The 7 best moments from Stray Kids' explosive Lollapalooza 2024 set

After immediately grabbing the public's attention with 2023's single 'S-Class', Stray Kids quickly moved on to 'FREEZE', a B-side off 2022 Maniacwhich turned out to be a super smart setlist move to showcase their overall skill and musicianship.

Changbin and Han demonstrated true hip-hop prowess with lightning-fast rap styles, while Hyunjin commanded all eyes as he took center stage during the dance segments. Lee Know's performance exuded an undeniable ferocity, while Seungmin's high notes soared as he played the guitarist. Despite the intensity of such a high-profile performance, Han and Felix made it all look easy as they affectionately wrapped their arms around each other while delivering lyrics. Despite the multiple high notes he would be handling, even the youngest member, IN, was quickly at ease, eventually removing his leather jacket to reveal a tank top and often running into the audience to encourage them to sing along.

For new watchers or curious potential fans, “S-Class” was an exciting introduction, but “FREEZE” served as the ultimate hook, proving that Stray Kids are the real deal.

Fast forward to “FREEZE,” Stray Kids transitioned into “Super Bowl,” from their 2023 album 5 starswhich he quickly confirmed it was not a typical K-pop performance.

The group was ready to riot and have fun, a sentiment best demonstrated by Han's playful verse change before the final choruses. Instead of singing “Our dish here's so bussin,” Han shouted, “Our s— here's so bussin'!”

While Stray Kids fans have been waiting for this explicit change in live performances, it was somewhat unexpected to hear it uncensored on Hulu's live stream. The decision was even more interesting given reports that JYP Entertainment founder JY Park attended Lollapalooza to watch the performance. But Han's infectious, fun-loving energy throughout the set was impossible to moderate—and thank goodness for that.

While Felix is ​​gaining worldwide recognition as a Louis Vuitton ambassador and recently made his runway debut at Paris Fashion Week, Lollapalooza really felt like the moment he cemented himself as the rock star at his most authentic.

His lightning blonde hair, styled in loose buns and tiny twist braids paired with striking white LV vests, made him look like a glamorous Greek god on stage. Throughout the show, Felix often switched from his signature low bass growl to a more dynamic octave, showing off his vocal versatility and knowing when to move more to get the crowd going. More Facts: During his performance of “Charmer,” Felix rolled up his vest sleeves around his shoulders and chest, giving just a flash of his abs and muscles that got the crowd going — and visibly shocked his bandmate, Han.

Perhaps it was a result of the Chicago heat, but Felix also frequently drenched himself in water, adding a radiant, dripping aura to his stage presence. As a result, it became the number one trending topic on social media and, perhaps more importantly, set a new standard for K-pop artists to fully embrace their rock star attitude on stage.

After a quick segment to chat with the crowd mid-set, Stray Kids performed five of their hit singles in a row with the unmistakable distinction of 2022's “Maniac.” While the track is strong for its informal production and inspired his message, the stage also allowed SKZ to be both casual and professional. While there would be times when the members could walk and freestyle across the stage, the octet could also seamlessly reform and fall back into their choreographed formations.

While K-pop acts are known for their meticulously rehearsed choreography and CD-quality vocals prepared for each performance, Stray Kids' ability to freely enter dance or freestyle mode is a key indicator of how successful they've been in an industry like America, where fans appreciate musicians with true authenticity and ease on stage.

Along with Bang Chan and Seungmin's skillful high notes, “Maniac” showed another level of impressive stage performance for all eight members.

Perhaps no member hugged the many water bottles provided on stage for the group like Hyunjin did.

While the members of Stray Kids took turns dousing themselves and each other, as well as spraying a potentially overheated Chicago audience, Hyunjin seemed to work the water in his own magical way. Having two separate glimpses of Lola, he always looked drenched from head to toe — his white For Every Living Thing t-shirt becoming see-through from the accumulated moisture. The water added to Hyunjin's enigmatic stage presence, making him an even more captivating performer.

24-year-old Versace global ambassador Hyunjin usually takes center stage for various dance segments, but at Lollapalooza, he stepped up in a way that felt more artistic (and badass). As quick as she would claim the limelight, she could effortlessly step aside to let another member shine. His wild stage presence is familiar to STAY and K-pop fans, but Lollapalooza showcased Hyunjin's true performance potential to the world.

As mentioned above, “MIROH” would inevitably be a highlight given its anthemic production. But Stray Kids took the five-year-old single to a whole new level with their Lollapalooza cover.

While the opening track opens with Felix's signature low tone, the 23-year-old introduced the intro to a refreshing, mesmerizing call to arms that helped the song's intensity build with every passing moment.

As the song came to a close, a fireworks display went off amidst the song's massive beats and chants for something that felt truly epic and celebratory. The fact that 'MIROH' contains enough moments for SKZ and the fans to scream, “Wanderer! Guys! I'm making love!” made the explosive ending that much more perfect.

Even if 'MIROH' was the epic explosive ending, Stray Kids still came out for extra songs as a more casual encore for a second performance of 'TOPLINE', the 'festival Edition' of their latest single, 'Chk Chk Boom' and what felt like an impromptu rendition of a fan song to officially end the night.

While the kids waved goodbye to the crowd several times, the kids kept coming back after hearing the crowd chant “One more song!” — and the members themselves began to sing it. After “TOPLINE” and “Chk Chk Boom”, the members urged leader Bang Chan to announce that they will be performing another song. While Chan pleaded in his friendly Australian accent, “There are rules!” Han quickly replied, “We have to break the rules!” Bang Chan seemed confident, telling the audience, “If you run into trouble, we'll take the blame.” After a quick chat between the band members, they officially ended their set with their 2020 B-side track “Haven”.

While “Haven” was the closing song of the Maniac World tour, the lyrics rang especially true on this career-highlight. “Do what you want…/ Right now, go out, do what you want,” he spoke to them, breaking the (time) limits of their setlist, but also serving as a warm reminder to their fans of admiration and love of Stray Kids have for their supporters, affectionately known as STAY. One of the last lyrics, “I wanna STAY with you”, has the meaning of STAY and conveys their sincere feelings. It was a truly heartfelt way to end a moment that cemented Stray Kids' true rock star nature.