Coachella is more than just music; it is also one of the most anticipated music festivals in the world, encompassing art, fashion, camping, and an entire lifestyle over the course of two weekends.
Every year, millions of people attend the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire
Polo Club in Indio, California, in April. This year’s music festival was regarded as the first Coachella with a diverse group of headliners.
Even our very own Sri Lankan visual artist Kumkum Fernando made history by showcasing three of his 65-75 feet-tall sculptures titled ‘The Messengers’ at the festival.
Sharing a few special moments, here’s a recap of all the best moments and surprises from this year’s event that you might have missed.
Bad Bunny became the first Spanish language headliner
Bad Bunny, the festival’s first Latino and Spanish language headliner, arrived in a coat of numerous colourful pods during the Friday night show, beginning with his arresting 2022 single ‘Tití Me Preguntó’. The Puerto Rican superstar took the spotlight to pay tribute to the music that influenced him. The cameras revealed a special guest – Post Malone – and the two sang Bad Bunny’s song ‘La Canción’ to mark the end of the setback.
Pinkchella made history with a celebratory headlining set
Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rose of Blackpink perform flawless choreography and a collection of major hits. Following their successful 2019 Coachella debut at the Sahara Tent, Blackpink became the first K-pop act to headline the festival. The headliners took to the main stage at Coachella 2023 with a drone show above the main stage and a whisper of ‘Blackpink in Your Area’ playing in the background to the rhythm of their song ‘Pink Venom’. The set selection included the members’ solos and the crowd was enthralled by the stunning performances, which even caused non-Blinks to jump up and chant, “Blackpink in Your Area”.
Zendaya’s unexpected stage return
The Emmy-winning actress wowed the audience when she joined record producer Labrinth in his Coachella set. On Saturday, 22 April, she performed two of her ‘Euphoria’ soundtrack collaborations, ‘All of Us’ and ‘I’m Tired’. Zendaya rushed to Instagram to thank Labrinth and made sure to share a video with her followers expressing her thanks for the opportunity to return to the stage.
Rosalia set couple goals
Couples that ‘Coachella together’ stay together. Rosalia delivered an unforgettable performance at the Saturday set, soon after performing her standout hits including, ‘Despechá’ and ‘La Fama’ along with a live cover of Enrique Iglesias’ ‘Hero’. The singer was later joined onstage by her soon-to-be hubby and fellow musician Rauw Alejandro and they both performed two tracks – ‘Beso’ and ‘Vampiros’.
Jaden Smith crashed Willow’s set
Willow Smith graced the stage on Sunday’s set following her debut at Coachella 2022. Willow Smith is the daughter of Hollywood actor Will Smith. In an unexpected moment for fans, the singer invited her brother Jaden Smith on stage and sang their single ‘Summertime in Paris’ together. The ‘Willowchella’ was supported by Will Smith, the proud father cheering for his children in the crowd as his adorable children took the stage in the Mojave Tent.
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