MARINA took the stage at Lollapalooza with laser-like focus and an instant connection to the crowd. The sun was setting, and Grant Park felt electric—not just because it was Chicago’s famous festival grounds, but because MARINA made every inch of that wide-open space feel intimately hers. She opened with “Venus Fly Trap,” the title track from her latest album, and from that first note, it was clear: this was more than a mini pop festival set. It was a statement.
Fans of all ages, styles, and backgrounds were packed close, dancing even before the first beat really hit. People who grew up with her Electra Heart angst sung along with the new-world wisdom of Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land. If you’d ever wondered what it looked like to walk behind a star whose artistry evolves yet stays authentic—tonight was the answer.
Full Setlist
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Venus Fly Trap
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Froot
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PRINCESS OF POWER
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Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land
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CUPID’S GIRL
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I Am Not a Robot
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Are You Satisfied?
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EVERYBODY KNOWS I’M SAD (Live debut)
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BUTTERFLY
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How to Be a Heartbreaker
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CUNTISSIMO
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Primadonna
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I <3 YOU
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Bubblegum Bitch
Career Growth and Evolution
MARINA has always been one to grow visibly, not hide it. There was an audible shift tonight between the youthful pop rebellion of her early career—Bubblegum Bitch era—and the emotional clarity of songs like Venus Fly Trap and Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land. The setlist felt like witnessing someone embrace who they’ve been and who they’re becoming, all while remaining unapologetically themselves.
It was more than just a nostalgia trip. Throwbacks like Primadonna and I Am Not a Robot were paired with newer, fiercely honest songs. The emotional evolution was constant—but so was the emboldened spark. MARINA still spoke directly to hearts and minds, but now with a sharper sense of self and purpose.
Style and Image Development
MARINA’s visuals mirrored her artistic growth. She arrived in a slick yet playful stage outfit—bold colors, unique textures—that paid homage to earlier eras but grounded her firmly in 2025. The lighting and visuals shifted smoothly behind her: neon blooms during Froot, cosmic motifs during Ancient Dreams, and subtle gothic elements during CUNTISSIMO—each reinforcing her current aesthetic.
Additionally, her movements and stage presence had evolved. Gone was the more tentative young pop star. In her place stood a performer with assured confidence: powerful gestures during hooky anthems, quiet moments leaning in close during introspective tracks, and playful winks at the crowd during cheeky lines like How to Be a Heartbreaker.
Signature Roles
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Lead Vocalist / Visionary: MARINA’s vocals were nuanced and emotional. She soared on choruses like CUPID’S GIRL, whispered secrets during I Am Not a Robot, and stayed relentlessly on point all night.
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Band & Backing Vocals: The live band was tight, with crisp keyboard swirls, guitar accents, and back-up vocals that added depth without overshadowing her. During Bubblegum Bitch, things turned chaotic and fun—perfect for the finale.
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Visual Crew: The video transitions were smooth and memorable, giving each era of her music a highlight without feeling distractingly cinematic.
Essential Project: The Setlist
This setlist felt crafted as a “then and now” breakdown: Venus Fly Trap and Ancient Dreams introduced a bold new chapter. Classics like Froot, Primadonna, and I Am Not a Robot reminded the crowd why they got hooked in the first place. And EVERYBODY KNOWS I’M SAD, being a live debut, raised energy and exclusivity.
The pacing was smart: uptempo start, pausing for emotional arcs with mid-tempo tracks, then building back to sing-along anthems and dance-pop closers. The structure made it feel like a mini-album in live form: narrative, emotional, and cathartic.
Her Popularity in 2025
MARINA’s evolution from indie pop darling to full-on pop visionary is complete—and unapologetic. At Lollapalooza, she wasn’t an opener or a curiosity; she was a highlight, invited to the prime evening slot, and packed a crowd of people who knew every word, old and new. Her ability to keep aging with her audience while staying controversially catchy is rare—and exactly what kept her on the Lolla stage.
Performance Highlights
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“EVERYBODY KNOWS I’M SAD” — The live debut. The crowd’s cheers before the first word proved the anticipation was real. Emotion pooled in that moment, and it stuck.
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“Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land” — A high point of the performance visually and sonically. The beat hit like a mantra, and the LED backdrop spiraled with animated cityscapes and constellations. The energy soared.
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“I Am Not a Robot” — Singalong central. A multi-generational chorus erupted like a tidal wave of devotion.
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“CUNTISSIMO” — Left-of-center, glam-dark, bold. She owned the moment with sass and a swagger that felt empowering to the crowd.
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Finale: “CUNTISSIMO,” “Primadonna,” “I <3 YOU,” “Bubblegum Bitch” — The energy peaked with choreography, confetti, and everyone screaming lyrics. A visceral release.
Audience Engagement
MARINA’s dialog with the crowd felt organic and genuine. She cheered for the city of Chicago, told a quick touch that she’d spent the day sketching downtown, and joked about learning to crowdfund her own festival stage. Her banter wasn’t about filler—it felt like bridging the stage and the story of many in earshot.
The crowd responded with roars—during beat drops, lyrical standouts, or just an invitation to scream. Everyone felt invited to be part of it. From the youngest to the oldest attendees, phones went up, voices chimed in, and when Bubblegum Bitch came on, it was pure catharsis.
Stage Presence
MARINA moved with purpose. She never felt constrained by the stage or the festival format. During introspective songs, she leaned into the spotlight like she was revealing a secret to you alone. During dance-heavy numbers, she owned the spine of that monumental festival platform. No unnecessary choreography—just dynamic presence, striking visuals, and sincerity.
Her styling shifted to highlight each era’s mood: softer looks during emotional tracks, sharper leather-like outfits during edgy numbers like PRINCESS OF POWER or CUNTISSIMO. It was storytelling through wardrobe, and it worked.
Final Thoughts
MARINA’s Lollapalooza set was a moment in time—but also timeless. It captured who she was, who she’s becoming, and why we’re still here, singing along. This wasn’t nostalgia or a trend; it was an evolution made live, seen in real-time by people who still care deeply about honest-pop-art.
Her return to Chicago wasn’t just a performance—it was proof that a pop star can evolve visibly, elegantly, and still draw us closer. It was not just another festival set—it was her festival set.