Sabrina Carpenter didn’t just headline Lollapalooza, she turned it into a full-blown variety show, complete with surprise guests, disco nostalgia, and flirtatious banter. On Sunday night, the pop star closed out the T-Mobile Stage in Chicago with a high-energy set that kept fans guessing, and dancing, until the very end.
Earth, Wind & Sabrina
Carpenter stunned the crowd by inviting R&B legends Earth, Wind & Fire to the stage mid-set. As the opening notes of “Let’s Groove” played, she addressed the audience in a sparkling pink jumpsuit, declaring, “Why not bring out my friends from Chicago?” Cue the screams as the legendary band appeared and launched into the 1981 hit.
The collaboration didn’t stop there. Fans were treated to a lively rendition of “September,” complete with bright brass and infectious energy. I even joined in on the sing along as they started chant the iconic lyrics aloud!
“I’m gonna join the band, guys!” Carpenter quipped, clearly relishing the moment.
While the pairing might have seemed unexpected on paper, the throwback vibe meshed seamlessly with her whole stage production, which leaned into retro pop charm and old-school television aesthetics.
Arresting Visuals and TWICE the Flirting
During her set, Carpenter continued a fan-favorite tradition from her Short n’ Sweet Tour: fake-arresting beautiful audience members before launching into her song “Juno.” This time, the “offenders” were none other than Momo, Jihyo, and Sana from the K-pop group TWICE.
“Damn, we have some beautiful people in this audience tonight,” she said as cameras zoomed in on the trio. “I had to look not once, but twice.” She then playfully asked if they were single and proposed marriage, complete with mock handcuffs.
Fans online quickly latched onto the moment, with videos of the interaction spreading across social media. For those in the crowd, it was another unexpected twist in an already packed set.
A Sweet Goodbye (For Now)
Carpenter’s Lolla appearance marked a celebratory chapter in what’s already been a banner year. Following a No. 1 album (Short n’ Sweet), a chart-topping single (“Please Please Please”), and two Grammy wins, she brought that momentum to Grant Park with a energy-packed performance that ended the weekend with electricity running through their veins.
Before exiting the stage, Carpenter teased her upcoming album Man’s Best Friend, set to drop August 29, with a video flashing a tracklist preview. No song titles were confirmed, but based on the night’s surprises, fans can expect a project that refuses to play it safe.
From disco icons to K-pop queens, Carpenter’s Lollapalooza set proved one thing: she knows how to command a stage and leave fans wanting more.
