PHILADELPHIA -- Made in America was full of show-stopping moments. The fourth annual music festival curated by Jay Z was a nonstop onslaught of high energy and live music, delivering major sets from Beyoncé, the Weeknd, Bassnectar, Axwell & Ingrosso and more.
Though there were almost too many moments to pick from, we whittled the weekend down to 11 major highlights. From insanely patriotic outfits, to surprise guests, here are a few moments worth revisiting.
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1. Vic Mensa channeled his "Teen Spirit"
Vic Mensa covering Nirvana #MadeInAmerica pic.twitter.com/RlVT3sB4Fc— Yohana Desta (@YohanaDesta) September 5, 2015
This is just one highlight from an overall excellent set. Mensa’s performance spanned genres, as evidenced by his Nirvana cover of "Smells Like Teen Spirit," as well as his Skrillex-produced single “No Chill.” The rapper managed to turn up the early crowd, despite the stifling, energy-zapping heat.
2. Nick Jonas made the crowd swoon
Nick Jonas covering Outkast #MadeInAmerica pic.twitter.com/CPOpSveWol— Yohana Desta (@YohanaDesta) September 5, 2015
Nick Jonas' tireless fight to become the Justin Timberlake of his teen pop generation is working. The fairly diverse crowd ate up his fun cover of Outkast's hit, "Roses" and girls climbed up poles to catch a glimpse of JoBro singing his hit, "Jealous."
This Nick Jonas fan is a goddamn American hero. pic.twitter.com/fk0EtiATq1— Tricia Gilbride (@tricia_gilbride) September 5, 2015
3. #FutureHive
Where Future goes, his hive will follow. The Dirty Sprite 2 rapper had one of the largest crowds on Sunday afternoon. Fans packed in to see one of the most exciting rappers out right now. DJ Esco spun hit after hit, though we didn’t catch him breaking out any familiar dance moves. Fans bumped so hard to tracks like “F*ck Up Some Commas” that they made the daytime set feel like a nighttime show, Future joked.
4. Nicki Minaj blessed the fest
Meek Mill's erratic set was improved significantly by some choice guest stars. First, his son joined him on stage to show off his dance moves and then girlfriend Nicki Minaj took the stage for a surprise performance of "All Eyes on You." Literally no one was looking at Meek Mill.
Meek Mill brought his son out onstage to dance #MadeInAmerica pic.twitter.com/iyyv5LXkoI— Yohana Desta (@YohanaDesta) September 5, 2015
5. Death Cab for Cutie made people feel things
Death Cab for Cutie has slowly crept their way up into the big leagues, and watching thousands of people experience synchronized tender moments in the crowd, it's clear they belong there. Modest Mouse, who performed just after for what would have been a favored lineup for The OC's Seth Cohen, at least had a radio single casual fans could sing along to. Death Cab, on the other hand, has managed to build up a quiet but hardcore fanbase that will follow their career into the dark.
6. Beyoncé reminded us who runs the world (girls)
She sampled audio from badass UFC fighter Ronda Rousey's breakdown of her "Do Nothing Bitch" policy, which celebrates self-empowerment. Rousey has already responded on Instagram expressing her mutual admiration, as one does when Beyoncé indicates that she might want to be friends with you.
7. True patriots wore all-American outfits
When a festival is called “Made in America,” true patriots take it very seriously. From American flag bandannas to capes to robes to suits, festival goers found new ways to wrap themselves up in Americana garb. Some politically-minded folks even wore Yeezy 2020 shirts, because it’s never too early to start campaigning.
8. Halsey proves she's the pop star millenials need
Halsey's debut album Badlands just dropped, and if the crowd was any indication, she's already created anthems that will soundtrack fans' turbulent teen years. "We are the new Americana, high on legal marijuana," they screamed along. Weed, for the record, is not currently legalized in Pennsylvania.
She brought her parents on stage, which was adorable.
Halsey onstage with her parents at #MIAFest pic.twitter.com/Z7WJ6K7WgV— Halsey Updates (@HalseyUpdatesUK) September 6, 2015
9. Santigold wears a hat
It’s perfect.
The experimental artist was also shooting a music video at the festival, later bringing out performer ILoveMakonnen during her set.
10. J. Cole electrifies the crowd
J. Cole brought an unbelievable amount of energy to his nighttime performance, which was the third to last set of Sunday night, making sure to play old tracks for longtime fans (who he shouted out constantly). The rapper was electrifying, running around the stage and roaring into the mic, easily commanding the crowd for one of the most thrilling shows of the day.
11. The Weeknd crushes his headlining set
Hot off his recent No. 1 album, the Weeknd is having a triumphant moment. His electrifying set included a few old favorites like “High For This,” but was geared more toward recent hits and pop smashes, like “Love Me Harder,” “The Hills” and “Can’t Feel My Face.”