Bonnaroo 2023: Lil Nas X showcases charm, vulnerability, unmatched energy

Lil Nas X delivered like no other Saturday night at Bonnaroo. Complete with giant costumed creatures and stellar outfits, his performance was a celebration of Black joy and queerness, while at the same time exuding seduction and sex appeal.

Appearing on the What stage wearing a gold breast plate, Lil Nas opened with "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" immediately sending the crowd into a nonstop, wild euphoria.

Throughout his set, Lil Nas X performed hype song after hype song, like "Don't Want it," "Down Souf Hoes" and his 2019 industry-shaking hit "Old Town Road," which earned him and Billy Ray Cyrus a pair of Grammy Awards and ultimately launched the young showman into stardom.

But besides his trademark charm and energy, what set Lil Nas X's set apart from others was the unapologetic and raw way in which he showcased his persona.

"It's f****** Pride month y'all better make some noise for this gay ass s***!" he shouted.

Related: Jelly Roll joins Three 6 Mafia in surprise Bonnaroo appearance

Lil Nas X slowed down for a moment to sing his heartfelt, 2021 song, "Sun Goes Down," in which he discusses his struggle with self love, but ultimately accepting himself and finding happiness.

"Since ten, I've been feelin' lonely / Had friends but they was pickin' on me / Always thinkin', "Why my lips so big? / Was I too dark? / Can they sense my fears? / These gay thoughts would always haunt me / I prayed God would take it from me."

It's worth noting that it wasn't just the rapper who energized the crowd.

With sexy dance numbers full of pirouettes, vogueing and death drops, Lil Nas X's dancers elevated the performance to great heights.

During a short intermission, his diverse team of dancers took turns showcasing their pristine capabilities, dropping it low to songs by Beyoncé, Rihanna, Megan Thee Stallion, and Tokischa featuring J. Balvin.

He ended his set with what appeared to be a passionate kiss with one of his dancers, before closing with Grammy-nominated "Industry Baby."

Diana Leyva covers breaking and trending news for The Tennessean. Connect with her by email at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on twitter at @_leyvadiana

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Bonnaroo fans go wild for Lil Nas X's unapologetic What Stage set