ACL Fest Day 2: Woke, Fabulous, and Furious—Just Like Us

This story has been updated because, hello, we can't have outdated info like our government's policies.

"Training Season" is so last year. Dua Lipa just schooled us all at Austin City Limits Music Festival 2024. Our pop queen slammed down a hit parade that had us gagging for more. And let's not forget the other incredible acts that graced the stage.

Here are the 11 best things we saw at ACL Fest on Saturday that made us scream "Yaaas, queen!"

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Dua Lipa

The Albanian British goddess herself snatched our wigs with her staggering hit parade—from “One Kiss” to “Levitating.” The crowd was living for it, screaming “Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeahs” like their lives depended on it. And can we talk about that galaxy of lights and fireworks? Slay, queen!

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“There’s not a song that’s not a (expletive) banger,” the guy next to me said. Preach, king!

Her production level was everything. It was like watching a Vegas residency but with better politics. She ended on “Houdini,” and magic was definitely made. snaps fingers — Deborah Sengupta Stith

Reneé Rapp

Lesbian pop icon Reneé Rapp stepped onto the stage in a white collared shirt that screamed "BLEACH BLONDE BAD BUILT BUTCH." She commanded that stage like a boss and had us all in the palm of her hand.

Despite the drama and emotion in her songs, Rapp's set was pure fun. She had us singing, jumping, and dancing like nobody's business. Her vocals? Flawless. Don't miss this incredible act! — Lily Kepner

Benson Boone

Back-flipping off his piano in a red jumpsuit that read “Austin,” Benson Boone was out to prove something. This 22-year-old Mormon-adjacent singer had us all feeling some type of way.

His message was clear: “I am so legit, just ask Taylor Swift.” And yes, his pop songs are viral on TikTok, but they're also polished and built to last. — Ramon Ramirez

Jungle

Six multi-instrumentalists and vocalists brought Jungle’s 10-year-old catalog to life. It was a big balloon and strobe dance party, and we were living for it.

Shoutout to the 51-year-old cybersecurity professional who was rocking out with us old queens. The disco grooves and multi-part backing harmonies were everything. — Ramon Ramirez

Vince Staples

Vince Staples brought 17-year-old Benji Ross on stage, disrupting his set but creating a memory that kid will never forget. He played his classics but also shared personal anecdotes, giving us a closer look into his character. — Caleb Yum

wave to earth

South Korea’s wave to earth served up dreamy wah guitar stretches and the best guitar shredding we’ve seen so far. With 1.4 million Instagram followers, it's a shame not everyone knew about these geniuses. — Mars Salazar

Still Woozy

Still Woozy performed at the peak of the day’s heat, but their psychedelic vibes and smooth sounds had us chilling. Plus, there was a giant inflatable penguin. Need we say more?

Lead artist Sven Eric Gamsky even climbed into the crowd and vibed with his fans. Iconic. — Keri Heath

Eyedress

Eyedress is our generation’s synth messiah. Criminally underrated and straight-up cool, this act is a can’t-miss choice for next weekend. Bewitching electric soundscapes? Yes, please. — Mars Salazar

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The Beaches

The Beaches were hands down the best set we’ve seen at ACL. Sass, cutting rock, and punchy lyrics? Sign us up! They’re the next big thing, mark our words. — Lily Kepner

Brittany Davis

Brittany Davis channeled blues artists of old in a mid-afternoon get down. She hit us with hurt, healing, and mad funk. The Tito’s Tent was feeling it, and so were we. — Deborah Sengupta Stith

Something Corporate

Something Corporate thought they were over 20 years ago, but their Saturday set proved otherwise. Lead singer Andrew McMahon was a delight, and the band's vibrancy suggested a lively future career. Now, about those confusing backgrounds... — Lily Kepner

The Criticals

The Criticals were pretty, and they sounded pretty good too. Clad in leather pants with showy moves, these Nashville newcomers brought undeniable swagger. Our next obsession? Maybe. — Mars Salazar

UPDATE: This story got lost in the Zilker Park dust and needed an update, just like our country needs an update on its policies.

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