Each and every night of Lollapalooza – taking place in Chicago’s Grant Park July 31 through Aug. 3 – fans have two amazing headliners to choose from. During Day 2, festival-goers were faced with a stark decision to make, whether to see pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo close out the T-Mobile Stage or to head over to the south end of the grounds to witness nu-metal legends Korn rock the Bud Light Stage.
These two artist couldn’t be more different. They come from different eras, fit in different genres, and have completely different styles. When talking with fans one thing became clear – whether seeing Korn or Olivia, an amazing performance was about to be experienced.
Shoony, Sage, and Grayson drove in from the south suburbs ready to get their worlds rocked by Jonathan Davis and company.
“I grew up with Korn, so for me, it’s like a lifestyle. I’m going to this concert. It’s happening. It’s happening today,” said Shoony noting that “Freak on a Leash” and “Blind” were among the most anticipated songs. “I wanted to see them when they were here last in Chicago. So, I feel like this might be my only chance.”
Hannah, Parker, Emily – from Kentucky and Florida – were posted up at the T-Mobile stage before 2 p.m. to camp-out and make sure they had a great position for Olivia’s 8:40 p.m. set. Hannah viewed Lollapalooza 2025 as the perfect chance to revisit a missed opportunity.
“I came because Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter were gonna be playing at the same festival. So I knew I could not pass this up, because last time they played the same stage was Jingle Ball, and I did not make it,” said Hannah.
Parker and Emily – both of whom had seen Olivia previously – were both excited to witness the energy she would bring to Lollapalooza.
“She really knows how to put on a good performance. And I feel like every time I see her, it’s always a different experience,” said Parker. Emily added, “I think she knows really how to work a crowd and get everyone’s energy up. And I love how she moves around the stage, and I love her music as well. I think it really gets you going.”
Cami, a Florida fan who was looking forward to seeing Olivia up close, and Amanda, from New Jersey, became friends last night at Lollapalooza and part of what they love about Olivia Rodrigo – and Gracie Abrams – is how these shows are more than concerts, they are a chance to build community.
“It’s very pop, really. It’s very united. Everyone’s so nice when we’re all standing here together, we make friends,” said Amanda. “I have countless friends that I’ve made through concerts by these girls.”
Juliet and Juliett, both from New York, were both also really excited to see Olivia up close on the T-Mobile Stage.
“I’m a huge fan. I’ve seen her once in concert, but it was a while ago, so I’m super excited to see her again. She’s great. She’s so fun to see live. She’s such a good dancer. Even my mom likes her, which is so rare. My mom hates all my music,” said Juliet with a laugh.
Eric, along with the father-son duo Jeff and Michael, had a bit of disagreement in their ranks as Eric was going to opt for Olivia over Korn.
“I dropped the bomb on the way here. I’m not seeing Korn with them,” said Eric. “I think I could probably see Korn for way less, so let’s see Olivia. She’s at that point in her career. Let’s go see her now. I mean, not that I don’t like Korn’s music, but I’ve seen them a couple times and I’ve never seen Olivia.”
Michael, who was enjoying his first Lollapalooza as a 21-year-old, was firmly in the Korn camp and was looking forward to hearing some “sick ass music.”
“It’s gonna be cool with a ton of people there. I’m just excited for it,” he said.
Jeff noted that Lollapalooza is becoming a reliable place to make musical memories with his son.
“It’s great,” said Jeff. “We saw Metallica two years ago here together, and it was awesome. You couldn’t ask for anything better.”
Jazz and Jay, from New York, were also both looking forward to seeing Korn close out the Bud Light Stage. Jazz, a self-proclaimed ‘Sabrina Girl’, said that the pop stars’ past rumored feud played in to her disinterest in Olivia a bit, but she was also excited to see Korn again. Jay explained that Korn’s Family Values Tour was his first concert in high school and, after seeing the band perform again back in November, he now has an even deeper appreciation for their hard-hitting music.
“I mean, honestly, I thought I was over it. But, seeing them again last year, I was like, ‘Oh, I still love this shit so much.’ So, I love it. Yeah,” Jay said.
There really is no competition when it comes to Olivia Rodrigo vs. Korn, because everyone’s a winner when you get to spend a night with an artist you love. Head over to Lollapalooza.com for more information about all of the festival fun.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
