Who’s Taking the Main Stage? Our Bold ACL Headliner Predictions
Crowds of people at Austin City Limits Music Festival.
Each October, something incredible takes over Austin: Austin City Limits Music Festival. The colorful and recognizable flags are hoisted in Zilker Park every year, as hundreds of people witness these musical performances. As another year goes by, it’s time for ACL’s 2025 predictions that will rock the house.
Sabrina Carpenter
With her rise to stardom, not to mention her visit to Austin for her Short n’ Sweet tour back in 2024, Carpenter is sure to make some big headlines at ACL. With her Fast Times attitude and spicy choreography, Austin’s about to be under “Espresso”—hot, fast, and addictive. Her stage presence is magnetic, her vocals sugar-slick, and her ability to turn “Nonsense” into an anthem has made her a pop powerhouse. If she takes the ACL stage, expect feathers to fly, fans to scream every word, and a set that’s anything but sweet and simple.
Doechii
Known for making history as the first woman to win the Grammy for Best Rap Album, Doechii is poised to set the ACL stage on fire. Her potential appearance at the Austin festival has fans buzzing—and for good reason. With her recognition skyrocketing and a reputation for electric live performances, Doechii is sure to deliver a show that’s bold, unapologetic, and unforgettable. If she brings the same energy she had when she said, “I'm what's next—I'm the future, I'm a queen,” ACL better be ready for a takeover.
Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey has fans crossing their fingers for what could be a dreamlike return to Austin. Whispers of her performing at last year’s festival stirred up major excitement—even if they didn’t come true. Still, she remains one of the most anticipated hopefuls for this year’s lineup. With her cinematic sound, nostalgic glamour, and cult following, a Lana set under the Texas sky would be nothing short of Born to Die magic.
Lorde
Lorde may have been out of the spotlight for a while, but her comeback is officially underway with the release of her new single, “What Was That.” Known for her genre-bending sound and poetic lyricism, Lorde has a way of turning introspection into anthems. If she graces the ACL stage this year, fans can expect a set full of raw emotion, shimmering synths, and a healthy dose of Melodrama. One thing’s for sure: Austin won’t know what hit it.
Gracie Abrams
Another fan favorite that festival-goers are hoping to see grace the ACL stage this year is none other than Gracie Abrams. Known for her intimate songwriting and poetic lyricism, Abrams has quickly become one of the most celebrated rising artists in pop. With performances at major festivals like Lollapalooza already under her belt—and a growing fan base hanging onto every vulnerable verse—her presence at ACL would be a heartstring-tugging highlight of the weekend.
Gigi Perez
Gigi Perez is a star in the making, with tracks like “Sailor Song” and “Fable” quickly becoming fan favorites and defining her signature sound. She’s making headway in the indie scene with her raw vulnerability and haunting vocals, and a spot on the ACL lineup could mark a major breakthrough moment in her rising career. With her new album At The Beach, In Every Life out, Perez is proving she’s not just a promising newcomer—she’s an artist with a clear vision, emotional depth, and a voice that lingers long after the last note.
Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo is another strong contender to take the ACL stage this year. With total GUTS and a punk-rock edge, she’s the kind of artist who leaves it all out there—raw, loud, and unapologetically herself. After a fiery, crowd-slaying set at Lollapalooza, Rodrigo has proven she knows how to own a festival stage. If she shows up in Austin, expect a high-energy, scream-your-heart-out performance that’ll be nothing short of killer.
