On the evening of June 5th, under the warm Barcelona sky at Parc del Fòrum, the Primavera Sound music festival kicked off in style with none other than Charli XCX and Troye Sivan stealing the spotlight. For fans, it was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of music, friendship, and that intangible spark that makes pop culture so addictive.
One of the evening’s standout moments was when Charli XCX invited a very special guest to join her on stage: Chappell Roan. Dressed in a cool gray mini skirt, a sharply cut sweatshirt, and oversized bug-eye glasses, Chappell looked every bit like the quirky, effortlessly cool friend you’d love to hang out with. Together with the crowd, she busted out the viral “Apple Dance,” a TikTok sensation created by Kelly Hay, that’s been taking over feeds worldwide.
If you haven’t heard it yet, the dance’s cheeky lyrics go something like, “I think the apple’s rotten to the core, because of everything handed down before.” It’s playful, rebellious, and instantly catchy. Chappell lip-synced flawlessly and nailed every move, clearly enjoying herself as the huge screens flanking the stage beamed her every step to the roaring crowd. The vibe was electric—something that reminded me of those unforgettable house parties where a spontaneous dance break suddenly unites everyone.
Speaking of house parties, this whole trend has made its way into the homes of celebrities and everyday folks alike. Take Dave Grohl and his daughter Harper, for example. They hilariously attempted the Apple Dance together, showing off a charming father-daughter bond that quickly went viral. Or Jessica Alba, who’s been spotted recreating the dance with friends in her living room, reminding us that behind the glamour, stars are just like us—finding joy in music and movement.
This is the magic of pop culture: it’s not just a show on a stage; it’s part of our lives, weaving us together in rhythm and fun. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a Brooklyn café or strolling through a London neighborhood, music and dance create invisible threads that connect us all.
Back on stage, Charli XCX was nothing short of electric. She shook her hips, shouting, “Make some noise! Chappell, I f***ing love you!”—words raw and genuine, like cheering on your best friend at a packed bar. You could feel the excitement ripple through the crowd, making the moment unforgettable.
Chappell’s appearance was just a teaser for what’s to come. She’s slated to headline the festival’s closing night on June 7th, and fans can expect even more surprises from this rising star who’s quickly carving out her place in the music scene. She embodies the energy and creativity that define the new generation of artists shaking up the industry.
Music festivals these days are so much more than performances. They’re social gatherings, cultural statements, and shared experiences. Lucy, an artist from New York I chatted with, says she attends at least three major festivals a year. For her, it’s not just about the music but the overwhelming sense of belonging—the way the crowd pulses as one, the shared smiles, the spontaneous moments of pure joy.

For artists like Charli XCX, festivals are playgrounds for experimentation and connection. Her music carries that edgy punk spirit mixed with modern electronic beats—powerful yet emotional. Bringing Chappell Roan on stage shows her commitment to blending established and fresh voices, keeping the scene alive and unpredictable.
The Primavera Sound lineup itself is a sonic buffet, featuring names like Haim, Beach House, Stereolab, Sabrina Carpenter, Wet Leg, and TV on the Radio. It’s a smorgasbord of indie rock, electronic pop, and everything in between—giving music lovers a feast for the senses over several days.
Why do dances like the Apple Dance spread like wildfire? The answer lies in social media’s unstoppable force. Platforms like TikTok turn simple routines into global phenomena overnight. You scroll through your feed and suddenly, friends, celebrities, and strangers alike are all doing the same moves, smiling, laughing, and sharing a moment.
I thought about Mike, a Los Angeles designer who never danced before but joined in after seeing friends go viral with the trend. For him, it became a refreshing way to unwind, connect, and just have fun. In today’s hectic world, these little bursts of joy are exactly what we need.
In the end, the collaboration between Charli XCX and Chappell Roan at Primavera Sound wasn’t just a performance—it was a vivid reminder of how music and dance keep culture alive, vibrant, and human. Whether you’re in the thick of the crowd or watching from your living room, that shared energy transcends distance.
So next time you hear someone sing “I think the apple’s rotten to the core,” remember: it’s more than a catchy lyric. It’s a call to dance, to connect, and to find joy in the little moments that make life worth living.