,” “ballad of a homeschooled girl” and “vampire,” but amply showcased the blockbuster “Sour” breakthrough, passionately delivering everything from “drivers license” to “deja vu,” plus bringing out all of Weezer to collaborate on the classics “Buddy Holly” and “Say It Ain’t So.”

It may have been a “brutal” emotional roller coaster at various points, yet Rodrigo proved to be “good 4 u” and the throngs of faithful, who screamed practically every word on the way to the fireworks-adorned finale “get him back!”

Across the field, alternative/nu metal veterans Korn cranked up much of a seemingly endless multi-platinum streak that now spans 30 years and finds the mostly original line-up continuing to record through the latest “Requiem.”

No matter the era, front man Jonathan Davis, guitarist James “Munky” Shaffer, fellow guitarist Brian “Head” Welch, drummer Ray Luzier and their touring troupe always went balls to the wall, which was reciprocated by multiple generations head-banging and fist-raising their way “Blind” around the endless intensity.

It wasn’t the first time Wallows made its way to Lolla, but following the release of “Model” and a monumental rise, the alt-rock/indie pop act comprised of singer/rhythm guitarist Dylan Minnette, vocalist/lead guitarist Braeden Lemasters and drummer Cole Preston is nearing headline status.

That’s because the trio appeared equally charismatic and catchy, cranking out singles such as “Calling After Me,” “Remember When” and “Are You Bored Yet?,” all while bringing Los Angeles’ beachy vibes to the otherwise Windy City.

Though he could’ve easily been a closer as well, singer/rapper/songwriter/actor and frequent collaborator T-Pain had tons come to recall a steady streak of hip-hop and pop chart-toppers, representing the bulk of this century thus far.

They included the personally-stamped “Low,” “Buy U A Drank (Shawty Snappin’)” and “All I Do Is Win” (as everybody’s hands went up, and they stayed there), ensuring the party got going as early as possible.

There was also a colossal homecoming for artist/actor Joe Keery (“Stranger Things”), who goes by the moniker Djo and delivered an organic blend of electronics, psychedelics and new wave influences along the path to “Basic Being Basic” and “End Of Beginning.”

Harrison Patrick Smith, better known as The Dare, had the masses moving with a bold cocktail of dance-punk, electroclash, new rave and indie rock, culminating in the unshakable stretch of “Cheeky,” Charli XCX’s “Guess” and “Girls.”

Throughout it all, Lollapalooza continued its commitment to sustainability by powering the main T-Mobile stage’s audio, lights, video and general production by hybrid battery, which last year saved over over 3,000 gallons of fuel and prevented 26 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions or “the equivalent of powering five homes with electricity for an entire year,” further propelling the literal and musical energy towards the official weekend portion of the festivities.

---

Lollapalooza continues at Grant Park through Sunday, August 3. For additional details, visit Lollapalooza.com.