Building a Mystery: 15 Female Artists Who Could Play Lilith Fair If It Happened Today

If you managed to keep your Hulu subscription, you might have seen a new music documentary that dropped titled Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery. While most Gen Z aged people don't know about Lilith Fair, people in my age bracket (aka, Millennials) are well aware of not just what Lilith Fair was, but the reputation that followed it.

Deep in the male-dominated 90s music scene, Sarah McLachlan managed to create an all-female music festival called the Lilith Fair. As the Hulu documentary will show you, most promoters and labels had no faith in the project and wrote it off as something that couldn't possibly be successful. But with big names such as Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, Tracy Chapman, Jewel, Fiona Apple, Missy Elliott, Sinead O'Connor, and Indigo Girls, people came in droves to enjoy some female-driven musical entertainment. Lilith Fair even introduced audiences to up and coming artists such as Nelly Furtado, Christina Aguilera, and Tegan and Sara.

Lilith Fair didn't just bring music to audiences, it was also a vessel for charitable causes and social awareness. Not only did Lilith Fair donate festival proceeds to charitable organizations in each city, it organized with Planned Parenthood to host reproductive rights and women's healthcare tents. It even made music history by giving radio stations the courage to play female artists back-to-back for the first time.

Despite the success, there were jokes to be had at the women's expense and the tour was shut down after just three years. There was a brief attempt at a revival in 2010, but it wasn't successful enough to continue. However, 2025 is a much different era.

We are smack in the middle of the aftermath of the repeal of Roe v. Wade, along with massive cuts to women's reproductive rights and healthcare access. Really, just healthcare in general. Project 2025 is unfolding right in front of our eyes and is threatening a lot of things that the Lilith Fair fought to bring awareness to and raise funding for. Perhaps 2025 would be the perfect time to think about bringing it back. But who would play this all-female powerhouse? Mind you, the music scene isn't nearly what it used to be and the brand of singer-songwriter that existed in the 90s is much different than it is today. Pop stars have become quite larger than life and with concert tickets, we want this thing to be attainable. So keep that in mind when you don't see someone like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, or Beyonce on this list.

15. Doechii

Whether you were using her songs for TikTok trends or watching her explosive GRAMMYS performance, it's hard to escape Doechii these days. Her energy and performances have left fans wanting more and an appearance at a female-powered festival would be nothing short of awesome.

14. Kesha

I mean... do we really need to say why we'd want Kesha at a revival of the Lilith Fair? She's an icon.

13. Evanescence

Bringing in the Millennial nostalgia, Evanescence would be a great addition to get the rock lovers into the festival. Led by Amy Lee, the band has achieved unbelievable success since their 2003 debut and they've done it all with a woman at the helm. Lee has also been a vocal advocate for voters rights and mental health awareness. She also serves as a chairperson for the international epilepsy awareness foundation, Out of the Shadows, and has received a Luella Bennack Award from United Cerebral Palsy.

12. Chappell Roan

Whether you love or hate her, you can't deny that Chappell Roan has become a rising star in the music industry. She has brought a fresh sound with explosive hits like "Pink Pony Club" and "Good Luck, Babe!" and she has come with her own unique stage presence. She has also made a name for herself by challenging pop star "stan" culture and pushing for queer positivity.

11. HAIM

This trio of sisters would literally bring sisterhood to the forefront of a revived Lilith Fair. They've been quite successful with audiences and have even collaborated with Taylor Swift. They'd also bring a different sound to the stage, perhaps more reminiscent to the original lineup of more calmed down singer-songwriter vibes.

10. Brittany Howard (aka, Alabama Shakes)

Despite Alabama Shakes being on an indefinite hiatus, its frontwoman is still very active in the scene - including collaborating with director Ryan Coogler for his film Sinners. With her guitar skills and even bigger vocal style, Howard would bring a blend of rock, blues, and electricity to audiences.

9. Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez always seems to be in the spotlight for something, and honestly it's for good reason. Whether it's music, acting, or activism, Selena has proven herself to not be afraid to put all of her cards on the table.

8. Charli XCX

If 2024 and 2025 belonged to anyone, you'd have to give Charli XCX a solid chance. With her album BRAT becoming not just a hit but a state of mind, she has also challenged pop star culture and given a fresh, rather messy brand of woman. From fashion to nightlife, her "BRAT Summer" movement took society by storm and we all know it would be a hit with Lilith Fair attendees who just want to have a good time.

7. SZA

Coming off collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, SZA has been gaining quite a following and even broke the record for the longest running US top-10 hit by a black musician. She has numerous accolades including GRAMMY Awards, American Music Awards, and she's even received a Hal David Starlight Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame. She even performed at the Super Bowl.

6. Kacey Musgraves

One of the few country artists to make this list, Kacey Musgraves has definitely made her mark on the music industry and she's done it in all the right ways. She has been a rare, progressive country ally for the LGBTQ+ community, advocated for marijuana legalization, promoted safe sex, and even explored questioning religion. That's the energy we are looking for.

5. Billie Eilish

Nothing wrong with an Oscar winner on a Lilith Fair lineup, right? After hitting the scene as a teenager, Eilish has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with. At just 23-years old, she's shown that the only direction she can go is up and her energy would be a relatable presence on an all-female festival lineup.

4. H.E.R.

If you are going to bring back a female-powered festival, there is no way you could exclude H.E.R. This musical prodigy scored her first record deal at the age of 14 and has since played events such as the Super Bowl, Rock in Rio, and has even opened for Coldplay. By the age of 25, she even won GRAMMY Awards and a Children's and Family Emmy for her contributions to the Barack and Michelle Obama series, We the People.

3. Olivia Rodrigo

Coming off her extremely successful GUTS tour, Olivia Rodrigo has been a breath of fresh air for the music industry. The interesting part is she's done it while channeling nostalgia for the very era we are paying homage to. Also mentioned in the Hulu documentary, Rodrigo was even set to perform at the documentary's premiere before dropping out in protest of ABC's cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live. Now that's a girl boss we want to continue this legacy.

2. Brandi Carlile

Brandi appeared in the Lilith Fair documentary talking about how inspirational the festival was. She has managed to become quite successful while supporting women's causes and the LGBTQ+ community. She was also part of the failed attempt at bringing back Lilith Fair in 2010.

1. Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina is the exception to the "no pop stars" rule, as she is developing a phenomenal career. Coming off performances supporting women's rights and the LGBTQ+ community, she continues to top the charts and bloom into a global icon. She brings a type of energy that fully gives women the encouragement to be themselves and to not be afraid of your sexuality. What gives more Lilith energy than that?

Honorable Mentions:

• Lola Young
• Kali Uchis
• Halsey
• Spiritbox
• Poppy
• Gracie Abrams
• Spiritbox
• Boygenius
• Lorde
• MARINA
• Florence + The Machine
• Tate McRae
• Addison Rae
• Laufey
• Maren Morris
• Arlo Parks
• Dove Cameron
• Glorilla
• Tyla
• Halestorm

Who would you want to play a revival of Lilith Fair? Let us know in the comments!