After instantly capturing the viewers’s consideration with the 2023 single “S-Class,” Stray Kids moved rapidly into “FREEZE,” a B-side off 2022’s Maniac, that proved to be a brilliant sensible setlist transfer to showcase their whole showmanship and musicality.

Changbin and Han displayed true hip-hop prowess with lightning-fast rap types, whereas Hyunjin commanded each eye as he took heart stage throughout dance sections. Lee Know’s efficiency exuded an simple fierceness whereas Seungmin’s excessive notes soared as he performed to the guitarist. Despite the depth of such a high-profile efficiency, Han and Felix made all of it look simple as they affectionately wrapped their arms round each other whereas delivering verses. Despite the a number of excessive notes he could be dealing with, even the youngest member, I.N, was rapidly getting snug, ultimately shucking off his leather-based jacket to disclose a sleeveless muscle tee and continuously operating to the viewers to encourage them to sing alongside.

For new observers or curious potential followers, “S-Class” was a catchy introduction, however “FREEZE” served as the last word hook, proving that Stray Kids are the true deal.

Quickly after “FREEZE,” Stray Kids transitioned into “Super Bowl,” off their 2023 album 5-Star, which rapidly confirmed this was not a typical Ok-pop efficiency.

The group was able to get rowdy and have enjoyable, a sentiment finest exemplified by Han’s playful lyric changeup earlier than the ultimate choruses. Instead of singing “Our dish here’s so bussin’,” Han shouted, “Our s— here’s so bussin’!”

While Stray Kids followers have come to count on this express change in reside performances, it was considerably sudden to listen to it uncensored on the Hulu reside stream. The choice was much more intriguing given reviews that JYP Entertainment founder J.Y. Park attended Lollapalooza to observe the efficiency. But Han’s infectious, hyped-up power all through the complete set was unimaginable to tone down — and thank goodness for that.

While Felix has been gaining international recognition as a home ambassador for Louis Vuitton and lately making his runway debut at Paris Fashion Week, Lollapalooza really felt just like the second to solidify himself as his most genuine rock-star self.

His lightning-white blonde hair, styled in flowing locks and tiny twist braids matched with beautiful white LV vests, made him appear to be a shining Greek god on stage. Throughout the efficiency, Felix usually jumped from his signature bassy low grumble to a extra energized octave, showcasing his vocal versatility and understanding when to get extra animated to raised hype up the gang. Further proof: During the “Charmer” efficiency, Felix whipped the sleeves of the vest round his shoulders and chest, giving only a flash of his abs and muscle tissues that drove the gang wild — and visibly shocked his bandmate, Han.

Maybe it was a results of the Chicago warmth, however Felix additionally continuously drenched himself in water, including a glowing, dripping aura to his onstage presence. As a end result, he turned a number-one trending matter throughout social media and, maybe extra importantly, set a brand new commonplace for Ok-pop artists to totally embrace their rock-star attitudes on stage.

After a fast part to speak with the viewers halfway by the set, Stray Kids delivered 5 of their hit singles in a row with an simple standout in 2022’s “Maniac.” While the monitor is powerful for its atypical manufacturing and provoking message, the stage additionally allowed SKZ to be each informal {and professional}. While there could be the instances the members might stroll round and freestyle all through the stage, the octet additionally might seamlessly reform and fall proper again into their choreographed formations.

While Ok-pop acts are well-known for his or her meticulously rehearsed choreography and CD-quality vocals ready for each efficiency, Stray Kids with the ability to freely hop into dance mode or freestyle mode is a key indicator to how profitable they’ve been in an trade like America, the place followers recognize musicians with true authenticity and ease on stage.

Alongside Bang Chan and Seungmin’s skillful excessive notes, “Maniac” confirmed one other stage of spectacular stage efficiency for all eight members.

Perhaps no member embraced the various water bottles offered on stage for the group as Hyunjin did.

While the Stray Kids members took turns drenching themselves and each other, in addition to spraying a possible overheated Chicago viewers, Hyunjin appeared to be working the water in his personal magical vogue. Sporting two distinct appears to be like at Lolla, he at all times appeared drenched head to toe — along with his white For Every Living Thing T-shirt turning into see-through from the amassed moisture. The water added to Hyunjin’s enigmatic stage presence, making him an much more charming performer.

The 24-year-old Versace international ambassador Hyunjin sometimes takes heart stage for numerous dance sections, however at Lollapalooza, he stepped up in a manner that felt extra creative (and badass). As rapidly as he would declare the highlight, he might effortlessly step apart to let one other member shine. His ferocious stage presence is well-known amongst STAYs and Ok-pop followers, however Lollapalooza showcased Hyunjin’s true efficiency capabilities to the world.

As said above, “MIROH” would inevitably be a spotlight given its anthemic manufacturing. But Stray Kids took the five-year-old single to a completely new stage with the Lollapalooza rendition.

While the unique monitor opens with Felix’s signature low timbre, the 23-year-old delivered the intro in an invigorating, bewitching name to arms that helped the track’s depth develop with every second.

By the track’s closing, a fireworks show shot off amid the track’s gargantuan beat drops and shout-along hooks for one thing that felt genuinely epic and celebratory. The proven fact that “MIROH” consists of a number of moments for SKZ and followers to shout, “Stray! Kids! Woo!” solely made the explosive ending that rather more good.

Even if “MIROH” was the epically explosive ending, Stray Kids nonetheless got here out for added songs as a extra informal encore for a second efficiency of “TOPLINE,” the “Festival Version” of their newest single, “Chk Chk Boom,” and what appeared like an impromptu rendition of a particular fan track to finish the night time formally.

While the Kids teased their goodbyes to the gang many instances, the blokes stored coming again on after listening to the gang chant “One more song!” — and the members themselves began chanting it too. After “TOPLINE” and “Chk Chk Boom,” the members urged chief Bang Chan to announce they might carry out one other track. While Chan pleaded in his amiable Australian accent, “There’s rules!” Han rapidly responded, “We gotta break the rules!” Bang Chan appeared satisfied, telling the viewers, “If you guys get in trouble, we’ll take the blame.” After a fast huddle between the band members, they formally ended their set with the 2020 B-side monitor “Haven.”

While “Haven” was the track to shut the Maniac World Tour, the lyrics notably rang true at this crowning profession achievement. “Do whatever you want…/ Right now, step out, do what you want,” spoke to them, pushing the (time) limits of their setlist, however it additionally acted as a heat reminder to their followers of the admiration and love Stray Kids have for his or her supporters, affectionately often known as STAY. One of the ultimate lyrics, “I wanna STAY with you,” doubles as that means to STAY and conveys their sincere emotions. It was a very heartfelt solution to finish a second that solidified the true rock-star nature of Stray Kids.