Coachella kicks off with Sabrina Carpenter and surprise guests
Coachella Kicks Off with Sabrina Carpenter and Surprise Guests
Stars and Performances Highlight the Festival’s Opening Weekend
The Coachella music festival began on Friday with a unique twist as pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter took the stage, joined by unexpected appearances from actors Susan Sarandon, Will Ferrell, and Sam Elliott. Sarandon, portraying an older version of the 26-year-old performer, delivered a monologue during her set, setting the tone for a Hollywood-themed show. Carpenter, making her headlining debut, transformed the venue into a cinematic backdrop, dubbing it “Sabrinawood.”
Her performance included a short film segment where she was pulled over by Elliott, who played a law enforcement officer. After a brief encounter, she emerged onto the stage, continuing her act. Later, Ferrell joined as a faux electrician, adding humor to the event. Alongside these surprise elements, global girl group KATSEYE and British artist Disclosure also performed on Friday.
Weather Disruptions Impact the Festival’s Schedule
Weather conditions posed challenges on opening day, with gusts reaching up to 25 mph prompting the cancellation of DJ Anyma’s set following Carpenter’s performance. “Due to strong wind conditions affecting Anyma’s stage build, he is unable to perform tonight,” said the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in an Instagram statement. The decision emphasized safety as the top priority.
“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 windblown dust. While some areas experienced elevated particle levels, the local air quality management district noted that readings remained within good to moderate ranges after noon on Thursday.
Upcoming Lineups and Festival History
On Saturday, Justin Bieber will take the spotlight, followed by Karol G on Sunday. The festival, held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, continues to attract large crowds, with police reporting over 100,000 attendees daily over the two-weekend event. UK-based artists such as Wet Leg, Lambrini Girls, Little Simz, and FKA Twigs are also set to perform. The lineup will repeat next weekend, ensuring a consistent experience for all visitors.
