Female artists dominate 2025 Lollapalooza festival lineup

This year's music festival lineups highlight a notable shift towards female artists. Lollapalooza, taking place in Chicago from July 31 to August 3, announced Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter as headliners. Gracie Abrams is also featured prominently. This trend marks a significant moment for women in a music scene that has been traditionally male-dominated. Critics have remarked that this is the first Lollapalooza where no traditional rock band will headline. However, some believe that artists like Rodrigo and Carpenter, along with their bands, embody the rock genre's spirit. Music critic Rob Sheffield argues that they are modern-day rock stars, similar to those in the 1990s, capable of entertaining large crowds. Female representation at music festivals is expanding beyond Lollapalooza. K-pop group Twice will be the first all-female act to headline the festival. Numerous Gen Z female artists like Raye and beabadoobee are also set to perform at Glastonbury. Many of these artists are headlining multiple festivals this summer, reflecting a broader trend in the music industry. Despite the excitement, some festivalgoers express dissatisfaction with the focus on younger, pop-oriented acts. This sentiment is rooted in longstanding cultural biases against music produced for and by women. Paula Harper, a musicologist, pointed out that there has always been resistance toward female acts in this space. Historically, female representation in rock music peaked in the 1990s before declining. Now, artists like Rodrigo, Carpenter, and Charli XCX are revitalizing that legacy. Sheffield feels this moment is a fulfillment of a long-awaited change, bringing back a feminist aesthetic to the festival scene. The popularity of female artists can also be attributed to their financial success. Major acts such as Lady Gaga and Blackpink have grossed hundreds of millions from their tours. The financial incentive for festivals to book these artists is clear, as they attract large audiences. Overall, the rise of female headliners at music festivals signals a cultural transition. Experts agree this moment in pop music is significant and likely to persist in the future.