Pinkpop festival is undergoing a transformation, attracting a younger, more female audience with contemporary pop acts, despite some resistance from traditional fans. The festival, held in the Netherlands, features artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Tate McRae, signaling a shift in direction under new management.

The inclusion of younger artists is seen as a necessary step to rejuvenate the festival and ensure its future success. While some older attendees miss the classic rock acts, securing repeat performances from legacy bands like U2 and Paul McCartney has become increasingly difficult.

The festival’s lineup this year highlights this change, with a mix of genres and artists. Performances by Justin Timberlake and Mika have garnered mixed reactions, while Tate McRae’s high-energy pop show and Pommelien Thijs’s main stage appearance represent the rising popularity of young female artists. The diverse lineup, although potentially jarring to some due to the layout of the stages, is viewed as a step in the right direction.

Despite the heat and a slightly lower attendance than previous years, the festival is drawing crowds eager to see headliners like Olivia Rodrigo. Her performance is highly anticipated, with many young fans already sporting her merchandise and gathering early to secure a good spot.