The energy in Flushing Meadows Corona Park was undeniable as Governors Ball kicked off its weekend run on Friday, setting the tone for what would become a genre-blending celebration of sound and style. With a lineup stacked across the board, the day delivered everything from high-octane performances to more intimate, emotionally rich moments. In this piece, I’ll be breaking down a few standout sets that truly defined the day—my personal favorites—and the elements that made them feel not just like performances, but experiences. Whether it was the raw vocal delivery, magnetic stage presence, or the way the crowd moved as one, Friday gave us plenty to talk about. Let’s get into it.

Tyler, The Creator

When Tyler, The Creator steps on stage, it’s not just a performance—it’s theater, it’s storytelling, it’s chaos in control. Closing out Friday night at Governors Ball, Tyler delivered the kind of headlining set that reminds you why his name always rises to the top when festival lineups drop.

From the moment he emerged onto his surreal, Wes Anderson-esque stage setup, it was clear: this wasn’t going to be a standard rap show. It was a curated experience—flawlessly blending the raw energy of tracks like “LUMBERJACK” and “Who Dat Boy” with the emotional weight of songs like “See You Again” and “WILSHIRE.” His set moved like a narrative, full of peaks, valleys, and personality-driven moments that only he can pull off.

What sets Tyler apart is that he doesn’t just perform music—he embodies it. Every gesture, facial expression, and ad-lib feels intentional. His command of the stage is magnetic, and his ability to connect with a massive festival crowd while still making it feel personal is rare. Whether you’re a diehard fan or watching him live for the first time, it’s impossible to walk away from his set without feeling like you just witnessed something singular.

When festival season rolls around, Tyler, The Creator is not just a want-to-see—he’s a must.

Benson Boone

Benson Boone pulled one of the biggest daytime crowds on Friday—and it was clear from the first note that fans showed up for him. With a string of hits already under his belt and a voice that feels tailor-made for live moments, Benson’s set proved why he’s become one of the most anticipated names on any festival lineup.

Songs like “Beautiful Things” and “Ghost Town” had the crowd singing word-for-word, and even in the middle of a high-energy day, he managed to create a moment that felt stripped down and intimate. His stage presence, emotional delivery, and effortless vocals made it clear: Benson Boone isn’t just a rising star—he’s already cemented himself as a must-see name.

T-Pain

T-Pain turned Friday into a full-on party the moment he hit the stage. From the first beat, he had the crowd bouncing, reminding everyone exactly why he’s a festival favorite and a legacy act that still hits just as hard today.

Running through a nonstop stream of hits—“Buy U a Drank,” “Bartender,” “I’m Sprung,” and more—his set was both a nostalgia trip and a celebration of his influence on modern music. But what makes T-Pain stand out is that he doesn’t just rely on the hits—his live vocals, charisma, and genuine love for performing shine through every second.

There’s a reason people keep showing up for T-Pain year after year: he brings joy, energy, and a reminder of how many timeless tracks he’s given us. On a stacked Gov Ball Friday, he was one of the most fun and undeniable sets of the day.

Tyla

Tyla brought the heat—and the cool confidence—Friday afternoon with a performance that felt like a victory lap for one of 2024’s biggest breakout stars. Fresh off the success of “Water” and a wave of global recognition, the South African singer delivered a set that was equal parts sultry, smooth, and effortlessly commanding.

Backed by tight choreography and a crowd that knew every lyric, Tyla made it clear she’s not just riding a viral moment—she’s building a real legacy. Her blend of amapiano rhythms, pop appeal, and natural stage presence gave her set a unique energy that stood out even among the festival’s heavy hitters.

In a weekend packed with big names, Tyla felt like the future—and the now—all at once.

Mannequin Pussy

Mannequin Pussy brought pure, unfiltered chaos to the stage on Friday—in the best possible way. Their set was loud, raw, and emotionally charged, injecting a jolt of punk energy into the day that cut through the festival polish and left a lasting impression.

Marisa Dabice commanded the crowd with a ferocity that felt both cathartic and magnetic, tearing through tracks that blurred the lines between rage, vulnerability, and freedom. Whether fans came in familiar with their discography or just wandered over out of curiosity, they left wide-eyed and locked in.

Mannequin Pussy didn’t just play a set—they burned through it. In a lineup full of polish and production, they reminded everyone what it means to truly let go.

Role Model

Role Model delivered a set that felt like a personal diary brought to life—equal parts charm, vulnerability, and pop perfection. Taking the stage on Friday, he brought a more introspective energy to the lineup, but did it with the confidence of someone who knows exactly how to hold a crowd.

With songs like “forever&more” and “blind,” he had fans screaming lyrics back at him, proving his connection with his audience runs deep. There’s an effortless cool to the way he performs—laid-back but emotionally locked in—and it gave his set a warm, intimate vibe even in the middle of a massive park.

For fans of alt-pop with heart, Role Model was a standout. His set felt like a deep breath in the middle of the festival’s chaos—real, relatable, and quietly electric.

Mk.gee

Mk.gee delivered one of the most sonically rich and unexpectedly captivating sets of Friday. Blending experimental production with raw guitar work and moody vocals, his performance felt like stepping into a dream you didn’t want to leave.

Tracks like “ALEXANDRIA” and “Are You Looking Up” hit with a weight that was both atmospheric and emotionally grounded. There’s a quiet intensity to Mk.gee’s presence—he doesn’t rely on flashy moments, but instead lets the music speak for itself, drawing you in layer by layer.

In a lineup packed with big names and bold energy, Mk.gee carved out a space entirely his own. His set was a reminder that sometimes the most powerful moments are the ones that don’t shout—they resonate.

Isabel LaRosa

Isabel LaRosa brought a dark-pop edge to Friday’s lineup that immediately turned heads. With her moody visuals, hypnotic vocals, and brooding production, her set felt like stepping into a cinematic universe—one that was equal parts haunting and addictive.

Performing tracks like “i’m yours” and “older,” she had the crowd fully locked in, her voice gliding over bass-heavy beats and atmospheric synths. There’s an effortless cool to Isabel’s presence, but also a clear intention—every movement, every note felt sharp, deliberate, and emotionally charged.

She might be early in her career, but Friday proved she’s already commanding big attention. Isabel LaRosa brought a vibe all her own—and it lingered long after her set ended.

The Backseat Lovers

The Backseat Lovers brought a wave of indie rock warmth to Friday’s lineup, offering one of the most emotionally resonant sets of the day. With their signature blend of soaring guitar riffs, tight rhythms, and introspective lyrics, they turned a sunny afternoon into a full-on singalong.

Tracks like “Kilby Girl” and “Pool House” hit especially hard live, carried by lead singer Joshua Harmon’s raw vocals and the band’s undeniable chemistry on stage. There was a looseness to their performance—in the best way—that made it feel spontaneous, heartfelt, and deeply human.

For fans of indie with depth and grit, The Backseat Lovers delivered in full. Their set was a reminder of the power of live music to feel both nostalgic and immediate—all at once.

BigXthaPlug

BigXthaPlug brought pure grit and Southern heat to Friday’s Gov Ball stage, delivering a set packed with heavy bass, unfiltered bars, and commanding presence. From the second he stepped out, his energy was undeniable—raw, aggressive, and fully in control.

Performing tracks like “Texas” and “Mmhmm,” he had heads nodding and the pit moving, bringing that Dallas swagger to a New York crowd without missing a beat. His voice alone—gravelly, powerful, and full of intent—cut through the festival air like a warning and a welcome all at once.

BigXthaPlug didn’t just show up—he stamped his place on the lineup. For anyone looking for a dose of real, hard-hitting rap on Friday, his set was the one to catch.

bLAck pARty

bLAck pARty brought smooth, genre-blurring vibes to Friday’s lineup, offering a laid-back yet deeply soulful set that stood out with its warmth and groove. Blending elements of R&B, funk, and alternative soul, his performance felt like the perfect soundtrack for golden hour—effortlessly cool and quietly magnetic.

Tracks like “Bloom” and “Hotline” washed over the crowd with lush instrumentation and silky vocals, creating a vibe that was both intimate and expansive. His energy wasn’t loud, but it was confident—pulling people in with each note, each beat, each subtle shift in tone.

bLAck pARty’s set was a reminder that not all standout moments are explosive—some just ride the wave and let the music carry you. And on a stacked Friday, he carved out a lane that was all his own.

Jean Dawson

Jean Dawson lit up the stage on Friday with a genre-defying set that felt like a beautifully controlled explosion. Blending elements of punk, hip-hop, alt-rock, and pop, he brought a sound and presence that was impossible to box in—and even harder to ignore.

Songs like “THREE HEADS” and “PORN ACTING*” hit with a raw, emotional force, while his unpredictable energy kept the crowd on their toes the entire time. One minute he was thrashing across the stage, the next he was delivering gut-punch lyrics with laser focus.

Jean Dawson doesn’t perform—he unleashes. His Gov Ball set was a reminder that he’s not just bending genres, he’s building a new lane entirely. Electric, emotional, and entirely his own.

Friday at Governors Ball set the tone with a dynamic mix of raw emotion, high-energy sets, and genre-pushing performances that proved just how wide today’s musical landscape really is. From explosive headliners to breakout moments, the day was packed with artists who brought their full selves to the stage—and gave the crowd plenty to remember.

This is just the beginning. Stay tuned this Tuesday for full coverage of Saturday and Sunday at Gov Ball, where we’ll dive into the standout sets, surprises, and unforgettable moments that rounded out the weekend.