Travis Scott’s music has transformed over the past few years to be quite eclectic, pulling from all kinds of genres from psychedelic rock to southern trap. So it didn’t come as much surprise when the Houston rapper called upon artists like Rosalía, Migos, Young Thug, DaBaby, Pop Smoke, Megan Thee Stallion, Marilyn Manson and more for his second annual Astroworld Festival.
Held on Saturday (Nov. 9) in his hometown’s NRG Park, Scott’s exciting lineup led to unexpected moments that were heightened by the festival’s trippy carnival-inspired theme — thrilling rides like the Ferris Wheel and Starship 2000 included.
Below, Billboard gathered seven of the best acts who dominated the Astroworld stage.
Marilyn Manson goes full-fledged macabre
With a relatively young audience whose taste leans more towards trap music, having Marilyn Manson on the bill may seem like a left-field choice. But the legendary shock rocker actually fit right in, tapping into the crowd’s rowdy, anarchic side. He was backed by his band members (who sported black-and-white makeup) and a widescreen that featured a huge dollar bill with his face emblazoned on it. A feathered jacket-wearing Manson ran through fan favorites like “The Dope Show,” “Mobscene” and a cover of Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” all while smoking a joint, spitting and screaming throughout his set.
Pharrell brings the nostalgia
From his work with N.E.R.D., The Neptunes and his solo projects, Pharrell’s setlist options can be pretty overwhelming! Nevertheless, the producer-artist curated the perfect showing that reflected his career’s impressive trajectory. He kicked off his set with Clipse’s “Grindin’” before leading a singalong to Snoop Dogg’s “Drop It Like It’s Hot.” Pharrell continued to unleash hit after hit – including Jay-Z’s “Frontin’’,” Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright,” Future’s “Move That Dope,” Kelis’ “Milkshake,” Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s “Apeshit” and “Happy” – that shows his decades-long masterful production.
Migos shows off their Southern-fried flair
The Atlanta-bred rap trio didn’t need any introduction! Instead, Quavo, Takeoff and Offset immediately kicked off their set with 2017’s Culture highlight, “Deadz.” From there, it was an instant party filled with hits: “Hannah Montana” (which incited a water-throwing mosh pit),” the college kids’ party anthem “Fight Night,” a singalong to “Kelly Price,” a dance-off to “Pure Water” and – of course – their first Hot 100 chart-topper, “Bad and Boujee.”
Megan Thee Stallion recruits a fan-filled twerk team
The self-proclaimed Houston Hottie’s set began nearly 90 minutes late, yet Chase B (Travis Scott’s personal DJ) kept the anxious crowd in good spirits. After playing a mix of Waka Flocka Flame’s “Grove St. Party,” Sheck Wes’ “Mo Bamba” and Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness,” a mysterious figure appeared to the right of the stage. It turned out to be none other than Scott himself, who looked giddy as he watched the audience roar with excitement. He then snuck behind his DJ to show off his skills behind the turntable. Finally, Megan Thee Stallion jumped on stage, opening her set with the gangster Fever mixtape intro, “Realer.” After showing love to her hometown, she got the crowd jumping with “Freak Nasty,” “Cocky AF” and “Hot Girl Summer.” Throughout her set, the rapper pulled fellow hotties out of the crowd so they could shake their booties just as fast as her.
Rosalía seduces with her charm
The night marked Rosalía’s first time in Houston, but the Spanish star seemed right at home. The multi-faceted singer has become known for her intense, dance routine-heavy shows, and she made sure not to skimp on the experience for the Astroworld audience. “We are so grateful to be here, I hope you enjoy,” she told the crowd before diving into the sultry “Pienso en tu mirá.” In the middle of lively renditions of “Di mi nombre,” “Brillo” and “Yo x Ti, Tu x Mi,” Rosalía showcased her stunning vocal talent with a chilling flamenco-inspired solo. But the set wasn’t all perfect. At one point, she acknowledged her broken nails. She jokingly flicked them off stage without a care and continued the show without missing a beat.
Houston All-Stars takes us on a classic joyride
Among the roster of newer hip-hop acts, Scott made sure to give a platform to those who were crucial in the rise of mainstream southern rap. Dubbed “Houston All-Stars,” the set began with Houston OG Slim Thug, who was joined by Paul Wall for “Still Tippin’” (sans Mike Jones). The classics kept rolling in with “Sittin’ Sideways,” “Diamonds In My Mouth” and appearances by Lil Keke, Trae tha Truth and Houston newcomer Maxo Kream.
Travis Scott is the ultimate rock star
A little knee injury couldn’t stop his show. Despite the small setback, Scott made sure to give his eager fans every bit of energy he could muster. Rolling onto the stage on a stretcher after being introduced by surprise guest Dave Chappelle, the rapper was then propped up onto a cherry picker rip through his endless hits. Along with getting the party started with “Stargazing,” “Butterfly Effect” and “Antidote,” the rapper also had a few more surprises in store. He was later joined by Migos and Young Thug to perform an unreleased new song, and called upon mentor Kanye West for a one-two punch of Jesus Is King highlight “Follow God” and Graduation’s “Can’t Tell Me Nothing.”