From backflips to sports visual aids, here are our 10 favorite moments from weekend two of the Austin City Limits Music Festival, where artists like rising star Chappell Roan, SoCal rapper Vince Staples, and TikToker Petey delivered show-stopping sets. And check out our coverage of Chris Stapleton’s homage to Austin’s past and present, featuring surprise guest Willie Nelson.
Benson Boone
Benson Boone brought an infectious energy to ACL with a performance that started in the most unexpected way: two backflips off his piano. The singer’s acrobatic opener set the tone for a dynamic set filled with soaring vocals and catchy, heartfelt love songs.
Emei
The BMI stage is known for highlighting the best up-and-coming talent, and this year Emei stole the show. Her vocal power, catchy hooks, and undeniable charisma made for one of the best sets of the weekend. Songs like “Rabbithole” and “Crazy Stupid Love” had the crowd vibing, and it’s safe to say that if you weren’t convinced of her talents before, you left fully converted.
Dasha
California singer-songwriter Dasha had one of the most special, meta moments of the weekend when she performed her hit breakout single “Austin,” prompting the Austin crowd to erupt in cheers.
Carin León
Mexican singer-songwriter Carin León, who’s currently selling out arenas across the U.S., gave ACL a taste of his unique brand of banda music. León’s ability to cross genres and engage with fans from all backgrounds was on full display, as his powerful vocals and dynamic performance had everyone in the crowd on their feet.
Dua Lipa
One of the most anticipated moments of the weekend came courtesy of Dua Lipa, who gave fans a sneak peek of her upcoming world tour in support of her latest album, Radical Optimism. With a setlist that included both new songs and fan favorites, sleek choreography, and a vibrant energy that kept the crowd dancing from start to finish, Lipa showcased why she’s still one of the biggest pop stars on the planet.
Nico Vega
L.A.’s Nico Vega delivered one of the most electrifying performances of the weekend, even
though the band was missing a key member: actor and bassist Michael Peña. Despite his absence, Nico Vega didn’t miss a beat, as their signature blend of rock and raw emotion packed a powerful punch.
Petey
Known also for his viral comedic skits on TikTok, Petey isn’t your typical festival act, but his music is no joke. Fans, however, couldn’t stop laughing when he shared footage from the game between the Chicago Bears and the Jacksonville Jaguars, which had taken place earlier that morning in London, because he didn’t want to miss watching it.
Chappell Roan
Sunday evening at Austin City Limits turned into a pink paradise as Chappell Roan delivered the most talked about set of the weekend. Performing during golden hour for one of the biggest crowds in the festival’s 22-year history, Roan delivered a 11-song set—including her hits “Pink Pony Club,” “Hot to Go!,” and “Good Luck, Babe!”—packed with infectious charm and empowering, unapologetic pop.
Vince Staples
Bookending his set with tracks from his latest album, Dark Times, Long Beach rapper Vince Staples plowed through 18 songs spanning his decade-long career. In addition to “Black&Blue” and “Étouffée,” the biggest crowd-pleasers were, not surprisingly, the former Odd Future member’s hits “Norf Norf” and “Big Fish.”
Teddy Swims
Georgia genre-bender Teddy Swims left fans in tears. His soulful, emotive voice made for one of the most moving performances of the weekend. After his set, which included his hit “Lose Control,” Swims was spotted taking in Dua Lipa’s performance.
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