Category: Special

Governors Ball 2024 wrapped up Day 3 on Sunday, June 9, with a vibrant celebration of music and powerful performances. Sunday was a powerhouse for the pop world, highlighting queer artists this Pride Month, like Chappell Roan and Reneé Rapp.

Husbands kicked off the day on the IHG Stage with their indie rock sound characterized by distorted guitars and a dancey vibe. The crowd couldn’t help but boogie along, setting a lively tone for the rest of the day.

Elyanna, the Palestinian-Chilean singer-songwriter, captivated the audience with her soulful voice and unique blend of Middle Eastern and Latin influences. Her performance was a beautiful display of cultural fusion, offering a refreshing and authentic experience to festival-goers.

G Flip rocked the IHG Stage with their energetic performance. The highlight of the set was when Lauren Sanderson made a surprise appearance, joining G Flip on stage and sending the crowd into a frenzy. Their chemistry and stage presence created a memorable and electrifying atmosphere.

Baby Queen made her U.S. festival debut on the GoPuff Stage with a high-energy set that included “Quarter Life Crisis,” “I Can’t Get My Shit Together,” and “Buzzkill.” Her performance, marked by shredding on a pink guitar, was both raw and empowering. She hyped the crowd by asking, “Who’s getting drunk today? Well, this is a song about getting fucked up,” before launching into “Raw Thoughts.” Baby Queen’s message, “I want you all to remember you can be whatever you want to be,” resonated deeply with the audience.

Malcolm Todd brought a wave of nostalgia by opening with the iconic iCarly theme. His set featured chill vibes and impressive guitar solos, including a memorable performance of TLC’s “Waterfalls” on the catwalk. He expressed his excitement to open for Chappell Roan and wished everyone a “Happy Pride Month,” sharing his love for the community.

Also on the Gopuff stage, Kevin Abstract – known for his work with Brockhampton – delivered an introspective and engaging performance. His set was a mix of humor and heartfelt moments. He engaged with fans by reading signs, including quirky messages like “I’m severely constipated” and “gays only event.” His performance included solo tracks “Empty” and “Tennessee,” as well as Brockhampton favorites “BUZZCUT” and “STAR,” creating a dynamic and engaging set.

Chappell Roan’s performance was one of the most anticipated of the day. Fans chanted her name for five minutes before she took the stage, dressed as the Statue of Liberty. Her set began with “Femininomenon,” followed by “Naked in Manhattan” and “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl.” She said, “Today I am in drag of the biggest queen of all,” referring to her Statue of Liberty outfit.

Chappell used her costume to deliver a powerful message, quoting the inscription on the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” She elaborated, “That means freedom and trans rights, freedom and women’s rights, freedom for all people in oppressed territories,” giving meaning and symbolism beyond just being a “NY Icon.”

After a costume change to match her band’s taxi print, she debuted a new song, further thrilling the crowd. Before performing “Casual,” she explained her outfit change and showed off boots emblazoned with “1-800-ROAN” and checkered gloves. The set concluded with the fan-favorite “Pink Pony Club,” leaving the crowd ecstatic and chanting her name long after she left the stage.

René Rapp’s performance continued the Pride celebrations with a powerful and visually stunning set. Wearing a jersey with “culture” on the back, she opened with “Talk Too Much” and energized the crowd with pyrotechnics. She declared, “Happy Pride everyone! We’re so visible it’s sickening. We viz, we viz, we 4k.”

Rapp’s setlist included “Poison Poison,” “Bruises,” and “Pretty Girls,” during which she prompted the crowd, “If you’re a pretty girl, put your hands up!” She engaged warmly with fans, including a heartfelt interaction with a fan named Sam: “What’s your name, baby?” she asked. “Well, Sam, I need you to hear me when I say you’re one of the prettiest girls out here.”

Introducing her band members, Rapp quipped, “Seldom will I celebrate a man, but today I will.” She wrapped up her performance with “Tummy Hurts” and “In the Kitchen,” dedicating the latter to theater kids and describing it as her “theatrical ballad.” She closed her set with an exuberant shout-out: “Can I get a round of applause for lesbians?” and did a funky little dance, leaving the crowd with smiles and a sense of unity.

Peso Pluma brought his signature style to the GoPuff Stage, delivering a performance that resonated deeply with fans. His set was marked by powerful vocals and a commanding presence, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Don Toliver’s set on the GoPuff Stage was a high-energy affair, featuring new and familiar hits. He debuted his new song “Tore Up,” which was met with enthusiastic approval from the crowd. Other highlights included performances of “Bus Stop,” “Smoke,” and “Attitude,” showcasing his versatility and charisma.

SZA closed out the festival on the GovBallNYC Stage with a breathtaking performance. Her setlist included fan favorites such as “Low,” “Normal Girl,” “Kiss Me More,” “Snooze,” “Kill Bill,” and “The Weekend.” Each song showcased her incredible vocal range and emotional depth. The audience was mesmerized by her soulful renditions and the raw emotion she brought to each performance.

Day 3 of Governors Ball 2024 was a testament to the power of live music to bring people together, celebrating diversity, creativity, and the sheer joy of performance. Each artist brought their unique energy to the stage, leaving fans with memories to cherish until next year’s festival.

With 2024 come and gone, we can start speculating about next year. The choice to continue at Flushing Meadows Park was a major success. The lushness of the park continues to prove to be the perfect venue for this festival; with large fields and thick trees providing shade to camping festival goers.