Lollapalooza began as a traveling festival oriented to alternative music fans. However, in recent years, since becoming a destination festival in Chicago, the event has expanded its reach to include a much wider range of musical acts. These are the top 10 acts for pop fans at the 2011 festival. Lollapalooza takes place August 5-7, 2011.
Foster the People - Sony Stage 3 p.m. Friday
Photo courtesy Columbia Records
Foster the People are one of the top breakout artists of the year. Their single "Pumped Up Kicks" topped the alternative and mainstream rock charts. Now it is charging its way up the pop top 40. Catch a great new band just as they are becoming a household name.
Watch Foster the People perform "Pumped Up Kicks" live
Tinie Tempah - Google+ Stage 6 p.m. Friday
Photo by Dave Hogan / Getty Images
Rapper Tinie Tempah was one of the biggest new pop artists of the year at home in the UK in 2010. This year he brought the hit single "Written In the Stars" to these shores. Tinie Tempah has been following the US festival circuit in 2011 to give audiences an even closer look at what he has to offer.
Watch Tinie Tempah perform "Written In the Stars" live
Coldplay - Bud Light Stage 8:15 p.m. Friday
Photo by Dave Hogan / Getty Images
Coldplay are simply one of the world's biggest rock bands today. They have been performing in multiple festivals this summer to introduce audiences to new songs from their upcoming album as well as play classic hits. "Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall" is the current hit.
Watch Coldplay perform "Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall" live
Fitz and the Tantrums - Music Unlimited Stage 2:30 p.m. Saturday
Photo by John Shearer / Getty Images
I had an opportunity to catch Fitz and the Tantrums at Milwaukee's Summerfest. They are a band well worth knowing. Their soul-infused pop will get under your skin. Fitz and the Tantrums work hard on stage to please their audience.
Watch Fitz and the Tantrums perform "Moneygrabber" live
Cee Lo Green - Music Unlimited Stage 6:30 p.m. Saturday
Photo by Kevin Winter / Getty Images
It has been a big year for Cee Lo Green. His song "F**k You!" turned into a huge Grammy-nominated hit single. As a judge/mentor on the TV show The Voice, he introduced himself to a whole new set of fans. Now is your chance to see the ever-changing, always intriguing Cee Lo Green live.
Watch Cee Lo Green perform "F**k You" live
Lykke Li - Google+ Stage 7:15 p.m. Saturday
Photo by Toni Passig / Getty Images
Swedish singer-songwriter Lykke Li remains just a bit outside of the mainstream, but she is a powerful performer that every pop fan should know. Her music can be dark and foreboding, but her roots are always in pop. The most recent album Wounded Rhymes broke into the top 40 on the US album chart.
Watch Lykke Li perform "I Follow Rivers" live
Eminem - Music Unlimited Stage 8:30 p.m. Saturday
Photo by Kevin Winter / Getty Images
Arguably, Eminem is at the peak of his career. Last year's album Recovery was a smash success producing two #1 hit singles. He is currently back in the pop top 10 as part of the duo Bad Meets Evil with the song "Lighters." Eminem is a living legend. Don't miss this opportunity to see him live.
Watch Eminem perform "Not Afraid" live
Best Coast - Google+ Stage 5:45 p.m. Sunday
Courtesy Mexican Summer
Best Coast's album Crazy For You ranked as one of the 10 best pop albums of 2010. The group is rooted in the indie scene, but their music is very accessible to pop fans. You will not be disappointed by their sound.
Watch Best Coast perform "When I'm With You" live
Manchester Orchestra - Google+ Stage 7 p.m. Sunday
Photo by Mark Metcalfe / Getty Images
Since being featured here as an Artist in the Wings back in early 2009, Manchester Orchestra has done nothing but follow an upward trajectory. Their music carries a big, weighty sound while never dispensing from the importance of engaging melody. Check out the powerful performance linked below and get ready to see the band live.
Watch Manchester Orchestra perform "Virgin" live
Foo Fighters - Music Unlimited Stage 8 p.m. Sunday
Photo by Frazer Harrison / Getty Images
Foo Fighters have a well deserved reputation as one of the world's greatest live rock bands. Their current album Wasting Light became the band's first #1 in the US and it topped charts around the world. Close your festival with what promises to be one of the best performances of the entire event.
Watch Foo Fighters perform "Walk" live
