Olivia Rodrigo, Conan Gray, MARINA and more: Everything you missed at Gov Ball Day 2

Despite significant flooding and a 4-hour weather delay, New York City turned out in full force to show that Day 2 of Gov Ball was well worth the wait. Saturday’s lineup showcased some of the most exciting rising stars in pop music, including MARINA, Wallows, Conan Gray, Olivia Rodrigo, and more.

Image by Paigge Warton for Governors Ball 2025

MARINA

Whether you first discovered MARINA through a dreamy WeHeartIt post in 2012 or experienced her electric mainstage performance at Gov Ball 2025, one thing is certain: she’s an artist who continues to evolve while maintaining a timeless appeal. With a career that spans over a decade, MARINA has cultivated a dedicated global fanbase drawn to her bold visuals, poetic lyricism, and genre-blurring sound. Taking the stage just days after the June 6 release of her sixth studio album, PRINCESS OF POWER, the alt-pop powerhouse delivered a performance that felt both nostalgic and newly energized. Fans were treated to live renditions of brand-new tracks including the bold and provocative “CUNTISSIMO,” the ethereal yet punchy “CUPID’S GIRL,” the emotive “I <3 YOU,” and the empowering title track, “PRINCESS OF POWER.” Each new song showcased MARINA’s continued growth as a songwriter and performer, blending sharp social commentary with her signature melodic flair. Beyond the new material, MARINA honored her musical legacy with a setlist that spanned her iconic eras. Crowd-favorite anthems like “Froot,” “Primadonna,” “How to Be a Heartbreaker,” and “Bubblegum Bitch” sparked explosive singalongs and emotional moments that reminded longtime fans why her music continues to resonate. Her Gov Ball set wasn’t just a performance, it was a celebration of artistic reinvention, feminine strength, and the enduring connection between MARINA and her audience.

Image by Roger Ho for Govenors Ball 2025

WALLOWS

A Wallows performance in the pouring rain is the kind of unforgettable, cinematic moment every music fan should experience at least once. The Los Angeles-based trio composed of Dylan Minnette, Braeden Lemasters, and Cole Preston took the stage at Gov Ball just as the sky began to darken, and within minutes, a steady downpour began. Rather than dampening the mood, the rain only heightened the atmosphere, creating a raw, emotional backdrop that perfectly matched the band’s nostalgic, coming-of-age alt-rock sound. Unfazed by the weather, Wallows delivered a high-energy set that showcased their evolution as artists while staying true to the sound that first earned them a devoted following. Their setlist spanned the breadth of their discography, from newer material to deep cuts from their earliest independent releases dating back to 2017. Each song was met with enthusiastic cheers from the soaked but spirited crowd, who danced and sang along without hesitation. Standout moments included fan favorites like “Scrawny,” “Pleaser,” “Calling After Me,” and the viral hit “Are You Bored Yet?”, which had the entire audience shouting every lyric in unison. The synergy between the band and the fans combined with the rain-soaked visuals made the performance feel intimate, cathartic, and electric. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable shows are the ones where you let go of comfort and just embrace the moment, rain and all.

Image byTaylor Regulskifor Governors Ball 2025

CONAN GRAY

Next up on the Governors Ball mainstage was a performance that felt like stepping into a dream or perhaps the final act of a high school play, reimagined through an indie pop lens. With a theatrical set design featuring hand-painted baby blue waves, a towering ship, and dramatic lighting that cut through the haze, the stage was transformed into a scene of wistful nostalgia. It was a fitting backdrop for singer-songwriter Conan Gray, whose emotionally rich vocals and introspective lyricism have made him a defining voice of Gen Z heartbreak and self-discovery. The set marked Gray’s highly anticipated return to live performance following the announcement of his upcoming studio album, Wishbone. Wasting no time in setting the tone, he emerged from behind the ship’s hull to perform the live debut of his new single, “This Song,” immediately capturing the crowd’s attention. From there, the energy only grew stronger as he moved through a setlist that blended beloved hits with deeper cuts, showcasing the breadth of his evolving artistry. Fans sang along to standout tracks from across his three-album catalog, including “Wish You Were Sober,” “People Watching,” “Astronomy,” and more. Each song was delivered with a mix of raw emotion and theatrical flair, highlighting Gray’s ability to turn personal narratives into universal experiences. In a surprise moment, he added a stripped-down, heartfelt cover of Dolly Parton’s classic “Jolene,” followed by a special performance of the rarely heard lost-verse version of his viral hit “Heather,” sending a ripple of excitement through the crowd. With this performance, Conan Gray not only set the stage for his next musical chapter but also reminded everyone in the audience why his voice continues to resonate: it’s honest, expressive, and deeply human.

OLIVIA RODRIGO

The final act of the evening was one that many fans had been eagerly anticipating for days. Despite weather delays, relentless rain, and late gate openings, Olivia Rodrigo’s devoted fanbase stood ready for the pop phenomenon’s headlining set. And when it began, it did so with a bang. Even before Rodrigo sang her first line, the stage erupted with fireworks, pyrotechnics, and flames, setting the tone for what would become a high-octane, emotionally charged performance. Kicking off the night with “Obsessed,” Rodrigo immediately commanded the attention of the massive crowd. It was clear from the start that this wasn’t the same Olivia who had first burst onto the scene in pastel hues and butterfly motifs. With a bolder stage presence and darker, grittier aesthetics, she took the stage not just as a pop star but as a full-fledged rockstar. The production was sleek, the visuals were sharp, and her energy was both powerful and magnetic. Throughout the set, Rodrigo struck a masterful balance between the explosive and the intimate. High-energy anthems like “bad idea right?” and “get him back!” had the crowd shouting every lyric, while more tender moments including her breakout hit “drivers license” reminded fans of the raw vulnerability and lyrical depth that first drew them in. Her voice moved effortlessly between angst and delicacy, proving her range as both a vocalist and storyteller. As the grand finale to an already star-studded Saturday lineup, Rodrigo delivered one final surprise that cemented the set as truly unforgettable: she brought out David Byrne, iconic frontman of Talking Heads, for a joint performance of “Burning Down the House.” It was a bold and brilliant move that bridged musical generations and genres. In that moment, Rodrigo didn’t just pay homage to the legacy of alternative and art rock, she stepped into her own place within the lineage of pop music history, blazing a trail that feels both familiar and entirely her own. 

Words by April Bredael (@digitalbyapril)