Sabrina Carpenter brings out Earth Wind & Fire for epic finale at Lollapalooza capping a weekend of surprise musical pairings that united generations at Grant Park.
Sabrina Carpenter brings out Earth, Wind & Fire on the final night of Lollapalooza in Chicago, one of the festival’s biggest headliners, delivered an unforgettable performance as surprise guests to help the enthusiastic crowd “let loose and groove” in an epic collaboration that would become one of the weekend’s most talked-about moments. As the setting sun painted the sky near the iconic Buckingham Fountain, the stage was set for a truly memorable experience that left fans blown away.
“If I could bring out some friends for you guys,” former Disney star Sabrina Carpenter announced to the roaring audience on the T-Mobile stage, as the instantly recognizable opening notes of Earth Wind & Fire’s classic hit “Let’s Groove Tonight” began pulsating through the speakers. “So I thought, why not bring out my friends from Chicago? Give it up for Earth Wind & Fire!” The crowd responded with a deafening “Please, please, please!” chant, eager for the collaboration to begin.
Sabrina Carpenter in a photoshoot for Converse in 2019
Photo credit: Phillip Mansfield, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
The iconic Chicago band, which first emerged from Chicago’s vibrant music scene in 1969, joined Carpenter on stage Sunday for an electrifying two-song performance that included their timeless dance anthem “September.” The unexpected collaboration bridged generations of music lovers and created an electric atmosphere throughout Grant Park, serving as a cultural bridge between different age groups. The performance, complete with talented background singers and backup dancers executing flawless ballroom dance moves, felt like a theatrical production that transported the audience through time.
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“The whole place went insane when they walked out,” recalled Matt Rodrigues, a Chicago native who attended the show with his niece. “It was like a massive dance competition erupted in the crowd. People were showing off their best ballroom dance moves – it was nonsense, but in the best way possible!” The magical moment was captured in numerous viral videos that quickly spread across social media platforms, showcasing the pure joy and excitement of the crowd as they witnessed this remarkable musical fusion.
The festival was filled with similar surprise collaborations throughout the entire weekend, solidifying its status as a cultural trend. It seemed more than mere coincidence that so many unexpected pairings occurred. Notable among them was pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo’s set, where she brought out alternative rock legends Weezer for powerful renditions of their classic hits “Say it Ain’t So” and “Buddy Holly,” creating another memorable moment for festival-goers. Country sensation Luke Combs and rising star Gracie Abrams also made appearances, adding to the diverse musical lineup. Even “Stranger Things” star Joe Keery made a surprise appearance, much to the delight of fans.
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Local Impact and Festival Highlights
The massive four-day musical extravaganza, which kicked off Thursday in Chicago’s historic Grant Park, came to a spectacular close on Sunday night with fans singing “Last Goodbye” along with their favorite artists. City officials announced that roads and streets in the surrounding area of this beautiful city would begin their phased reopening process on Monday, marking the end of another successful Lollapalooza festival.
Earth, Wind & Fire at the 2023 Gateway Celebrity Fight Night in Phoenix, Arizona.
Photo credit: Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Lollapalooza has once again proven its power in bringing people together, uniting music fans of all ages and backgrounds in a celebration of diverse musical genres. The festival not only showcased top-tier talent but also highlighted Chicago’s rich musical heritage and its ongoing role in shaping the contemporary music scene. From classic R&B tracks to modern pop hits on the Billboard Hot 100, the event truly offered something for everyone, including a performance by rising star Doechii that had the crowd chanting “I Feel Good” in unison.
Local Chicago artist Chance the Rapper made a surprise appearance, delighting fans with his unique blend of jazzy rap and soulful melodies, truly embodying “hometown glory.” Christina Aguilera also graced the stage, delivering a powerhouse performance that had the crowd singing along to her chart-topping hits. Her “manchild” energy on stage was infectious, keeping the audience engaged throughout her set.
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The festival’s impact goes beyond just music, as it has become a platform for various forms of artistic expression. Street artists added vibrant colors to the festival grounds, with one particular street artist creating a mural that perfectly captured the spirit of Lollapalooza. The retro aesthetic of acts like Earth Wind & Fire reminded attendees of the timeless nature of great music, while also showcasing how these legendary performers paved the way for today’s artists. It’s clear that Lollapalooza continues to be a significant force in shaping cultural trends and bringing diverse communities together for the culture.
Despite some minor technical difficulties during one of the performances, the overall experience remained positive for attendees. The food lines were manageable, and festival-goers enjoyed a wide variety of culinary options between sets. From traditional festival fare to more exotic offerings like taiyaki and kong dogs from the “Asian Snacks” stand, there was something to satisfy every palate. The “Wow Bao” booth was particularly popular, as was “Matcha City,” offering refreshing green tea concoctions to beat the heat.
Feeling out of the loop? Stay connected with all the latest updates through the Chicago Catch-Up newsletter, your essential guide to the city’s biggest news and events, including future announcements about next year’s lineup and potential surprise guests. As Lollapalooza enters its second year under new management, expectations are high for even more spectacular performances and unforgettable moments in the future.
The festival also saw collaborations with major brands, including Ulta Beauty, which set up a pop-up shop offering touch-ups and festival-ready looks for beauty lovers. This partnership added an extra layer of excitement for attendees looking to perfect their festival style. The “Hat Bar” was another popular spot, where festival-goers could customize their headwear to match their oversized flannel shirts and other trendy festival attire.
As the sun set on another successful Lollapalooza, fans were already buzzing about potential lineups for future events. With rumors swirling about possible appearances from artists like Kacey Musgraves and the enigmatic Mariah the Scientist at next year’s festival, the anticipation for Lollapalooza 2025 is already building. Some fans were even spotted wearing “Sabrina merch,” showing their support for this year’s breakout performer.
In the end, Lollapalooza 2024 will be remembered not just for its incredible musical performances, but for the way it brought together people from all walks of life, creating a vibrant tapestry of sound, color, and community in the heart of Chicago. From the diverse crowd that included everyone from weed smokers to families, to the eclectic mix of music that ranged from Deep Purple-inspired rock to the latest hip-hop hits, the festival truly had something for everyone. As one fan put it, “This festival is always n forever in my heart – it’s the ultimate celebration of music and culture.”
The newly introduced “Vibe Village” area became an instant hit, offering a space for festival-goers to relax and recharge between performances. This addition proved crucial for those carrying extra weight in the form of camping gear or oversized backpacks, providing a comfortable spot to unwind and soak in the festival atmosphere.
As Lollapalooza continues to evolve, it remains a testament to the enduring power of live music and the unifying force of shared cultural experiences. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a first-time attendee, the festival promises to deliver memories that will last a lifetime, cementing its place as a must-attend event in the music world.
Source:
NBC Chicago Staff (August 4, 2025). ‘Whole place went insane:’ Sabrina Carpenter brings out surprise guest on final night of Lollapalooza. https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/whole-place-went-insane-sabrina-carpenter-brings-out-surprise-guest-on-final-night-of-lollapalooza/3804081/
Header Photo: Sabrina Carpenter in a photoshoot for Converse in 2019
Photo credit: Phillip Mansfield, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
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