Grant Park was alive with anticipation on August 1, 2025, as fans flocked to see Olivia Rodrigo take the stage at Lollapalooza. The festival grounds were buzzing with energy, a mix of diehard fans and casual festival-goers drawn to one of pop music’s brightest stars. As Olivia and her band emerged, the crowd erupted, ready for a night of raw emotion, powerhouse vocals, and undeniable stage presence. The atmosphere was electric, a perfect match for the intensity and intimacy that Olivia brings to her live shows. Adding to the excitement was a surprise element: Weezer would be joining her for part of the set, promising unique collaborative moments that had fans buzzing even before the first note hit.
Full Setlist
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Obsessed
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Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl
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Vampire
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Drivers License
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Traitor
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Bad Idea Right? (Extended Outro)
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Love Is Embarrassing
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Pretty Isn’t Pretty
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Happier
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Enough For You
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Buddy Holly (Weezer cover) – with Weezer
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Say It Ain’t So (Weezer cover) – with Weezer
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So American
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Jealousy, Jealousy (preceded by band introductions and instrumental solos)
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Lacy
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Deja Vu
Encore: -
Ring of Fire (Video interlude)
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Brutal
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All-American Bitch (Extended Outro)
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Good 4 U
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Get Him Back!
The Energy
From the very first notes of “Obsessed”, Olivia commanded the stage with the confidence of a seasoned performer. Her vocals were pristine, yet carried that raw vulnerability that has become her signature. The festival’s massive crowd responded instantly, jumping, singing along, and matching her energy at every turn. Each song was delivered with precision and emotion, highlighting Olivia’s uncanny ability to balance youthful relatability with professional stagecraft.
The inclusion of her extended “Bad Idea Right?” outro was a masterstroke, giving the band a moment to shine and Olivia to stretch her performance, teasing the crowd and letting the intensity build. During “Drivers License” and “Traitor”, the crowd swayed, phones raised, capturing each heart-wrenching lyric. These songs felt especially intimate, even in a festival setting, proving Olivia’s ability to connect with thousands of fans simultaneously.
Highlights & Crowd Moments
One of the most unforgettable moments of the evening came during Olivia’s collaboration with Weezer. Their joint performance of “Buddy Holly” and “Say It Ain’t So” was electric. Rivers Cuomo, Brian Bell, and Scott Shriner brought their signature energy to the stage, creating a moment that felt spontaneous and celebratory. The crowd went wild, singing along to the classic hits while also cheering for Olivia’s seamless integration into these iconic tracks. It was a true merging of generations, with Olivia’s contemporary pop-punk flair blending effortlessly with Weezer’s classic alternative sound.
Other standout moments included “Jealousy, Jealousy”, which was preceded by band introductions and instrumental solos, showcasing each musician’s talent while giving Olivia a playful spotlight. The audience cheered not only for her but for the entire ensemble, reinforcing the sense of camaraderie and shared experience. “Good 4 U” later in the set had the crowd screaming the chorus back at Olivia, a testament to the song’s enduring popularity and infectious energy.
The encore elevated the performance even further. Olivia returned with “Brutal”, “All-American Bitch”, and “Get Him Back!”, each song leaving the crowd more energized than the last. The combination of nostalgia, vulnerability, and unrestrained fun defined the encore, a perfect way to close a high-stakes festival set.
The Vibe
The overall vibe of Olivia’s set was a dynamic blend of introspection, rebellion, and pure fun. She effortlessly navigated between heartfelt ballads and high-energy anthems, keeping the crowd engaged and emotionally invested. The festival setting added a communal energy—thousands of voices harmonizing, dancing, and fully present in the moment. Olivia’s charisma shone through in every gesture, from playful interactions with the crowd to genuine moments of gratitude and vulnerability.
The visual production complemented her performance without overwhelming it. Lighting changes and video interludes, like the “Ring of Fire” prelude, enhanced the mood and helped transition the crowd smoothly from one emotional peak to another. The set design was minimal but effective, emphasizing the music and Olivia’s presence, which, after all, was the real centerpiece of the show.
Fans across the spectrum—from teenagers to adults who have followed her since the release of SOUR—felt included in this performance. The energy was both intimate and stadium-sized, a testament to Olivia’s universal appeal and her ability to command any stage, large or small.
Tiny Quibbles
While the performance was largely flawless, a few minor observations are worth noting. The transition from the intimate ballads to the high-energy tracks occasionally felt abrupt, momentarily jolting the crowd from one emotional space to another. Additionally, during the Weezer collaborations, the sound mix slightly favored the festival’s house system over Olivia’s vocals, though this only slightly affected clarity during the instrumental-heavy sections.
These minor quibbles are inconsequential in the grand scheme of the evening. In every other respect, the performance flowed seamlessly, and the few technical hiccups were easily overshadowed by the strength of the songs and Olivia’s undeniable presence.
Final Thoughts
Olivia Rodrigo’s performance at Lollapalooza on August 1, 2025, was a masterclass in festival musicianship, stagecraft, and emotional storytelling. She navigated a 21-song set that ranged from intimate ballads like “Drivers License” to high-energy anthems like “Good 4 U” and “Get Him Back!”, creating a fully realized musical journey that left fans exhilarated.
The setlist was perfectly curated, mixing chart-topping hits, fan favorites, and the exciting inclusion of Weezer covers. These collaborations were more than just novelty—they highlighted Olivia’s versatility and ability to honor music history while making it her own. The audience engagement throughout the night underscored her status as one of her generation’s most compelling performers.
From the emotive highs of “Traitor” to the danceable grooves of “So American”, every moment of the set was a testament to Olivia’s skill as a performer. Her stage presence, vocal prowess, and genuine connection with the audience created an experience that was intimate, fun, and unforgettable—all the things a great festival performance should be.
As fans streamed out of Grant Park, the consensus was clear: Olivia Rodrigo had delivered a set that not only lived up to expectations but exceeded them. It was a celebration of talent, youth, and unfiltered emotion, solidifying her status as a defining voice of her generation. The Lollapalooza stage had been hers for the night, and she owned it completely.