Artists including CMAT, Chloe Slater, Lorde, and Jennie performed at the Mad Cool Festival on Thursday, July 9 [1].
The event highlighted a shift toward a high-energy pop atmosphere, drawing a diverse international crowd to the festival grounds for a series of curated performances.
Jennie delivered a notable highlight of the day when she performed her remix of Tame Impala’s ‘Dracula’ [2]. The performance was part of a broader effort to create what organizers said was a pop party atmosphere [3].
Other acts including CMAT, Chloe Slater, and Lorde contributed to the day's programming [3]. The selection of artists aimed to provide a high-impact experience for attendees, which NME said was an "absolute banger of a line-up" [4].
The festival's second day focused on blending established global stars with emerging pop talent. This strategy ensured a continuous flow of energy across the stage, maintaining a party-like environment throughout the evening [3].
Attendees witnessed a variety of setlists that mixed original hits with unexpected remixes. The integration of these elements served to modernize the festival's sound while catering to a wide demographic of pop music fans [2, 3].
“Jennie performed her remix of Tame Impala’s ‘Dracula’”
The inclusion of a heavy pop presence at Mad Cool 2026 suggests a strategic pivot toward mainstream appeal and viral potential. By pairing global icons like Jennie and Lorde with emerging artists, the festival is positioning itself as a hub for contemporary pop culture rather than just a traditional music event.
