Bilbao BBK Live closes with some Arctic Monkeys grace
Madrid’s Mad Cool festival wrapped its third day with a bold statement: the lineup still centers around a strong male presence, but the rising wave of female artists is undeniable. Lizzo and MIA stood out among the 12 featured acts, proving that visibility for women has grown, even as parity remains a work in progress. The night culminated with Red Hot Pepper and Liam Gallagher anchoring the program, while 21 other male performers filled the remaining slots. The arrangement highlights a persistent gap, yet one that is slowly narrowing as more female-led projects gain traction and recognition.
The festival’s organizers have long argued that gender balance is a gradual process, and this edition reflects both momentum and the ongoing journey toward equal representation on major posters. The dialogue around audience reach, ticket sales, and the distribution of headlining opportunities continues to shape how festivals curate their lineups across Europe and beyond.
47 years old MIA proved to be in excellent condition. She delivered a performance that blended bright vocal presence with a playful yet pointed collection of songs. Tracks like Bad Girls, The One, and Paper Planes joined a broader set that fused strong political undertones with irresistible pop hooks. The result showcased how artists can fuse mass appeal with a distinctive voice and stance that resonates with diverse audiences.
Her onstage persona—colorful, confident, and unapologetic—echoed influences from icons like Lady Gaga and Tove Lo, while carving out a space that felt uniquely hers. Dressed in a striking orange jumpsuit with a gold cloak, she owned the stage and sent a clear message about resilience and artistic freedom. The performance carried a narrative of escaping from struggle and transforming pain into art, a sentiment that connected with fans across generations.
Meanwhile, Lusillon offered a different shade of performance, blending raw vocal honesty with a mood of intimate storytelling. The Saturday was marked by heat and a demanding schedule, yet the stage felt alive with trust, energy, and heartfelt connection. Between Jeanette and Russian Red, a singer-songwriter tradition shone through—simple, direct choruses and lyrics that felt both universal and personal.
A pivotal moment arrived when Belako delivered a contrasting, seductive set. For 12 seasons, Lore and Cris’s band has grown into a well-oiled machine, displaying the power and cohesion that only time can forge. Their retro-punk edge added a dynamic pulse to an otherwise sun-drenched afternoon, a reminder that variety keeps festivals thrilling.
Between kegs of ice cream, slices of pizza, and mini beer stands, Ava Max arrived with a diva’s confidence. She opened with warmth, leaning into familiar clichés only to flip them with confident, punchy pop. Her recent hits like Sweet but Psycho and Kings & Queens have become fixtures on radio playlists, inviting listeners to experience a surge of energy and danceable rhythm.
The crowd was treated to a dance-heavy, high-energy set that showed Ava Max’s command over stage presence. Her gaze, choreography, and the way she navigated the crowd underscored a performer who knows where to direct attention and how to keep momentum moving. Favorites such as Salt, Maybe, You’re the Problem, and My Head and My Heart lit up the arena with infectious grooves.
Newcomers SilA Lua and Dora Wicket stood out amidst a lineup that favored established stars. Their fresh approach—an appealing blend of pop, electronic textures, and urban influences—suggests a promising direction for future festival rotations. SilA Lua’s Rompe, released at the end of 2022, hinted at a genre-bending potential that resonates with today’s multi-genre audiences.
On stage, the Galician coastline provided a dramatic backdrop for a singer who rose to prominence through popular series and a brave, unfolding artistic journey. This artist’s trajectory mirrors a broader shift toward diverse voices breaking into the mainstream, gradually expanding the sonic palette listeners can expect from top-tier events.
The evening also shone a light on Maika Makovski, a creator with eight albums who draws on a wide tapestry of influences—from Macedonian roots to Andalusian and Balearic flavors. Her music remains universal, cultivated through intense, personal performances that feel both demanding and intimate. The set embraced sincerity, storytelling at the piano, and a fearless willingness to explore language and emotion across songs that traverse genres.
Amelia and Nick delivered a performance that fused intimacy with dance, a chemistry that created a warm, enveloping sound. Their duo dynamic offered a rare sense of collaboration that translated into a live experience marked by simplicity, clarity, and emotional resonance. The onstage connection became a narrative of mutual support and shared artistry that the audience clearly felt.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the mood shifted toward a more reflective, almost theatrical tone. The shifts in lighting and tempo amplified the moment when the crowd’s energy and silence became part of the performance, a reminder that a festival can balance spectacle with poignant musical storytelling.
Female artists also left a lasting imprint on the event’s atmosphere. Anfisa Leytago and the DJ collective delivered a high-caliber electronic showcase, reinforcing that women can anchor the evening with equal gravitas and momentum. The closing note of the edition highlighted a growing, though still imperfect, balance that audiences and organizers alike are eager to see expand in coming years.
In sum, the festival edition underscored both the steadfast popularity of male-led acts and the rising influence of women who are reshaping festival lineups. The evolving landscape is encouraging for fans and artists who seek more equitable visibility, and the conversations around representation continue to shape future poster placements and stage rotations across major events.