House music fans were treated to an unforgettable moment at this year’s Austin City Limits Festival, as John Summit delivered a high-energy set that left the crowd buzzing and capped it all off with a surprise appearance from vocalist Hayla.
The Chicago-born DJ and producer, known for his infectious beats and rowdy live performances, packed the T-Mobile stage during his Saturday night slot. But it wasn’t just the music that had fans talking it was the unannounced on-stage reunion with Hayla, his collaborator on the global dance anthem Where You Are.
The Moment That Lit Up ACL
As Summit’s set built to a peak, the unmistakable opening notes of Shiver rang out over the speakers. The crowd erupted and then roared even louder when Hayla emerged from backstage, microphone in hand, joining Summit live for a rare and emotional rendition of their hit track.
Fans immediately reached for their phones, capturing the electric moment as lights pulsed and voices sang along in unison. It was the kind of surprise festival moment that people talk about for years raw, unexpected, and perfectly timed. Hayla also performed Where you are, a festival favorite. The stage was equipped with sparks, fireworks, and pyro effects that made the performance all that more entertaining.
“Not to be dramatic but this set changed my life” wrote one fan on Instagram
A Power Duo in Dance Music
“Where You Are”, released in 2023, became a breakout hit for both Summit and Hayla, charting globally and cementing their reputations as rising stars in electronic music. The song’s emotionally charged vocals, paired with Summit’s signature production, struck a chord with fans around the world.
While the two have performed together at select festivals in the past, their ACL set marked the first time they’ve performed together in the Lone Star State.
Fan Reactions and Viral Buzz
Almost instantly, clips of the surprise appearance flooded social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Within hours, videos of the performance had racked up hundreds of thousands of views, with fans and fellow artists praising the chemistry between Summit and Hayla.
“Thank you for bringing Hayla” said another fan on Instagram.
What’s Next for John Summit?
With yet another viral moment under his belt, John Summit continues to cement his place as one of the most exciting live acts in electronic music. He’s currently wrapping up his global tour and teasing new music on the way… with rumors of another collaboration with Hayla already swirling.
For now, though, fans are still reeling from the magic that happened under the Austin skies. Summit is set to perform another round for Austin next weekend for weekend 2 of the Austin City Limits Festival. It is currently unknown on if Summit will be bringing Hayla along again for this next performance. We can speculate that there might be a new tag-along such as Julia Church.
Baily is a passionate EDM storyteller and photographer who has been immersed in the scene since 2009 starting out as a fan. With a camera in hand and a love for electronic beats, Baily has captured unforgettable moments for some of the industry’s biggest names, including Eric Prydz, Zedd, and Haliene. Through both visuals and words, Baily aims to celebrate the artists, culture, and energy that make the electronic music community thrive.