Karol G Makes History as First Latina Headliner at Coachella’s Opening Weekend
Thousands of fans packed Indio’s Empire Polo Club Sunday for the final day of Coachella Weekend 1. Gates opened at 1 p.m., and the evening headline slot was set for 9:55 p.m.
Karol G took the top billing for the night. She became the festival’s first Latina headliner during Coachella’s opening weekend.
Sunday lineup and special events
The Coachella Stage hosted Karol G at 9:55 p.m. Other Sunday acts included Young Thug, Wet Leg, Laufey, Roz, Foster The People, Iggy Pop and Fatboy Slim.
A late-night screening of the Season 3 premiere of Euphoria followed the final set. The campgrounds event started around 11:59 p.m. and ran on a first-come, first-served basis.
Weekend performances and reactions
Saturday’s headline set featured Justin Bieber. Some fans dubbed that night “Bieberchella” amid heavy traffic and long lines.
Reactions to Bieber’s show were mixed. Critics called parts of the set over-reliant on online clips and likened it to “YouTube karaoke.”
Indie band Geese drew crowds with a surprise cover of Bieber’s hit “Baby.” Critics hailed Geese as a potential revitalizing rock act.
A collaboration billed as Nine Inch Noize fused Nine Inch Nails with Boys Noize. The electronic-industrial set earned positive notices.
Other standout acts across the weekend included Pink Pantheress, The Strokes, Giveon, Addison Rae, Morat, and Sombr. Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan joined Sombr for the song “1979.”
Veterans David Byrne and Jack White also impressed audiences. White was a late addition to Day 2, confirmed on Tuesday.
Friday programming and installations
Sabrina Carpenter headlined Friday and launched a branded pop-up called “Sabrina’s Pit Stop.” The activation was produced with Airbnb and located at 82338 CA-111.
The pop-up offered photo vignettes, custom slushie stations, and merchandise. It remained open through Sunday.
Friday’s stages featured The xx, Disclosure, Lykke Li, Joyce Manor, Moby, Swae Lee, Sexyy Red, and Katseye. The festival spanned eight stages in total.
A new installation titled The Bunker Debut of Radiohead Motion Picture House Kid A Mnesia premiered this year. The exhibit presented a 75-minute large-format film and related sketches by Thom Yorke and Stanley Donwood. Radiohead did not perform at this year’s festival.
Logistics and safety
Indio police asked attendees and nearby residents to report concert-related issues to the department’s non-emergency line. The number is 760-391-4051.
Weekend 2 is scheduled for April 17–19 at 81-800 51st Ave. Additional festival details are available at coachella.com.
This report appears on Filmogaz.com and summarizes coverage from festival press releases and onsite reporting. Copyright 2026 City News Service.
