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Summerfest always promises surprises and Alex Warren delivered one of the biggest on the final weekend. Taking over the UScellular Connection Stage on the 4th of July, the breakout singer-songwriter drew a massive crowd and proved that his chart-topping success is all fireworks and no fluke.
With his viral hit “Ordinary” holding strong at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for a fourth straight week, Warren likely could have headlined the festival’s main stage. But instead, fans packed in tight at one of the festival’s ground stages for what felt more like a headliner-worthy performance than a ground stage set.
His original plan for an intimate acoustic appearance earlier in the day was canceled ahead of the festival, making his 10 p.m. performance the only shot for Summerfest fans to see him live this year and he made it count. From raw vocals to emotional storytelling, Warren brought it all. Here are our 7 reasons why you shouldn’t have missed it!
1. He performed his new Jelly Roll-assisted single
Warren’s performance of “Bloodline”, his brand new single featuring Jelly Roll, was a standout moment, even though the country-rap star didn’t appear in person. Warren carried the emotion and weight of the track entirely on his own.
2. The crowd rivaled past Summerfest icons
Don’t let the ground stage slot fool you, Warren packed the grounds with a crowd on par with major past performers like Noah Kahan and Lizzo. It was shoulder-to-shoulder energy from the barricade to the Aurora Pavilion.
3. He gave headliner-level energy on a ground stage
From his opening song to the final encore, Warren’s set felt built for a sold-out amphitheater. The stage may have been smaller, but his energy and crowd control were anything but.
4. “Ordinary” is the biggest song in the world right now
Warren’s breakout single “Ordinary” is currently sitting atop the Billboard Hot 100 for its fourth consecutive week and hearing it live, with thousands of fans singing along, was unforgettable.
5. Warren is following in Benson Boone’s footsteps
Benson Boone enjoyed a sold-out Summerfest crowd only 24-hours before Alex Warren hit the stage on Friday night. With a nearly identical rise, Warren seems destined to follow his trajectory, and likely his headlining slot at the AmFam Amphitheater next time.
6. He’s more than a viral moment
Warren may have gotten his start online, but Friday night was proof that he’s the real deal. His voice, stage presence, and emotional storytelling went far beyond the screen.
7. Next stop, Lollapalooza
Can’t get enough of Alex Warren? Or missed out last night? Alex Warren will be performing just 90 miles south at Lollapalooza in Chicago next month, and after what we saw at Summerfest, his momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
