The infamous Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2026 kicked off with a highly anticipated lineup featuring Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G. Fans heading into both weekends were also excited for performances by Disclosure, Ethel Cain, Katseye, The Strokes, Addison Rae, Sombr, Young Thug, Laufey, and many more.
Headlining both Friday nights, Sabrina Carpenter delivered performances that captivated the whole audience. During the second weekend, Sabrina brought out pop icon Madonna as her surprise guest. The duo performed a mini-set featuring Madonna’s classics like “Vogue”, “Like a Prayer”, and an unreleased duet. Madonna’s appearance marked a 20 year anniversary since her last Coachella performance. Sabrina Carpenter made her debut in 2024, after the release of her hit single “Espresso”.
Among the biggest names, Justin Bieber stood out as the headliner both Saturdays. Coachella 2026 marks Bieber’s first ever headlining set, as well as his first time being included in the lineup. Even though he has appeared as a guest during other artists’ sets in the past years. This year, Justin Bieber had a very laid-back performance, that included him resurfacing and singing along to old music videos of him from 10+ years ago, as well as sharing some of his favorite memes/memories of himself. During weekend one, Bieber brought out The Kid Laroi, Dijon, Tems, Wizkid, and Mk.gee. During weekend two, he brought out an impressive lineup of Billie Eilish, SZA, Sexyy Red, and Big Sean.
Closing out each weekend, Karol G took the stage and gave it her all. Coachella 2026 was Karol G’s second performance in Indio, having made her Coachella debut in 2022. The Columbian urban pop star made history as the first Latina woman to serve as a Coachella headliner. Karol G performed multiple songs from albums Tropicoqueta and Manaña Será Bonito, as well as popular singles such as “Tusa” and “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido”. Some of her surprise guests included Becky G, Greg Gonzalez of Cigarettes After Sex, Peso Pluma, J Balvin, and Ryan Castro. During the set, she announced her upcoming world tour for Tropicoqueta.
Freshman Lauren Deans said, “My favorite part of it all was when Terry Crews surprised everyone during Sabrina Carpenter’s set by recreating his famous “A Thousand Miles” scene from White Chicks.
Freshman Rachel Park said, “It seems like a huge festival that’s a lot of fun. I would love to go one day in the future.”
