Coachella kicks off with Sabrina Carpenter and surprise guests
Coachella Opens with Sabrina Carpenter and Unannounced Guests
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival began its 2024 edition on Friday with a unique twist, as pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter took the stage in a Hollywood-themed act. Actor Susan Sarandon made an unexpected appearance, delivering a monologue in character as an older version of the 26-year-old singer during her performance. The surreal moment was joined by comedian Will Ferrell and veteran actor Sam Elliott, who contributed to the nostalgic ambiance of the set.
Weather conditions disrupted the festival’s schedule, prompting the cancellation of DJ Anyma’s set after Carpenter’s performance. The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival shared a statement on Instagram, explaining,
“Due to strong wind conditions affecting Anyma’s stage build, he is unable to perform tonight.” The decision prioritized audience safety, with the festival and DJ collaborating to address the issue.
Wind gusts reached 25 miles per hour, leading to a dust advisory from the National Weather Service. The alert warned,
“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.”
The advisory spanned from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning, impacting areas like Indio.
The festival, held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio since 2002, welcomed global acts such as KATSEYE and Disclosure on Friday. Sabrina Carpenter, making her headlining debut, transformed the venue into a cinematic setting, dubbing it “Sabrinawood.” Her set began with a short film scene where she was stopped by Sam Elliott’s character during a nighttime drive. Later, Will Ferrell joined as a faux electrician, adding humor to the event.
Lineups for Saturday and Sunday include Justin Bieber as the headliner on Saturday and Karol G on Sunday. Additional UK artists such as Wet Leg, Lambrini Girls, Little Simz, and FKA Twigs are also featured. The festival’s schedule will repeat next weekend, drawing over 100,000 visitors daily, according to Indio police reports.
