Gov Ball 2023 Highlights: Lizzo, aespa, Kendrick Lamar

Festivals

Last updated: 12 Jun 2023, 20:02:00
Published: 12 Jun 2023, 20:01:45
Written by: Isabella Salant
Photography by: Daniel Zuchnik
Categories: Festivals Tagged: Lizzo aespa Kendrick Lamar Baby Keem Lil Uzi Vert Kim Petras ODESZA Ken Carson Destroy Lonely

The 12th Governors Ball took place this past weekend (June 9-11) at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY. Iconic headliners such as Kendrick Lamar, Lizzo, and ODESZA took the stage alongside 60+ other artists to a crowd of more than 150,000 people.

Let's take a look at some of this year's biggest acts and why fans all around the words "Gov Ball" were on the lips of music fans around the world!

It comes as no surprise that Lizzo absolutely killed her set as the headliner of night one. Not only did she come swinging out of the gate with flashy performances like "Juice", but the performer also brought out a very special guest for "Truth Hurts"- Sasha Flute!

Kim Petras was also a delight on stage, dazzling audiences with her amazing outfits and serving some serious vocals. Fans were excited to get a live debut from the artist with "King of Hearts", which will be featured on her upcoming studio album Feed the Beast.

Lil Uzi Vert was another artist to look out for, bringing out two guests during his set. Ken Carson, known for producing some of his songs, came onstage for "Freestyle 2." Destroy Lonely ran out soon after to join Uzi for "if looks could kill."

On night two, global phenomenon aespa made history by taking the stage as the first K-Pop artist to ever perform at a Governors Ball festival. While member Giselle was unable to attend due to health concerns, Karina, Winter, and Ningning delivered a flawless set to a crowd of adoring fans.

The electronic duo ODESZA pulled out all of the stops for their headlining performance to close off night two, with a gorgeous light show and huge fireworks display. Those who attended called the experience both brain and life altering, considering them a "must-see" artist for those who still haven't had the chance to hear them in person.

Our final highlight would have to be Kendrick Lamar's festival finale on the 11th, with a 23-song set including his collaboration with Baby Keem, "family ties." It was his first time back in New York since The Big Steppers Tour last summer.