Under a vibrant Parisian sky and a sea of flower crowns, boots, and buzzing anticipation, Lollapalooza Paris 2025 kicked off its first full day of music on Friday, July 18, with a carefully curated lineup that celebrated rising stars and confirmed icons alike. This edition of the festival is already being hailed as one of the best in recent memory, and Day One offered no shortage of proof. From the early afternoon to the golden-hour crescendo, each act brought its own personality, power, and presence to the stage. With cameras in hand and crowds at full energy, “Photo Day 1” captured it all — from the pulse of the performances to the soul behind each lyric. In perfect order of appearance, let’s walk through a day that reminded us why live music still feels so electric in 2025.
Inji took the stage kicking off the afternoon with a radiant burst of energy. The Garden Stage was packed with curious early arrivers, many of whom had only recently discovered the artist’s infectious blend of electro-pop and funk. Within seconds of her opening track, Inji had the entire audience moving. Her charisma was undeniable — quirky yet composed, stylish yet approachable. Songs like “Gaslight” and “Madonna” weren’t just performed; they were lived out in full color, with each beat echoed in her sharp movements and infectious grin. What made Inji’s set so memorable wasn’t just the danceable vibes — it was the sheer joy of discovery. Her set had all the polish of a veteran, but it was the freshness of her style and her clear love for performing that made her an early highlight of the day.
Not long after, the Alternative Stage welcomed Alex Warren, whose transformation from YouTube star to serious singer-songwriter continues to impress. With the afternoon sun casting golden beams across the field, Warren took the stage with heartfelt confidence, opening with “Yard Sale” and quickly drawing the crowd in. His voice, raw and honest, carries an emotional weight that cuts through the noise of festival distractions. Whether delivering up-tempo hooks or deeply reflective verses, he wore his heart on his sleeve. A standout moment was “Chasing Shadows,” where the energy shifted and the entire audience seemed to pause and breathe together. Warren is no longer just a social media personality — he's an artist to take seriously. His sincerity struck a chord with younger fans and older listeners alike, proving that authenticity always finds an audience.
By the time Lola Young began her set, the energy had settled into a more soulful rhythm. Positioned perfectly in the late afternoon slot, Young’s performance provided an emotional reset for the crowd. Armed with little more than her voice and an understated band, she delivered one of the most moving performances of the entire day. Songs like “Don’t Hate Me” and “So Sorry” poured from the stage with a rawness that made the crowd hush in reverence — a rare feat at a bustling festival. Young’s tone is smoky, controlled, and full of soul, recalling the storytelling depth of classic singer-songwriters but with a modern edge. There was something deeply personal about her performance, and even from a distance, it felt like she was singing directly to each individual in the crowd. It was less about spectacle and more about substance, and the emotional gravity she brought to the festival lingered long after her final note.
Benson Boone took over the Main Stage, and everything about his performance screamed breakthrough. From the moment he opened with “Ghost Town,” the sea of fans responded with roaring voices and raised phones. But Boone didn’t rely on production gimmicks or flashy visuals — his voice and presence were more than enough. His vocal power was breathtaking, soaring effortlessly through high notes and diving into haunting lows. “Beautiful Things” became a defining moment of the evening, with the crowd singing every word in a shared catharsis. Boone has mastered the art of building emotional tension within his songs, and his control of that energy on stage is exceptional. He came across as both humble and commanding, a balance that few artists manage to achieve. Watching him live, it was clear we were witnessing the next generation of stadium acts in the making.
And then, as the sun dipped fully behind the horizon and the Main Stage lights flared on, Olivia Rodrigo stepped onto the stage to deafening cheers. From the first beat of “bad idea right?”, Rodrigo had the entire venue under her spell. Her evolution since her debut is nothing short of extraordinary. With her band of all-female musicians behind her and a dazzling look that blended pop-punk with French elegance, Rodrigo owned the stage like a seasoned icon. The setlist was a masterclass in emotional variety — from the heartbreak of “drivers license” to the explosive angst of “vampire,” she took the audience on a ride through the highs and lows of modern youth. Her stage presence was magnetic, equal parts fierce and fragile, and her connection with the crowd was palpable. Rodrigo even charmed her Parisian fans with sweet “merci” moments in between songs, building a bridge that transcended language. She didn’t just perform — she bared her soul, and the audience loved her for it.
Throughout the day, the photo pits buzzed with excitement, capturing everything from sweat-fueled intensity to quiet backstage moments. “Photo Day 1” wasn’t just a chance to immortalize these performances, it was a celebration of artistic identity in visual form. From Inji’s vibrant poses to Alex Warren’s introspective expressions, and the sheer confidence on Olivia Rodrigo’s face as she addressed tens of thousands, every image told a deeper story than words alone ever could. The diversity of moods and lighting — from mid-afternoon glare to night-time spotlights — provided a visual arc that paralleled the emotional journey of the day itself.
In the end, Day One of Lollapalooza Paris 2025 wasn’t just a music festival — it was a tapestry of voices, emotions, and moments that reminded everyone why this event continues to draw fans from around the world. Each artist brought their unique perspective, and together they built something greater than the sum of their parts. Whether you came for a favorite act or discovered someone new, there was magic in the air. And if this first day is any indication, Lolla Paris 2025 will be one for the books.
You can check our selected photos in our Flickr page
Photos : @fannyrlphotography