After a break in 2024, Lollapalooza Paris makes its long-awaited comeback at theHippodrome ParisLongchamp from July 18 to 20, 2025. For this new edition, the festival has pulled out all the stops: more than 60 artists spread over three days, an ultra-trendy line-up mixing pop, rap, electro, rock, R&B and even K-pop. All in an atmosphere as sunny as a Californian summer. The Parisian festival proves once again that it has nothing to envy to Coachella. Of course, you'll have to brave the traditional journey to get to the Hippodrome, but it's well worth the detour!
TikTok in the veins for the opening! For this Friday, July 18, Lolla is betting on a "TikTok stable" program, a line-up of artists revealed (and propelled) by Gen Z's favorite social network. The result is a stage packed with new-generation pop and soul nuggets: Alex Warren, Lola Young, Benson Boone and Olivia Rodrigo headlining.
Arriving in the late afternoon, like a good proportion of festival-goers, we headed straight for the Main Stage West with Alex Warren. While everyone was eagerly awaiting Ordinary as a finale, the full setlist proved to be a revelation. Before You Leave, Chasing Shadows... The American singer transforms his emotions into powerful ballads, both introspective and galvanizing. A festival opener that makes you want to face anything - everyday life, crowded subways, even the queue for still water.
Before moving on, we head to Lolla Chef for an obligatory gourmet stopover: a cookie by Cédric Grolet (€7), or an artisanal ice cream by Jade Genin (€8.50) to recharge the batteries. A well-deserved shot of sugar before returning to the stage.
Perfect timing ... No sooner had the cookie finished than we were in front of Main Stage East for Lola Young's ultra-viral hit Messy. Her deep, husky voice, full of sincerity, catches on from the very first notes. A new sensation on the British soul scene - she recently opened for Billie Eilish in Paris - she imposes her raw, magnetic presence. The audience is won over, including us.
After this musical slap in the face, another break (the second of the afternoon) for a must: the iconic photo in front of the Eiffel Tower, the Lolla version. Selfie with buddies, stylish pose, golden light... It's all there for a festival shot worthy of the name, ready to go viral on Insta.
Back to the stage (running this time) to make sure you don't miss Benson Boone. The iconic arrival of the American artist: dark glasses, swaying hips, legendary front flip... It's clear, the rising pop star has not stolen his reputation as a showman! He delivers hit after hit with a powerful voice and disarming sincerity. Sorry I'm Here For Someone Else, Mystical Magical, Slow it Down, In The Stars, Beautiful Things... All with a stage presence reminiscent of a certain Freddie Mercury (with a moustache to boot!).
And then, a suspended moment. A furtive but very real eye contact. We won't say it was the beginning of a story, but we won't say it wasn't either!
Then, when he asks the audience to turn off their phones for In The Stars, a tribute song to his grandmother, everyone bows. An emotional moment engraved in the annals of Lollapalooza. For those who can't wait, he'll be back in Paris at theAccor Arena for a one-off concert in November.
A packed crowd is already gathering in front of the adjacent stage for Olivia Rodrigo. At the age of 22, the American singer has racked up a string of generational hits: drivers license, good 4 u, vampire... She alternates between piano-vocal moments and rock energy, offering an electric finale to this first day. The lyrics are sung in chorus, without hesitation, like a common hymn. A high-intensity performance, boosted by tracks from her Grammy-nominated album GUTS. Clearly, it's impossible to doze off at this hour of the night... she closes the evening in style, with infectious energy!
With a few songs to go, we take the lead. On the way back, it's a little less glamorous... Overcrowded buses, cabs nowhere to be found, and the network in SOS mode. Friendly advice: plan ahead!
But despite the logistical problems, we can't deny ourselves the pleasure. This Friday, July 18, 2025 will have been a concentrate of talent and emotion. And good news ... it's only the beginning! See you this Saturday, same place, same fire!
Dates and Opening Time
On July 18, 2025
Location
Longchamp racecourse
2 Route des Tribunes
75116 Paris 16
Official website
www.lollaparis.com
