Dave Paulson

USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee

To all of you attending this year's Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tenn.: Here's hoping the acts that made you want to buy a ticket don't let you down. But if you've been to the festival before, you know that some of the best moments on the farm are the ones you didn't see coming.

A spot on one of Bonnaroo's stages is often an incredible opportunity for performers at all levels. You have carte blanche to wow one of the best crowds in the country: a captive and committed audience who really, really want you to help them have the time of their lives.

It's tragic when some squander that opportunity (we're still stinging from Billy Joel's phoned-in 2015 set). On the other hand, it's a beautiful thing when an act rises to the occasion, gives it their all and makes thousands of fans for life.

Bonnaroo blunders: 5 moments we'd rather forget

Beyond the headliners and biggest stars, here are five acts that I could easily see making a big splash this year. But this is Bonnaroo, so I'm bound to be surprised, too.

Chris Stapleton

He's swept awards shows, topped the charts and gone viral with Justin Timberlake — and he seemed to be all anyone on Music Row could talk about for a few months afterward. Still, Chris Stapleton may not be on the radar of the many Bonnaroo attendees who are unplugged from traditional media (or completely in their own orbits). That will change the second Stapleton's incredible howl washes over the field. He's set to perform on the festival's biggest stage Saturday afternoon.

(4 p.m. June 11, What Stage)

Tame Impala

After the headliners, this psychedelic/electronic rock group from Australia might attract the biggest crowd of the festival — and they're playing at 1 a.m. To the college-age set, they're gods, and for those a decade or two older, they're the rare bleeding edge act you can get behind, as their sound is packed with reverent nods to the psych-pop, indie rock and new wave of yesteryear. And somehow, it's also clicking with the mainstream. Their latest electronic-leaning album, "Currents," came out last summer. Six months later, Rihanna covered one of its songs for her new "Anti" album. Their late-night set should deliver the dreamy, neon-tinted experience that 'Roo attendees clamor for.

(1 a.m. June 11, Which Stage)

Pete Davidson

It often takes years for new members of the "Saturday Night Live" cast to establish a good rapport with the show's audience, and finally get to the point where the crowd recognizes you, knows what you're about and is firmly on board. It seemed to take Pete Davidson about 30 seconds. He was just 19 when he joined the cast, immediately showing a spark and connection with viewers previously seen in the likes of Adam Sandler, Jimmy Fallon and Andy Samberg. Comedians at Bonnaroo are often frustratingly removed from their audience, either by age or interest in spending four days in a field (cue tired "hippie" jokes). Aside from his rare talent, Davidson, now 22, is all but indistinguishable from the thousands of college kids that pack Bonnaroo each year. It'll be interesting to see if that connection comes as easily in the comedy tent as it has on "SNL."

(6:30 p.m. June 10 and 4:45 p.m. June 11, Comedy Theatre)

Leon Bridges

He's the latest sensation flying the flag for old-school soul: an approach that's worked wonders for Alabama Shakes and Raphael Saadiq. There's something about Southern soul and gospel that fits perfectly in the fields of Bonnaroo, and taking that music in is often an experience the kids making the trek to Tennessee are looking for.

(8:15 p.m. June 11, The Other Tent)

Bully

For those of you looking for the rock on Bonnaroo's undercard, here it is. One of the most ferocious — yet highly tuneful — young acts in indie rock hails from Nashville, and is anchored by the commanding presence of frontwoman Alicia Bognanno. They'll open Bonnaroo with a bang on Thursday before the main stages open up. Count on an audience and band brimming with energy, and more than a little crowd surfing.

(7:15 p.m. June 9, This Tent)