Guessing game: Who could headline Lollapalooza in 2025
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Chappell Roan at Lollapalooza in 2024. Photo: Natasha Moustache/Getty Images
Lollapalooza is confirmed to return to Grant Park this summer, while the lineup is expected to be announced later this month.
The big picture: It's become a tradition for music fans to guess who will be headlining the festival based on clues like touring dates, album releases and other music festival lineups.
State of play: We have sleuthed out who we think might be (and who might not be) headlining this year.
Methodology: We are Lollapalooza purists. The festival is rooted in alternative music, which can cross genres, but we'll stop short of suggesting pure pop stars like Sabrina Carpenter or Bruno Mars.
Megastars
Some artists are too big to play the festival in Grant Park, which can draw over 50,000 attendees a show. This includes Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Bad Bunny.
Yes, but: That doesn't preclude the festival from making a splash. Some rumored stars include Olivia Rodrigo, Charli XCX and Lizzo, all available in early August.
Our choice: Lady Gaga. Gaga just dropped a new album and hosted "Saturday Night Live" last weekend. She's played Lolla twice, but not since 2010.
Hip-hop
Lolla loves to book hip-hop headliners with recent examples like Eminem, Kanye West, J. Cole and Outkast.
- But don't expect the biggest hip-hop star on the planet, Kendrick Lamar, to come back to the festival. He plays at Soldier Field in June. Usually, stars who are on summer tours are ineligible for Lollapalooza.
- The same goes with Tyler, The Creator (United Center in July) and Post Malone (Wrigley Field in May).
Our choice: Doechii. The rising star won Best Rap Album at the Grammys and isn't touring in early August.
- Lollapalooza may not tap the newish artist to headline, though, so look for her to command an afternoon slot like Chappell Roan did last year.
Rock 'n' roll
Lollapalooza loves to pick a vintage rock headliner. The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters and Metallica all headlined recently.
- There are rumors that Green Day, Vampire Weekend, Avril Lavigne and Tame Impala could be tapped.
Our choice: How about Nirvana? The bandmates reunited for the SNL 50th concert with Post Malone replacing Kurt Cobain. They only did one song at that reunion, but how hard can it be to learn all of "Nevermind"?
Local faves
Lolla likes to showcase the local favorites, but this year the festival may be hard-pressed to find a headliner from Chicago.
- The Smashing Pumpkins would be a welcome return, but they'll be touring Europe in August. Common is aging out of Lollapalooza, Chance the Rapper hasn't produced enough new music and Lil Durk may be going to jail.
Our choice: Fallout Boy. The emo pop band has reunited and although they are loyal to Riot Fest, we could see them rocking a Saturday night in Hutchinson Field.