The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

Carly Rae Jepsen brings the fun to Lollapalooza opening day

Carly+Rae+Jepsen+points+out+to+the+crowd+during+her+performance+on+Thursday+afternoon+on+the+Bud+Light+stage.
Jacob Slabosz
Carly Rae Jepsen points out to the crowd during her performance on Thursday afternoon on the Bud Light stage.

Pop star Carly Rae Jepsen took over the Bud Light stage for an hour on the opening day of Lollapalooza with a peppy and energetic set, filled with old and new tunes alike.

Jepsen’s stage did not disappoint, as it was filled with backup singers and fog machines to add to the wow factor of the show. Jepsen’s high energy kicked off the set with “Let’s Sort the Whole Thing Out” and “Run Away With Me” to get the crowd warmed up and ready to party.

Along with strong vocals, Jepsen brought the dance moves to each of her songs, adding an extra level of depth to the performance. 

Jepsen’s backing band added more depth as well, including not only stereotypical pop instruments such as guitars and keyboard, but multiple big band instruments as well, including a saxophone and trombone. 

The set was incredibly quickly paced, with Jepsen barely stopping to talk between songs. She ran around the stage to visit each member of her backing band, passing off solos to her backup singers and guitarists.

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The pop singer combined newer hits off of her most recent album such as “Psychedelic Switch” with older classics that brought her to fame such as “Call Me Maybe.” Both were received very positively by the crowd.

Jepsen was also quick to make jokes with her audience between songs.

“Well as far as pick up lines go that’s as good as I’ve got,” Jepsen said after performing one of her most popular songs “I Really Like You.”

There were no dull moments as Jepsen fed off the crowd’s energy and the support of her backing band, keeping things light and casual. 

Jepsen’s Lollapalooza outfit of choice, a stunning light blue dress, proved to be impeding on the fun for the first half of her performance.

“Do we have scissors or something?” The singer asked into the mic. A member of her crew quickly rushed out to help quickly transform the dress into a slightly different look, cutting off the long ends which kept getting in the way of Jepsen’s dancing.

“Are you guys ready to party with us? Because you’ve gotta get ready,” Jepsen shouted to the crowd after the dress transformation. 

“Party” is perhaps the best word to use to describe Jepsen’s performance. The singer’s joy was evident, and the crowd couldn’t help but jump along and have fun as Jepsen danced, laughed and sang for her whole hour set.

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About the Contributors
Maaike Niekerk
Maaike Niekerk, Arts & Entertainment Editor
My name is Maaike Niekerk, and I am a sophomore majoring in English with minors in music and journalism. I began working with The Daily Illini during the fall semester of my freshman year as a buzz staff writer, and joined the editorial team last summer. I love bringing live event coverage to you from Champaign-Urbana’s vibrant music scene and sharing stories of local artists and musicians. Outside of The Daily Illini, you’ll find me performing at every football game with the Marching Illini or cycling with the 2024 Illini 4000 bike America team.
Jacob Slabosz
Jacob Slabosz, Editor-in-Chief
Hey, I’m Jacob! I am currently a sophomore in computer engineering with a minor in German. I started at The Daily Illini in Fall 2022 as a news reporter and staff photographer, and by Spring 2023, I had worked my way to photo editor. Between March 2023 and March 2024, I was the Managing Editor for Visuals, and I have since taken over as Editor-in-Chief. When I’m not taking pictures for The DI or for fun, I enjoy cooking, water sports and tending to my numerous houseplants. I’m excited to use my background in coding to further automate out workspace processes and to see the content that our team produces!
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