SXSW 2014: 7 Pop Acts We’re Looking Forward To, From Betty Who To Lady Gaga To Coldplay

Music festival season has officially begun, with Austin, Texas’ annual South by Southwest kicking things off next Tuesday (March 11).  With 2,200 acts (!!) set to perform over the six-day conference, our favorite artists can easily get lost in the mix. So we’ve combed through the extensive roster and picked out this year’s can’t-miss performers!

A majority of our SXSW picks last year were rooted in pop, but this time around the choices are a bit more varied. From seasoned pop veterans to rising stars from across the pond, these seven performers are definitely worth waiting in long lines for a chance to see them live.

Betty Who

This budding pop star has been a longtime favorite at Idolator and has topped major “Ones To Watch”  lists since her debut EP The Movement,which includes the infectious “Somebody Loves You.” Betty Who is checking off another item off her to-do list and jump-starting her Slow Dancing Tour with a set at SXSW. The recent RCA signee will bring a ray of poppy sunshine to the Austin Music Hall on March 15.

Lady Gaga

The ARTPOP diva has always had an interesting affiliation with food (opening an Italian restaurant in NYC, her infamous meat dress at the 2010 VMAs, wiping out an entire diner with poisonous pancakes in the “Telephone” video, etc.) This time around, she will be sponsored by Doritos for her performance at Stubb’s on March 13. But getting into the show won’t be so easy. After completing Doritos’ “Bold Missions,” Mother Monster will handpick the winners and grant them VIP access to the concert. Lady Gaga is known for her extravagant performances, so we’re curious to see how she’ll adapt to the intimate venue.