Coachella kicks off with Sabrina Carpenter and surprise guests
Coachella Kicks Off with Sabrina Carpenter and Surprise Guests
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival commenced with a unique twist on Friday, as pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter took the stage for her debut headlining set. A surprise guest, actor Susan Sarandon, joined the performance by delivering a monologue as a more mature version of the 26-year-old artist. The Hollywood-themed show also featured comedian Will Ferrell and actor Sam Elliott, who played roles in a short film Carpenter performed at the start of her set.
Weather Challenges Prompt Set Cancellation
During the festival’s first day, strong winds disrupted one of the acts. DJ Anyma’s performance was called off after wind conditions compromised the stage setup. “Due to strong wind conditions affecting Anyma’s stage build, he is unable to perform tonight,” the festival announced in an Instagram statement. Safety was emphasized as the primary concern in the decision.
“Particle pollution can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as asthma attacks, heart and lung disease symptoms, and increased risk of lung infections,” warned the National Weather Service.
Additionally, an air quality advisory was issued for the Coachella Valley from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning, due to dust carried by the wind. While Indio, the festival’s host city, was listed as an affected area, the local air quality management district reported particle levels as “good to moderate” since Thursday noon. The event, held at the Empire Polo Club, has been a staple since 2002.
Full Lineup Revealed
Carpenter’s set included a rebranded stage named “Sabrinawood,” evoking the Hollywood Hills. She began with a scene where Elliott, as a police officer, let her off without a ticket after a nighttime traffic stop. Later, Ferrell joined as a faux electrician, adding comedic flair. Other Friday acts included KATSEYE and Disclosure.
On Saturday, Justin Bieber will headline, with Karol G taking over on Sunday. The lineup also features UK artists such as Wet Leg, Lambrini Girls, Little Simz, and FKA Twigs. The schedule will repeat for the second weekend. With over 100,000 attendees daily, the festival remains a global cultural phenomenon.