From Lorde and Charli XCX’s onstage collab, a surprise performance from Olivia Rodrigo and Zara Larsson’s show-stopping “Lush Life,” Lollapalooza 2026 brought all the unforgettable energy.
Held in Chicago’s Grant Park from July 30 to Aug. 2, this year’s festival was filled with iconic surprise duos, throwback hits and addictive dance breaks. But DW—if you weren’t able to see the Chicago stage IRL, we’re here to count down the moments that have everyone refreshing their feeds.
Olivia Rodrigo’s Smash-Hit Surprise
@lollapalooza Olivia Rodrigo takes the stage with The Smashing Pumpkins to perform “33” together 🥹 #lollapalooza #chicago ♬ original sound – Lollapalooza
Earlier last week, sightings of Liv at O’Hare airport had our Instas blowing up with theories about our pop rock princess gracing the Lolla stage.
Turns out The Smashing Pumpkins’ headlining set held the cure to our questions. Billy Corgan invited Olivia to center stage, and the two performed “Thirty-Three” off the band’s 1995 album. And Olivia’s look was as angelic as her vocals, with a vintage mini dress that brought a dreamy feel to The Smashing Pumpkins’ ’90s grunge. Our summary of this duo can be found in the lyrics of their very own performance: “Love can last forever.”
Tate McRae Dips Into Her Golden Era
@tatequalityy the most iconic popstar ever WHAT #tatemcrae #fyp ♬ original sound – tatequalityy
Leave it to Tate McRae to figure out a way to level up her Met Gala look. Tate’s 2026 Met Gala gown had the pop star gilded and glowing. And her Sunday night headlining set kept up Tate’s metallic streak, as she took a golden bath during her “Sports Car” finale. The triple-threat treated us with all the hits, from her “Just Keep Watching” opener to classic bops like “Exes.” The singer included “You Broke Me First” in her setlist—aka the song that started it all—and even honored her “Create With Tate” days (IYKYK)!
Other than taking the gold for costume changes, Tate wowed the crowd with a standout performance of the “Siren Sounds” unreleased bridge.
Adéla Brought All The Right Moves
@rightnowzoee MY HEART, SHES SO SWEET🥹🥹 #adela #lollapalooza #prima #fyp #aintinla @ADÉLA ♬ original sound – Zoë ⸆⸉ 🪩🎀
Between her show-stopping vocals, en pointe choreography and mesmerizing hot pink locks, Adéla’s quick launch to superstardom comes as no surprise.
In an emotional speech, Adéla reflected on her childhood in Slovakia, her younger self’s dreams for stardom and the “Ain’t In LA” mission to give smaller cities their flowers. After shouting out her mom and little sister, Stela, Adéla officially became the *coolest* older sister by getting the entire crowd to wish Stela a happy birthday.
Katseye icons and The Debut: Dream Academy co-stars, Megan Skiendiel and Lara Raj, took their reactions to Lara’s Insta story. The two are calling it now: Adéla is “our next superstar,” and their happy tears during Adéla’s set serve as proof.
Charli XCX and Lorde Worked It Out On The Lolla Stage
@annachristineb BLESSED TO HAVE SEEN THIS WITH MY OWN EYES #lorde #charlixcx #girlsoconfusing #lollapalooza #lolla @Lollapalooza @Charli XCX @Lorde ♬ original sound – anna 🧿
Lorde is no stranger to owning the Lolla stage. With previous Lolla sets in 2014 and 2017, Lorde has def earned her spot as the 2026 headliner. Giving us “Royals,” “Green Light,” “Supercut,” “David,” “Man of the Year” and an emotional finale of “Ribs” to close out her 21-track setlist, the singer had us living our fantasies.
As her surprise guest, Lorde brought out Charli XCX to perform “Girl, So Confusing,” and this crossover of 2026 headliners had *everyone* on their feet. This iconic duo won some of the night’s loudest screams as they strutted the stage in matching ponytails.
Audrey Hobert Goes Screen-Free
@suchamusicgeek such a star!!!!! i see the phones. #audreyhobert #lollapalooza #summersessions #allpointseast #lorde ♬ original sound – lorde🍓
Audrey Hobert gave the only show-stopping performance that *isn’t* crowding your feed—sue her! After her first rendition of “Sue Me,” Audrey replayed the track but challenged the crowd to go screen-free. Living completely in the moment, the second “Sue Me” performance had the crowd dedicating all their energy to scream-singing (and having the *most* fun).
Audrey calls the Lolla crowd “by far the most people [she’s] ever performed to.” And with the crowd’s reactions to “Bowling Alley,” “Silver Jubilee” and “Thrist Trap,” we have a feeling the crowd is just going to grow from here.
Zara Larsson, We Will “Never Forget You”
@ttylerwells this moment brought tears to me eyes 😭😭 @Zara Larsson @Lollapalooza #zaralarsson #lollapalooza #lollapalooza2026 #lushlife #musicfestival ♬ original sound – tyler wells
Zara Larsson just performed for her biggest U.S. crowd to date (and we’re replaying her performance ‘til the day we die). The singer was riffing *and* running during her performance of “Midnight Sun,” serving ethereal vocals during “Symphony” and had celebs beaming during her “Pretty Ugly” chant. And ofc, we can’t forget about the standout performance of “Lush Life” (and the surprise fan that danced his heart out ‘til the dawn).
Zara Larsson’s jaw-dropping performance has fans theorizing that she’ll return next year as the festival’s headliner (and we’re already preparing our glittery, Y2K makeup looks for her set).
Sombr and 5 Seconds Of Summer Take Us Back To The 2010s
@letthesuningirl Like oh my god #sombr #5sos #lollapalooza #fyp #chicago ♬ original sound – silvie🎀💐🥳❤️
Sombr has officially won Throwback Thursday. Across his Thursday set, the singer gave us performances of “My Body Isn’t Ready,” “Back To Friends” and “Homewrecker” that brought all the feels.
But the moment that has everyone talking is 5 Seconds of Summer taking the stage as Sombr’s surprise guest. Bringing all the 2010s nostalgia, Sombr put his own spin on the band’s infamous “She Looks So Perfect”. The nostalgic collab topped off the full-circle moment of the band’s performance of Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” in their personal set, bringing 5SOS fans back to the band’s Take Me Home Tour days.
Tag us on IG @girlslifemag telling us your fave moment from Lolla 2026!
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Images: @kirstentitus, @kayleehulse
