Blackpink’s Jennie to Headline Mad Cool Festival 2026 with Lorde and Foo Fighters — A Historic First for K-pop

Blackpink member Jennie Kim has been announced as one of the headline performers for the Mad Cool Festival 2026 in Madrid, Spain — marking a historic first for K-pop at one of Europe’s largest and most prestigious music festivals.

The festival, scheduled for July 8–12, 2026, revealed an electrifying lineup featuring over 70 global artists, including Lorde, Foo Fighters, Florence + The Machine, Twenty One Pilots, Zara Larsson, Charlie Puth, and Pulp.

Jennie’s headline performance is set for Thursday, July 9, where she will share the main stage with Florence Welch and Lorde — two powerhouse performers representing the festival’s global, genre-crossing vision.

A Milestone for K-pop at European Festivals

Jennie’s participation at Mad Cool marks a significant cultural milestone — she will be the first-ever K-pop artist to headline the Spanish festival, which has long been a hub for international rock, pop, and alternative acts.

Festival organisers described the 2026 lineup as one of the “most globally diverse editions to date,” emphasising the inclusion of Asian artists as part of their broader mission to “reflect the global evolution of contemporary music.”

Industry observers view Jennie’s inclusion as part of K-pop’s expanding footprint in Europe. Over the past few years, Korean acts such as BTS, Seventeen, and Stray Kids have sold out arenas in Paris, Berlin, and London — but few have broken into the European festival circuit’s main stage lineup.

“Jennie’s presence on the Mad Cool 2026 stage is more than just a performance — it’s a statement of how far K-pop has come as a global force,” noted Spanish music critic Alicia Navarro. “Her artistry bridges cultures and audiences that festivals like Mad Cool thrive on.”

Jennie’s Global Dominance: From Coachella to Madrid

The announcement follows Jennie’s successful solo run at Coachella 2025, where she performed tracks from her viral single “Ruby” to critical acclaim. Her set was widely hailed as one of the festival’s standout performances, blending slick choreography, live vocals, and cinematic stage design.

“Ruby” went on to chart across multiple countries, trending on TikTok and Spotify Global Top 50 — solidifying Jennie’s transition from idol to international solo artist.

With her Mad Cool debut, Jennie will bring that same high-energy stage presence to European audiences for the first time as a solo headliner. Fans can expect a setlist combining her solo hits, unreleased material, and reinvented versions of Blackpink tracks.

Part of a Powerhouse Lineup

Mad Cool Festival 2026 will run for five days in Madrid’s Villaverde district, featuring an eclectic mix of rock, pop, electronic, and indie acts.

The July 9 lineup — Jennie’s headline day — will feature a blend of powerhouse vocalists and contemporary pop icons, including:

• Jennie (Blackpink)

• Lorde

• Florence + The Machine

• Charlie Puth

• Teddy Swims

• Zara Larsson

• Renee Rapp

• The Blaze

Other days will see headline performances by Foo Fighters, Twenty One Pilots, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Wolf Alice, and Moby.

The festival, known for its immersive design and sustainability efforts, draws over 300,000 attendees annually, making it one of Europe’s most-attended live music events.

Jennie’s Career Momentum Continues

Jennie’s solo career has been on a meteoric rise since the release of SOLO in 2018. Following her breakout debut, she has established herself as a fashion icon, performer, and producer, balancing global endorsements with creative independence.

In 2025, she launched her brand ODDATELIER (OA) into full-scale operations, debuting an exclusive fashion capsule and fragrance line in collaboration with international designers.

She also continues to tour as part of Blackpink’s DEADLINE World Tour, performing alongside Lisa, Jisoo, and Rosé to record-breaking audiences across North America, Asia, and Europe.

“I want to explore new stages and tell new stories,” Jennie said in a recent interview. “Festivals like Mad Cool allow me to connect with fans in ways that go beyond language or culture.”

K-pop Meets Global Festivals: A New Era of Representation

Jennie’s inclusion at Mad Cool 2026 follows a broader movement of Korean artists breaking into global festival circuits. Acts like NewJeans and IVE have appeared at international showcases, but Jennie’s headliner status sets a new precedent for representation.

Her upcoming performance aligns with a growing appetite among European audiences for K-pop’s distinct blend of production, style, and performance artistry.

“Jennie is not just performing; she’s paving the way for the next generation of Asian artists to headline mainstream festivals,” said UK-based music journalist Tom Wilson. “Her presence signals that K-pop is no longer a ‘genre’ but a global movement.”

Anticipation Builds for Blackpink’s Next Chapter

While Jennie continues to expand her solo presence, Blackpink fans are eagerly awaiting updates on the group’s next album. Reports suggest that the upcoming record, originally expected in late 2025, may be delayed until mid-2026, aligning closely with Jennie’s Mad Cool appearance.

Despite the delay, Blackpink’s DEADLINE Tour remains one of the year’s highest-grossing live music events, reaffirming the group’s status as the world’s top-performing female act.

Final Note

Jennie’s headline slot at Mad Cool Festival 2026 represents a landmark moment — not just for her, but for K-pop’s growing integration into Western music’s biggest stages.

As she prepares to share the spotlight with legends like Foo Fighters and Lorde, Jennie stands as a symbol of global pop’s new era — one defined by diversity, connection, and artistic power that transcends borders.