Lollapalooza originally began as a festival devoted heavily to alternative rock. However, in recent years it has become one of the very best music festivals for pop fans. These are 10 of the top pop-oriented acts to watch at Lollapalooza 2010.
1. Lady Gaga
Photo by Jemal Countess / Getty Images
Lady Gaga is arguably the world's biggest pop star of the moment. She has released seven consecutive top 10 pop singles and is in the midst of the Monster Ball tour which will continue into 2011. Her Friday night headlining show is a must for all pop fans.
Performing Friday August 6, 2010 at 8 p.m. on the Parkways Stage.
Watch Lady Gaga perform "Bad Romance" live
2. Green Day
Photo by Christopher Polk / Getty Images
More than 20 years after formation, Green Day have taken the spirit of American punk music into the pop mainstream and now on to Broadway. They are currently in the midst of the 21st Century Breakdown Tour. Expect the group's Saturday night headlining show to pull heavily from the American Idiot and 21st Century Breakdown albums.
Performing Saturday August 7, 2010 at 7:45 p.m. on the Parkways Stage.
Watch Green Day perform "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" live
3. B.o.B.
Photo by Michael Tullberg / Getty Images
B.o.B., aka Bobby Ray, is one of the biggest breakout pop artists of 2010. His single "Nothin' On You" went straight to #1 on the pop singles chart. It was followed by the #2 smash "Airplanes." Now you have the chance to see him just as the third single "Magic" is headed toward the top 10. However, you will need to get there early with B.o.B. performing in an 11:30 in the morning time slot.
Performing Friday August 6, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. on the Adidas MEGA Stage.
Watch B.o.B. perform "Nothin' On You" live
4. Phoenix
Photo by Karl Walter / Getty Images
French band Phoenix are one of the most highly acclaimed alternative pop acts of recent years. Their album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix won the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music album. The single "1901" is gold in sales and went to #1 on the alternative songs chart. Unfortunately, Phoenix are slotted to perform opposite Green Day setting up a difficult decision for pop fans.
Performing Saturday August 7, 2010 at 8:30 p.m. on the Budweiser Stage.
Watch Phoenix perform "1901" live
5. The xx
Photo by Karl Walter / Getty Images
The self-titled debut album by The xx was one of the most critically acclaimed releases of 2009. The minimalist electronic pop sounds of the group have made their songs an ideal fit for various uses on TV including the Winter Olympics and Grey's Anatomy. The xx are considered one of the favorites to win this year's Mercury Prize in the UK.
Performing Saturday August 7, 2010 at 3:15 p.m. on the PlayStation Stage.
Watch the XX perform "Islands" live
6. Metric
Courtesy Karl Walter
Canadian alternative electronic pop band the Metric were named Group of the Year at this year's Juno Awards. Their current album Fantasies is the first to break into the US charts and includes the top 20 alternative single "Help I'm Alive."
Performing Saturday August 7, 2010 at 5:15 p.m. on the PlayStation Stage.
Watch Metric perform "Help I'm Alive" live
7. Matt & Kim
Photo by Charley Gallay / Getty Images
The duo Matt & Kim are perhaps best known for the music video they created for the song "Lessons Learned." It won the Breakthrough Video accolade at 2009's MTV Video Music Awards. However, it is the powerful do-it-yourself attitude of the duo's potent power pop that will be most rewarding on stage at Lollapalooza. Don't miss the pair's most popular single "Daylight."
Performing Friday August 6, 2010 at 5 p.m. on the Adidas MEGA Stage.
Watch Matt & Kim perform "Daylight" live
8. Neon Trees
Courtesy Mercury Records
Neon Trees are a rising indie pop band from Utah. They have been successful across pop, rock and alternative formats with their single "Animal."
Performing Friday August 6, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. on the BMI STage.
Watch Neon Trees perform "Animal" live
9. Dan Black
Courtesy Polydor
Dan Black is a leader of what is called the "wonky pop" movement in the UK. It is a loosely defined category of music that is known for being very quirky and catchy. His song "Symphonies" is an alternative pop hit in the US.
Watch Dan Black perform "Symphonies" live
10. Dragonette
Courtesy Mercury Records
Dragonette are a rising Canadian electro pop band. Their single "Pick Up the Phone" is a recent top 40 pop hit at home in Canada.
Performing Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 1:45 p.m. on the BMI Stage.
Watch Dragonette perform "Pick Up the Phone" live
