The 30th anniversary of Lollapalooza is officially up and running, putting safety as a priority and steamrolling skeptics to become the largest festival in America that opened its doors after well over a year of pandemic-related closures.

The full-capacity event for the vaccinated or those who presented a negative COVD-19 test felt just like always, outside of presenting a printed copy of that information at the gate, but it was a very small extra step in both the interest of public safety and allowing at least 170 acts to appear on several stages throughout the spacious Grant Park.

A major reason many came was to see none other than former “Hannah Montana” star turned “Can’t Be Tamed” pop/rock powerhouse Miley Cyrus, who continued leaning in the latter lane with her throwback-themed masterpiece “Plastic Hearts,” bolstered on record by guests Billy Idol, Dua Lipa and Joan Jett.

In fact, none other than the ageless Idol himself joined the Gucci-clad headliner and a killer band for their collaborative cut “Night Crawling,” followed by his iconic “White Wedding” in all its punked up glory.

The surprise guests kept right on rolling, from G Herbo on “Love Money Party,” Wiz Khalifa & Juicy J come Mike Will Made‐It’s “23,” and later, The Kid Laroi for “Without You” to complete the hip-hop triple play.

Yet even with all the famous features, Cyrus was in total control, turning in stadium-sized renditions of current and prior “Bangerz,” from “We Can’t Stop” to Blondie’s “Heart Of Glass,” with her signature rasp intact, all while ensuring Lollapalooza became the leading “Party In The U.S.A.”

Across the way, Kim Petras helped set the tone towards those sugary sweet beats with her own brand of extroverted electropop, including a few live debuts, that coaxed even the uninitiated towards the field of a dance floor.

Newly added artist Lunay boldly represented the next generation of reggaeton and picked right up where J Balvin left off in 2019 as the event’s inaugural headliner of Latin heritage.

EDM remains an anchor of Lollapalooza on the stage named after founder/Jane’s Addiction front man Perry Farrell and triple threat collective Cash Cash was amongst the most explosive and entertaining of opening day.

Pop/punk veterans All Time Low initially got going in 2003, likely before many attendees were even born, but nonetheless managed to bridge generations with a little help in the studio from Blackbear and Demi Lovato on “Monsters,” an undisputed anthem that exploded into a communal scream-a-long.

Going back even further, Jimmy Eat World combed through a multi-platinum catalogue of alternative and emo classics to mark the 20th anniversary of “Bleed American,” all of which found the fellas in “Lucky Denver Mint” condition.

Buzz band of the last couple years, Black Pumas, exceeded the hype with a transfixing blend of psychedelic soul and R&B, top-shelf songwriting and a theatrical delivery that will surely lead to future superstar status.

Thankfully, all that kind of action starts right back up again on Friday, with top slots split between Tyler, The Creator and Marshmello, followed by a full weekend of fellow major leaguers and up-and-comers.

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Lollapalooza continues at Grant Park through Aug. 1. For additional details, visit Lollapalooza.com.

For additional information on Miley Cyrus, visit Mileycyrus.com.