The second day of Madrid's Mad Cool Festival was an absolute scorcher, with the pop-centric line-up firing on all cylinders. Thursday, 9th July, saw the event pivot from rock and nostalgia to a vibrant display of female powerhouses taking centre stage. It was a thrilling shift in tone, with each act delivering performances that left the crowd begging for more.
CMAT, the Irish artist known for her unique 'Euro-Country' sound, was an absolute highlight on the Orange Stage. With her infectious energy and quick wit, she had the audience eating out of the palm of her hand. Who needs a graduation ceremony when you've got CMAT's set to educate you? Her performance included the now-iconic dance for 'Take A Sexy Picture Of Me' and a foot-stomping dosey-do for 'I Wanna Be A Cowboy, Baby!', demonstrating her knack for blending showmanship with humour that has won over fans in the UK and beyond.
Over in the Mahou Cinco Estrellas tent, Manchester-based indie artist Chloe Slater was holding court. Her set, featuring tracks like 'Sinking Feeling', 'Harriet', and 'Ugly', resonated deeply with a generation grappling with contemporary struggles – including the woes of late-stage capitalism. Slater also used her platform to address global issues, performing 'War Crimes' and expressing a desire for peace. It was a powerful reminder of her ability to craft songs that are both melodically impactful and thematically charged.
The main stage saw New Zealand's very own Lorde take centre stage in the evening. With a setlist featuring hits like 'Green Light', alongside tracks from her latest album 'Virgin', it was clear why she's one of the biggest names in pop right now. Despite a relatively stripped-back stage setup, Lorde created an intimate atmosphere that drew fans in with its emotional depth and sheer pop energy.
Later, BLACKPINK rapper Jennie brought her A-game to the Region Of Madrid stage, delivering a high-octane performance that appealed to a vast international fanbase. It was a fitting conclusion to a day that showcased Mad Cool's commitment to diversity and its ability to deliver unforgettable performances across a broad spectrum of contemporary music.