Justin Timberlake shines, Benson Boone impresses, and 4 Non Blondes rock. Day two blends soul, rock, and pop into festival gold.
The second day of BottleRock Napa Valley 2025 offered a rich tapestry of musical experiences, culminating in a headline performance by Justin Timberlake that marked a significant moment in his career. From soulful melodies to rock reunions and hip-hop anthems, the day showcased the festival’s commitment to diverse artistry.
The day commenced with Jalen Ngonda performing on the Jam Cellars Main Stage and the JamPad acoustic stage. His smooth vocals and classic soul influences provided a gentle start to the festival’s proceedings. His beautiful voice and performance set a perfectly relaxed tone, inviting early attendees to ease into the day’s events.
Actress-turned-singer Kate Hudson followed on the Verzon Stage, surprising many with her confident stage presence and engaging pop-rock set. If you had not heard Hudson sing before her performance, which included a rendition of her single “Glorious,” and covers of Til Tuesdays’ “Voices Carry,” The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony,” Filter’s “Take a Picture” demonstrated her musical capabilities beyond the silver screen.
Raynes, the London-and-L.A.-based indie-pop trio, took to the stage in the early afternoon and quickly won over the BottleRock crowd with their infectious energy and polished sound. Blending Americana-inspired instrumentation with glossy pop production, the band delivered a tight, melodic set that felt tailor-made for the Napa sunshine. Frontman Mat Charley’s warm, expressive vocals paired seamlessly with the group’s tight harmonies, while songs like “Lemon Drop” and “Second Thought” showcased the band’s knack for crafting earworms with emotional resonance. Their crisp arrangements and undeniable charisma energized the growing audience, many of whom were likely encountering Raynes for the first time. It was a set that underscored BottleRock’s continued commitment to spotlighting promising emerging acts alongside established headliners.
Veteran Austin singer-songwriter Bob Schneider brought his signature blend of rock, folk, and sly humor to both the Prudential Stage and the more intimate VIP Village stage, drawing appreciative crowds at each stop. Known for his genre-blurring style and quick wit, Schneider peppered his set with offbeat banter and playful lyricism that kept the audience engaged between songs. His rich, gravelly vocals and effortless command of the stage were on full display as he moved between fan favorites like “40 Dogs (Like Romeo and Juliet)” and new, unreleased material that hinted at fresh directions. Whether crooning ballads or leaning into bluesy grooves, Schneider reminded festivalgoers why he’s remained a cult favorite for decades—versatile, engaging, and always a little unpredictable.
Lauren Mayberry made an appearance on the Verizon stage. Mayberry, also known as the frontwoman of CHVRCHES, presented a solo performance that highlighted her ethereal vocals and introspective songwriting. Her set offered a more intimate experience amidst the day’s larger acts, with Mayberry also covering The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony.” Mayberry also spent her set making a political statement with her words, music, and clothes.
Lawrence, the dynamic sibling-led funk-pop collective fronted by Clyde and Gracie Lawrence, lit up the stage with a vibrant, high-octane performance that perfectly embodied the spirit of BottleRock. Known for their genre-defying blend of funk, soul, and pop, the band delivered a set brimming with tight horn lines, soaring vocals, and infectious grooves that had the crowd dancing from the first downbeat. Their undeniable chemistry and playful onstage banter added to the electric atmosphere, turning the performance into more of a communal celebration than a traditional festival set. Midway through the show, the energy kicked up another notch with a surprise guest appearance by rising guitar phenom Grace Bowers, whose fiery soloing added a rock edge to the already supercharged set. It was a joyful, musically rich performance that reminded everyone how much fun a live band can be when firing on all cylinders.
Icelandic blues-rock band Kaleo made their presence felt twice on Saturday, first with a thunderous afternoon set on the Verizon Stage and later with a more intimate, smoldering performance in the VIP Village. Both appearances were marked by frontman JJ Julius Son’s unmistakable, gritty vocals—equal parts fire and soul—which echoed through the festival grounds like a storm rolling in over the Napa hills. The band’s mix of searing guitar riffs, haunting melodies, and moody atmospherics brought a cinematic intensity that stood in stark contrast to the festival’s more pop-forward acts. Standout tracks like “Way Down We Go” and “No Good” were met with rapt attention, drawing both cheers and reverent silence from the crowd at key moments. Kaleo’s performances added a welcome dose of raw emotion and sonic depth to the day’s lineup, grounding the BottleRock experience in bluesy authenticity and reminding everyone that power doesn’t always come from volume—it comes from soul.
One of the most anticipated moments of BottleRock 2025—and one that lived up to every bit of the hype—was the long-awaited reunion of 4 Non Blondes. Taking the stage for their first major performance in over two decades, the iconic ‘90s alt-rock band was greeted by a sea of fans, many of whom had grown up with their music and never thought they’d get the chance to hear it live again. The set was charged with emotion and nostalgia, anchored by the unmistakable presence of frontwoman Linda Perry, whose powerhouse vocals proved to be not only intact but downright commanding. When the opening chords of “What’s Up?” rang out across the festival grounds, it ignited one of the day’s most euphoric moments—tens of thousands of voices joined Perry in a massive, cathartic sing-along that echoed through the Napa Valley like a communal anthem of resilience and joy. The band, tight and energized, delivered a performance that was both raw and celebratory, reminding everyone of their brief but impactful legacy.
But perhaps the biggest surprise came midway through the set when Perry paused to speak directly to the audience. With a knowing smile, she casually dropped the news that a long-lost recording of the band’s unreleased second album—shelved for nearly 30 years—would finally see the light of day. The announcement drew gasps and cheers, adding a layer of historical weight to an already significant performance. For longtime fans and first-time listeners alike, the return of 4 Non Blondes was not just a highlight of the day—it was a rare, time-bridging moment of musical history unfolding in real-time.
There are plenty of ways to describe Benson Boone’s performance—“wow,” “jaw-dropping,” and “unreal” barely scratch the surface. The 21-year-old rising pop sensation delivered one of BottleRock’s most electrifying sets, one that combined vocal prowess, emotional vulnerability, and pure athletic spectacle in a way few artists dare to attempt. From the moment he bounded onto the stage, Boone had the audience in the palm of his hand, channeling the kind of raw intensity that doesn’t just command attention—it demands it. His soaring, note-perfect vocals on songs like “Ghost Town” and “In the Stars” cut through the afternoon air with clarity and passion, while his emotionally charged lyrics connected viscerally with a young crowd who sang back every word.
But it was Boone’s physicality that truly set his performance apart. At one point, he launched himself off his piano in a perfectly timed front flip, landing with the grace of a gymnast and never once breaking rhythm. He sprinted across the stage, flipped into the air multiple times, and, in one of the day’s most viral moments, front-flipped straight into the photo pit to the collective gasp—and cheer—of the crowd. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a high-octane, full-body expression of pop performance art.
He closed with his chart-topping hit “Beautiful Things,” a performance so heartfelt and dynamic it felt like the emotional centerpiece of the entire day. With the audience swaying, phones aloft, and lyrics echoing across the festival grounds, Boone delivered a finale that was as triumphant as it was intimate. It was the kind of set that becomes the talk of the weekend, the one everyone swears they’ll never forget—and for Boone, a defining milestone on the path from breakout artist to full-fledged pop phenomenon.
Hip-hop legend Ice Cube took the stage with the authority and swagger of a true pioneer, delivering a set that traversed his storied career and reminded everyone why he remains a foundational figure in the genre. From the moment he appeared, the energy in the crowd shifted—anticipation turned into explosive enthusiasm as Cube launched into a barrage of hits that spanned from his early N.W.A. days to his solo triumphs. With razor-sharp delivery and unshakable confidence, he performed anthems like “It Was a Good Day,” “Check Yo Self,” and “Straight Outta Compton,” each met with thunderous response and word-for-word crowd participation.Backed by a tight DJ and minimal stage production, Cube let the music and his presence do the heavy lifting, commanding the stage with effortless charisma. Whether you came of age during the golden era of West Coast rap or were hearing these tracks live for the first time, Ice Cube’s performance felt like both a history lesson and a celebration. As extremely powerful bass thumped and fists pumped in the air, his set reaffirmed not only his iconic status but also the lasting cultural impact of the music he helped shape.
The evening culminated in a long-awaited headline set from Justin Timberlake, marking both the grand finale of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour and his debut appearance at BottleRock. Taking the stage under a wash of golden lights, Timberlake emerged to a deafening roar from the sold-out crowd, many of whom had waited all day—and perhaps years—for this moment. Backed by his trusted band, the Tennessee Kids, and a sleek five-person dance crew, Timberlake delivered a polished, high-octane two-hour performance that spanned the full arc of his solo career.
With the confidence and charisma of a seasoned arena performer, he moved seamlessly between eras: from the slow-burning intimacy of “Mirrors” to the genre-bending swagger of “My Love,” to the undeniable crowd-pleaser “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” which sent the entire field into a bouncing sea of hands and cell phones. His setlist was a carefully crafted balance of nostalgia and newness, weaving in and out of several cuts from his catalog, including “Rock your Body” and the emotionally resonant ballad “Cry Me a River,” both of which were met with enthusiastic approval from fans eager to embrace his artistic evolution.
Despite the shadow of a difficult year—one that included the cancellation of several shows due to vocal strain and a headline-making DUI arrest—Timberlake appeared unfazed, refocused, and fully in command. If there were questions about his ability to reclaim the stage, they were answered within minutes. His falsetto was crisp and confident, his dance moves as sharp and fluid as ever, and his rapport with the audience—playful, self-aware, and often heartfelt—reminded everyone why he remains one of pop’s most enduring entertainers.
Coming immediately after Benson Boone’s explosive and acrobatic set might have been daunting for a lesser performer, but Timberlake leaned into his strengths: precision, polish, and sheer star power. He didn’t need to flip off pianos or leap into the crowd—he held the stage with a seasoned grace that made everything look effortless. Backed by cinematic visuals and tight live arrangements, Timberlake’s set felt both grand in scale and deeply personal, a reflection of an artist who has matured without losing his edge.
He closed the night with a stripped-down rendition of “Until the End of Time,” delivered under a single spotlight as he played the keyboard solo, drawing the crowd into a brief, reverent hush. It was one of several reminders that beneath the choreography and spectacle lies a deeply musical performer with an enduring emotional core.
For Timberlake, BottleRock 2025 wasn’t just a tour stop—it was a statement. Judging by the ecstatic crowd and the buzz that rippled through the valley long after he left the stage, it’s safe to say that the pop icon’s next chapter is already well underway as he takes his tour to Europe next.
Beyond the music, the Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage featured celebrity chef demonstrations, adding a gastronomic flair to the festival. Notable appearances included chefs Bobby Flay and Brooke Williamson and other celebrities of sports, music, and entertainment, who showcased their culinary skills and shared personal moments, enhancing the festival’s diverse offerings. Day two of BottleRock 2025 exemplified the festival’s dedication to musical diversity and cultural experiences, providing attendees with a memorable blend of performances and activities.
