After more than a half a decade without a major tour and fresh off her Las Vegas residency, Katy Perry made her grand return to the road with The Lifetimes Tour and Chicago got one of the first sparkling glimpses.
Performing at the United Center on Monday night, the pop powerhouse proved she’s still one of the genre’s most theatrical and hit-packed performers. From the second she emerged in a shimmering silver bodysuit, descending amid a dazzling burst of light like a disco ball turned human, Perry commanded the attention of a packed arena like few others can.
The setlist played out like a well-curated time capsule of the last 15 years in pop music. Early fan favorites like “Hot n Cold” and “Waking Up in Vegas” brought the nostalgic energy, while chart-toppers like “Teenage Dream” and “Firework” were delivered with arena-sized spectacle and emotion. But this wasn’t just a retro greatest-hits parade. Perry smartly wove in newer tracks like “Woman’s World” and “Electric,” showing she’s still evolving and isn’t afraid to blend synth-forward, pop-futurist textures into her sound.
Between songs, Perry showcased her signature mix of quirk and heart, cracking jokes, making a few perfectly awkward dad-worthy puns, and sharing reflections on motherhood, creativity, and what it means to live through several “lifetimes” in the public eye.
The staging was grand and often cinematic, think oversized flower props, digital dreamscapes, and one jaw-dropping moment involving a lifesize, animatronic carousel horse. And yes, the costume changes were as frequent as they were fantastic: campy, couture, and always uniquely Katy.
While Perry may no longer dominate the charts the way she once did, her live show reminded everyone in attendance just how deep her catalog runs and how enduring her star power truly is. For a generation of fans who grew up with her, Monday night felt less like a comeback and more like a triumphant reunion.
For those who missed this tour stop? Consider this your notice: Katy Perry is back and she still knows how to throw a damn good pop party.
Milwaukee got a full blast of nostalgia on Saturday night as The Millennium Tour rolled into town, packing the Fiserv Forum with screaming fans, throwback vibes, and a stacked lineup that made it feel like the early 2000s never left.
From start to finish, this diverse tour brought together R&B smoothness, club bangers, and chart-dominating hits that defined an era. With Trey Songz, Rick Ross, Omarion, Bow Wow, Plies, Boosie, the Ying Yang Twins, RSVP (Ray J, Sammie, Bobby V and Pleasure P) and Nivea all taking the stage, this year’s edition of the tour leaned heavy on nostalgia without ever feeling dated. The energy? Immaculate. The setlist choices? All killer, no filler.
Nivea Starts the Night With Sass and Soul
Opening up the evening was R&B singer Nivea, who warmed up the crowd with soulful vocals and serious Y2K diva energy. Her time on stage may have been short, but with a classic like “Don’t Mess With My Man,” she had R&B fans singing every word.
Ying Yang Twins Didn’t Make Fans “Wait”
Next up were the Ying Yang Twins, and if anyone thought a Saturday night in Milwaukee needed a jumpstart, these guys made sure that wasn’t the case. Their club anthems like “Salt Shaker” and “Wait (The Whisper Song)” had the crowd moving like it was a crunk-era basement party. It’s impressive how this ATL duo can still bring this much chaotic, booty-shaking energy with nothing but a couple of mics and massive charisma.
RSVP: An R&B Dream Team
RSVP—made up of Ray J, Sammie, Bobby V, and Pleasure P (formerly of Pretty Rick) —proved that R&B supergroups are still very much a vibe. Each brought their own solo hits to the stage, while also showing off their synergy as a group. Between the outfits, dancing, and playful energy, they served up pure entertainment and some of the smoothest moments of the night.
Boosie Brings the Unfiltered Energy
When Boosie hit the stage, the energy turned all the way up. He brought his signature raspy intensity and straight-from-the-block realness to the Fiserv Forum, performing street anthems like “Wipe Me Down” and “Set It Off” that had the entire building yelling along. Boosie doesn’t sugarcoat a thing—his set was raw, passionate, and unapologetically Boosie. The crowd ate up every minute, reminding us that his music still hits just as hard in 2025 as it did back in the day.
Plies Brings the Southern Swagger
Following Boosie, Plies delivered one of the most charismatic sets of the night. With tracks like “Bust It Baby,” “Shawty,” and “Hypnotized,” he brought that distinct Southern charm mixed with club-ready confidence. His stage presence was effortless, vibing with the crowd and making it feel like we were all invited to a private party. Plies knows his hits have aged like fine wine, and he served them with style.
Rick Ross Delivers a Masterclass in Swagger
When Rick Ross took the stage, it felt like the whole arena shifted. The Boss, and the biggest name on the lineup, brought a sense of grandeur to his set, commanding the stage with luxury, confidence, and a string of anthems like “Hustlin’” and “Aston Martin Music.” He didn’t need theatrics, his catalog and presence were more than enough.
Omarion Brings the Smooth
Omarion’s performance was part concert, part dance clinic. From “Ice Box” to “Touch,” the former B2K frontman moved like he hasn’t aged a day. He might have had the most well-rounded set of the night—equal parts sultry, nostalgic, and high energy. And yes, the signature moves made an appearance.
Bow Wow Proves He’s Still Got It
Bow Wow entered with the confidence of someone who’s been doing this since before he hit puberty and he reminded the Fiserv crowd why he was once the prince of teen rap. From “Let Me Hold You” to “Bounce With Me,” he delivered a crowd-pleasing set that had everyone singing and was far from “lil”.
Trey Songz Closes With R&B Fireworks
Trey Songz took the headline spot and absolutely delivered with a seductive, high-energy finale that capped off the night perfectly. Songs like “Bottoms Up,” “Say Aah,” and “Can’t Help But Wait” proved why he’s still a dominant voice in modern R&B. He brought just the right mix of vocal acrobatics, shirtless moments, and crowd interaction to send fans home smiling.
A Nostalgic Night Worth Every Minute
While each artist had around 15 to 30 minutes, none of the sets felt rushed or incomplete. In fact, the brevity meant there was no room for fille, just hit after hit, woven together into a non-stop mixtape of our teenage years. The production was slick, the transitions smooth, and the love in the crowd was undeniable.
The Millennium Tour has always been more than just a concert, it’s a celebration of an era, a shared playlist of our formative years and perhaps our iPad Nanos, and a reminder that good music never gets old. Milwaukee showed up and showed out, and this tour proved it’s still got plenty of gas in the tank.
Kid Rock performs during his high-energy headlining set at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, WI, on March 29, 2025 (Photo by Dan Garcia).
Last night Kid Rock brought his no-holds-barred spring tour to Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum, and as expected, it was nothing short of a wild ride. Blending rock, country, rap, and rebellion into one explosive performance, the genre-bending icon packed the arena with a set that spanned decades of hits, crowd-pleasing anthems, and a few surprises thrown in for good measure.
Known for his unapologetic attitude and larger-than-life stage presence, Kid Rock gave fans exactly what they came for—an electrifying mix of classics like “Bawitdaba,” “Cowboy,” and “Picture,” alongside newer cuts that prove he’s still got something to say. With lights flashing, guitars wailing, and the crowd on their feet for nearly the entire show, the night served as a reminder of why he’s been able to command stages for over 30 years.
Kicking off the night was none other than Chris Janson, one of country music’s most exciting live acts. With hits like “Buy Me A Boat,” “Good Vibes,” and his latest single climbing the country charts, Janson got the crowd warmed up with infectious energy and a high-octane set that had the Fiserv Forum singing along long before Kid Rock took the stage.
Check out our favorite photos from the night below and relive one of Milwaukee’s most rowdy nights of the year.
Role Model made his Madison debut at The Sylvee for his No Place Like Tour on Tuesday night (Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration).
There may be “No Place Like” home, but Role Model sure made The Sylvee feel pretty close to it Tuesday night. The rising pop star brought his “No Place Like” Tour to Madison, Wisconsin last night, captivating a packed crowd with his signature blend of vulnerability, swagger, and self-deprecating charm.
With a new viral hit under his belt and a growing reputation from his recent stint opening for Gracie Abrams, Role Model proved that he’s no longer just a supporting act—he’s a main event.
Opening the show was singer-songwriter Debbii Dawson, who immediately set the tone with her nostalgic yet fresh take on pop. Seamlessly blending modern sensibilities with retro influences, Dawson delivered a magnetic set that showcased her unique sound and emotional depth. She performed standout tracks from her How To Be Human project, which reflected on themes of solitude and escapism. Her newest single, the electric “You Killed The Music,” shimmered live with a disco-tinged sadness, capturing the audience’s attention with both style and substance. Having previously toured with the likes of Orville Peck and Suki Waterhouse, Dawson’s trajectory is clearly on the rise.
When Role Model took the stage, it was with the energy of someone who’s been waiting to headline. Kicking off the set with “Writing’s on the Wall,” Role Model, who jokingly introduced himself as Ed Sheeran, confidently moved through an 18-song performance that wove heartbreak, humor, and hope into one cohesive night. Tracks like “Look at That Woman” and “Scumbag” showcased his knack for raw lyricism and subtle sarcasm, while “a little more time” and “Frances” drew out some of the loudest singalongs of the evening. He’s a self-described diva, and that flair came through in his performance—every move intentional, every note drenched in emotion.
Adding to the evening, Tuesday night’s crowd included some extra special guests: the University of Wisconsin Badgers Women’s Hockey Team, who just days earlier won the 2025 NCAA D1 National Championship. Lacey Eden, Laila Edwards, Maggie Scannell, Chloe Baker, Kirsten Simms (who stunned fans with her clutch game-tying penalty shot and the overtime game-winner), and their teammates brought their championship trophy along for the ride, celebrating in the audience like true fans. Their presence added an extra jolt of local pride to the night.
The biggest eruption from the crowd came during “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out,” Role Model’s current social media smash. Keeping with tour tradition, he invited a fan onstage to join him, making the moment feel spontaneous, special, and utterly TikTok-worthy. The crowd chanted every lyric with the kind of cathartic joy that only a viral song can spark. It was a reminder of how quickly Role Model’s songs can travel from bedroom-recorded heartbreak anthems to massive cultural moments.
He also paid tribute to The 1975 with a cover of “Somebody Else,” bridging generations of emotionally honest alt-pop, before diving into deeper cuts like “Old Recliners” and the tender “Slipfast.” The night closed with “Deeply Still in Love,” a poignant closer that lingered long after the lights came up.
Role Model’s Sylvee stop was a whirlwind of connection, catharsis, and charm. There may be no place like Madison for Role Model, but if Tuesday night was any indication, there’s no stopping where he’s headed next.
Austin’s newest festival, Sips & Sounds, kept the energy high for its second and final day, bringing an electric mix of pop, indie, and alternative acts with a passionate crowd eager for live music.
From Benson Boone’s soaring vocals to AJR’s high-energy, theatrical performance, Day 2 was packed with unforgettable moments. Rising stars like Chelsea Cutler & Jeremy Zucker, Nessa Barrett, and Paul Russell brought their own unique flavors to the festival, while festivalgoers soaked in the good vibes, sipped on curated cocktails and ice-cold Coca-Colas, and embraced the one-of-a-kind festival atmosphere.
Rising alt-pop star Nessa Barrett captivated the crowd with her moody, emotionally charged set. Songs like i hope ur miserable until ur dead and la di die hit hard, proving why she’s built such a dedicated following. With haunting visuals and raw lyrics, her set was one of the most intense and immersive of the festival.
The dream team of Chelsea Cutler and Jeremy Zucker took the stage together, offering fans a heartfelt and intimate set that felt like a shared emotional journey. The duo performed their signature collabs, including you were good to me and this is how you fall in love, leaving the audience in their feelings with every note.
Indie-pop trio AJR (although without guitarist Adam Met) delivered a set that was as much a spectacle as it was a concert, blending their quirky, anthemic sound with playful visuals and crowd interaction. Songs like Bang! and Weak had the crowd jumping, while the brothers’ signature storytelling made for an engaging and unforgettable performance.
Benson Boone proved why he’s one of pop’s fastest-rising stars with a performance that was both heartfelt and explosive. His powerful vocals soared across the festival grounds as he performed hits like Beautiful Things and In the Stars, capturing the raw emotion that has made him a standout in today’s music scene.
Check out our favorite photos from the second day of Sips & Sounds Music Festival:
Benson Boone
AJR
Chelsea Cutler and Jeremy Zucker
Nessa Barrett
Paul Russell
A Perfect End to Sips & Sounds 2025
Beyond the music, Day 2 of Sips & Sounds wrapped up an incredible weekend of performances, atmosphere, and unforgettable moments. From major headliners to exciting new talent, the festival’s debut year set a high bar for what could become an annual tradition in Austin.
As the final notes rang out and festivalgoers made their way home, one thing was clear—Sips & Sounds Music Festival made its mark, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
One of Austin’s newest music festivals, Sips & Sounds, made a grand return on Friday, bringing an electrifying lineup and immersive experiences to downtown Austin. The first day of the festival set the tone for what could become a staple event during SXSW, blending top-tier pop, indie, and alternative acts with a passionate crowd eager for live music.
From Halsey’s powerful headlining set to Khalid’s smooth R&B vibes, Day 1 was packed with unforgettable performances. Rising stars like Suki Waterhouse and Ashe added a dreamy touch to the evening, while festivalgoers soaked in the good vibes, sipped on curated cocktails and ice cold Coca-Colas, and embraced the one-of-a-kind festival atmosphere.
Indie-pop favorite Ashe charmed the audience with her signature blend of introspective lyrics and sun-soaked melodies. Songs like Moral of the Story and Till Forever Falls Apart turned the festival grounds into a singalong, proving that Ashe’s storytelling is just as captivating live as it is on record.
Fresh off a breakout year, Suki Waterhouse transported fans into her ethereal world with a stunning performance filled with hazy indie-rock vibes. Tracks like Good Looking and Moves mesmerized the crowd, solidifying her place as a rising star in the festival circuit.
R&B sensation and Texas native, Khalid, delivered an effortlessly cool performance, setting the perfect tone for a warm Austin night. His mix of laid-back anthems like Better and Talk had the crowd swaying, while his heartfelt connection with fans made his set one of the most memorable moments of the day.
Check out our favorite photos from the first day of Sips & Sounds Music Festival:
Khalid
Ashe
Suki Waterhouse
A Perfect Start to Sips & Sounds
Beyond the music, Day 1 of Sips & Sounds delivered on all fronts—from its beautifully curated setting to the unique blend of rising stars and established headliners. Festivalgoers embraced the experience, making the inaugural event feel like a well-established tradition from the start.
With Benson Boone, AJR, Chelsea Cutler & Jeremy Zucker, and more set to take over on Day 2, the excitement is just getting started. Stay tuned for more photos and full coverage from Sips & Sounds Music Festival!
Last night, indie rock favorites, Wallows, made a triumphant return to Milwaukee, this time gracing the stage at The Rave’s historic Eagles Ballroom. While their previous performance at the Riverside Theater in 2022 was a memorable debut, this evening’s show demonstrated the band’s remarkable growth and evolution in the intervening years.
The night kicked off with “Anytime, Always,” immediately energizing the crowd with its infectious rhythm. Following up with fan-favorite “Scrawny,” the band showcased their ability to blend new material seamlessly with beloved classics for their “Models & More” tour.
A highlight of the evening was the performance of “Bad Dream” from their latest album, Model. Braeden Lemasters’ vocals were particularly compelling, capturing the dreamy essence of the track. The live rendition added a new depth to the song, resonating powerfully within the historic venue.
Dylan Minnette, known to many from his role in Netflix’s “13 Reasons Why,” has firmly established himself as a formidable musician and last night he gave us several reasons why. His stage presence and musical prowess throughout the night were a testament to his dedication to the craft, proving he’s far more than an actor dabbling in music.
Overall, the setlist was a well-curated mix of tracks from Model and earlier releases, ensuring both longtime fans and newcomers were thoroughly engaged. The main set concluded with the energetic “I Don’t Want to Talk,” leaving the audience clamoring for more.
Returning for an encore, Wallows delivered spirited performances of their Clairo collab, “Are You Bored Yet?” and their 2019 track “Only Friend,” bringing the night to a satisfying close. The band’s chemistry and passion were evident, making it clear that their evolution is far from over.
Singer Chappell Roan proved why her star is on the rise with a memorable golden hour set for the final day of the Austin City Limits Music Festival (Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration).
Day 3 of the Austin City Limits Festival’s second weekend capped off the event in a sweltering fashion, with temperatures hitting record highs. Despite the heat, festival-goers were treated to a diverse lineup of artists, delivering high-energy performances across multiple stages. Here’s a recap of the highlights from the final day.
Petey Petey kicked off the day on the IHG Stage with his usual quirky charm, drawing the audience in by broadcasting the Bears vs. Jaguars game on a giant screen behind him while he performed. His mix of comedic antics and emotional alt-pop songs set the tone for a fun-filled day.
Misterwives On the Honda Stage, Misterwives brought an electrifying performance, with lead singer Mandy Lee delivering her signature dynamic stage presence. Their set closed with fan-favorites “Reflections” and “Our Own House,” complete with energetic guitar riffs and infectious beats that had the crowd bouncing along.
Medium Build Next up was Medium Build on the Miller Lite Stage, blending alt-rock and introspective lyrics into a soulful performance. Their set captivated the crowd as they shared personal stories through music, creating a strong connection with the audience.
Bakar On the T-Mobile Stage, Bakar delivered his unique blend of indie rock and hip-hop. His laid-back yet powerful performance stood out as one of the cooler moments of the hot afternoon, with tracks like “Hell N Back” getting the crowd swaying despite the heat.
Orville Peck Orville Peck graced the Honda Stage in his signature fringed mask, bringing a blend of country and alternative music to life. His haunting baritone voice and western aesthetic captivated the audience, especially during tracks like “Dead of Night.” And for the cherry on top, Peck invited Willie Nelson on stage for a memorable collaboration.
Kevin Abstract Over on the IHG Stage, Kevin Abstract, formerly of Brockhampton, brought an introspective and energetic performance, blending his personal, raw lyrics with an upbeat production. His set was a mix of old favorites and newer tracks, as he engaged with the crowd, offering a deeply personal connection through his music.
That Mexican OT Bringing his blend of Texas hip-hop to the T-Mobile Stage, That Mexican OT had the crowd hyped with tracks like “Johnny Dang.” His rapid-fire flow and heavy beats kept the energy high as festival-goers flocked to his set, even as fans for Chappell Roan began gathering nearby.
Chappell Roan The star of the day was Chappell Roan, who performed to one of the largest crowds ACL has ever seen. Her energetic and theatrical set on the American Express Stage was a festival highlight, especially when she performed “Pink Pony Club,” her final performance of the track in 2024. Fans sporting pink cowboy hats and “Midwest Princess” merch filled the area, making this one of the most memorable moments of the weekend.
Qveen Herby Closing out the night on the IHG Stage was Qveen Herby, whose unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and witchy visuals made for a spellbinding performance. Dressed in a flowing purple velvet cloak, she moved through her set with hits like “Balenciaga Dreams” and “Abracadabra,” offering a perfect close to the final day of ACL.
Day 3 was packed with unforgettable moments, from Petey’s humor to Chappell Roan’s record-breaking crowd. Despite the heat, the artists brought their best, closing out Weekend 2 of ACL with a bang.
Chappell Roan delivered an epic ACL Fest performance that drew one of the largest crowds in the festival’s history (Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration).
Sunday evening at Austin City Limits turned into a pink paradise as Chappell Roan delivered the most talked about set of the weekend. Performing during the golden hour for a potentially record-breaking crowd, Roan’s captivating energy and pop prowess stole the show, despite warming up the stage for the night’s headliner, Tyler the Creator.
Roan’s 11-song set, packed with fan favorites like Pink Pony Club, Hot To Go!, and Good Luck Babe, was a masterclass in pop performance. With her infectious charm and undeniable stage presence, Chappell had the crowd dancing from start to finish.
Though Tyler, The Creator held the headlining spot on the American Express stage, it was Chappell Roan who truly headlined the hearts of festivalgoers. Only a few hundred people were spotted at other competing set during her performance, and there was a noticeable exodus from the grounds after she wrapped up. The overwhelming crowd response was so massive that some fans speculate it might rival the all-time ACL attendance record.
Roan’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular, and Sunday’s performance felt like a coronation. With her unique brand of empowering, fun, and unapologetic pop, she didn’t just play the Pink Pony Club—she welcomed everyone into it. Whether it was the glittering outfits or the pink cowboy hats, fans dressed to impress, knowing this would be a show to remember.
It’s safe to say Chappell Roan is galloping her way to pop superstardom, and after a performance like this, we can’t wait to see where she takes us next.
Check out our photos from Weekend 2’s most talked about performance below.
Among a diverse cast of amazing artists, Dua Lipa shined with her headlining set during Day 2 of the second weekend of the Austin City Limits Music Festival (Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration).
Day 2 of Weekend 2 at Austin City Limits (ACL) brought another day of incredible performances and unforgettable moments, with artists spanning genres from pop to hip-hop and rock. Despite the scorching temperatures reaching the mid-90s, the energy at Zilker Park was sky-high, especially as artists delivered standout sets across various stages. Here’s a look at some of the most memorable moments captured from the day.
Nico Vega Starting the day with an explosive set, Nico Vega electrified the crowd with their raw energy. Despite the absence of bassist Michael Peña, likely due to his busy acting schedule, the band didn’t miss a beat, keeping the crowd moving with their intense rock sound. Their passionate performance was a reminder of their prowess as a live act.
Valencia Grace Following Nico Vega, Valencia Grace captivated fans with her ethereal vocals and emotionally charged songs. Her performance was intimate yet powerful, showcasing her rising talent in the indie pop scene.
Lola YoungLola Young brought her unique blend of soul and pop to ACL, mesmerizing the audience with her deep, rich voice. Her heartfelt performance on the American Express stage was a perfect way to ease into the heat of the day, leaving fans yearning for more of her compelling sound.
Emei One of the best sets of the weekend so far, Emei took over the BMI stage with an unforgettable performance. Emei’s presence was undeniable, and her fiery performance cemented her as a festival favorite.
Teddy Swims Bringing a soulful twist to the day, Teddy Swims had the crowd swooning with his smooth vocals and heartfelt ballads. His unique blend of R&B and pop had everyone in the audience feeling every note, especially when he performed fan favorites like “Lose Control.”
Elyanna Up next was Elyanna, who delivered a stunning performance filled with Middle Eastern-inspired beats and ethereal vocals. Her blend of traditional and modern sounds created a hypnotic atmosphere, drawing in festival-goers from all over the park.
Remi WolfRemi Wolf brought the funk with her quirky and colorful set. Known for her energetic and eclectic performances, she had the crowd dancing non-stop with hits like “Photo ID” and “Liquor Store.” Her infectious energy was perfect for the hot Austin afternoon.
Benson Boone Rising star Benson Boone turned heads with his high-energy set, kicking things off with an unexpected bang—literally, as he did flips off his piano. His raw talent and engaging stage presence had the crowd pumped up from start to finish.
Vince Staples Rapper Vince Staples brought a change of pace, delivering his signature sharp lyrics and West Coast sound. His set was one of the most anticipated of the day, and he didn’t disappoint, captivating the audience with tracks like “Norf Norf” and “Big Fish.”
Renee RappRenee Rapp gave fans an emotional yet commanding performance. Her powerful vocals and relatable lyrics resonated deeply with the audience, creating a sense of connection that left a lasting impact.
Dua Lipa Closing out Day 2 was none other than Dua Lipa, the pop sensation who headlined the American Express stage. Dua gave fans a sneak peek of what to expect on her upcoming world tour, performing hits like “Levitating” and “Don’t Start Now” with slick choreography and stunning visuals. As the night cooled down, her high-energy set was the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable day.
Day 2 was packed with diverse performances, leaving festival-goers excited for what’s to come on Day 3 of ACL’s second weekend. Stay tuned for more photo highlights from the weekend!
Photos by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
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