On the second day of Lollapalooza Berlin 2026, the Olympiapark buzzed with energy as attendees carried foldable water bottles and prepared for a day of exceptional music. While the first day had seen warm temperatures, Sunday brought cooler conditions, but the artists made sure to keep the crowd heated. From the politically charged electronics of Noga Erez to the intimate storytelling of Zartmann, the Brazilian funk of Anitta, and the mesmerizing synth-pop finale by Lorde, the lineup delivered a diverse and unforgettable experience.
Noga Erez: A Powerful Voice from Israel
Israeli artist Noga Erez and her band delivered one of the most compelling sets of the day. Known since her 2017 debut album Off the Radar, Erez blends hip-hop, avant-garde electronic production, and socially conscious lyrics. Her inspirations include Kendrick Lamar, Little Simz, Vince Staples, Radiohead, and St. Vincent. The set was heavy on bass-driven beats and rhythmic spoken word, with catchy pop hooks woven into complex arrangements. The crowd responded enthusiastically, especially during the rap sections. After her performance, Erez shared a backstage moment, explaining that she always eats a large meal post-show to replenish energy. Berlin, she said, feels like a second home. She recalled attending a Radiohead concert in the city in 2011 and subsequently visiting Berghain, where she witnessed a drug overdose – an experience she described as unforgettable. Despite the city's techno culture, Erez admitted she is not a fan of the music or dancing style, though she respects it. She emphasized that festivals like Lollapalooza can unite people with vastly different worldviews, a belief she holds as fact rather than romanticism, rooted in childhood experiences at concerts.
Zartmann: Berlin's Poet Brings Home Energy
Zartmann, a singer-songwriter from Prenzlauer Berg, turned his set into a hometown celebration. His 2025 hit "Tau mich auf" (Melt Me) was the most-played song in Germany last year, and his performance lived up to that popularity. With his shirt unbuttoned, he ran across the stage, played an extended electric guitar solo, and engaged the crowd. His family was present – his cousin and parents – and he sent shout-outs to his mother and father. Despite a hoarse voice, his signature mix of guitar-based, soft hip-hop-tinged midtempo songs about city life, drugs, and missing someone resonated deeply. Zartmann's ability to connect with the audience through his raspy vocals and relatable lyrics made his set a true highlight.
Anitta: Brazilian Funk Takes Over
Brazilian superstar Anitta brought an entirely different energy to the festival. Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1993, she has become a global ambassador for Funk Carioca, a style originating from the favelas of Rio that blends hip-hop and Miami bass. Her performance was a dance-heavy spectacle, with amazing dancers and twerking. Despite the daylight and drizzle, the Olympiapark felt like a sweaty nightclub. Many fans wore rainbow fans and raincoats, but the funk music kept spirits high. Anitta's previous collaborations with Madonna, The Weeknd, and Sam Smith have solidified her international status, but her Lolla set showcased her roots and dynamic stage presence.
Lorde: A Futuristic Finale
The grand finale of Lollapalooza Berlin 2026 belonged to New Zealand's Lorde. Now 29 and a Grammy winner since her teenage hit "Royals", she has evolved into a formidable live performer. Her set featured an electronic setup with cables, sequencers, drum machines, and synthesizers, creating an atmosphere of dark, futuristic art performance. Choreographed dance moves and the use of climbing the sound system, spraying water, and applying blue paint to her skin made it a theatrical experience. Hits like "Supercut" and "Girl, So Confusing" (the latter a collaboration with Charli XCX) were delivered with dark-wave-infused synth pop power. Lorde expressed her love for Berlin, stating that the city understands her and that the Berlin summer is one of the most beautiful things in the world. Her 90-minute set left the audience in awe, unsure whether to follow with Lewis Capaldi's pop rock or continue partying with Colombian beats of Funk Tribu. Regardless of the choice, Lorde's performance crowned the festival with a message of summer and unity.
Source: Berliner Zeitung News