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 began on Friday with an unusual twist, as pop star Sabrina Carpenter made her debut performance. Among the unexpected attendees was Susan Sarandon, who stepped onto the stage as an older iteration of the 26-year-old artist during her set. Comedian Will Ferrell and actor Sam Elliott also joined the event, enhancing the Hollywood-themed ambiance with their appearances.
Weather Disruptions Impact Schedule
The festival, held in the California desert, typically draws over 100,000 visitors each day across two weekends, as reported by Indio police. However, strong winds caused a delay, 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,” the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival noted in an Instagram statement. Safety was prioritized in the decision.
Environmental Conditions Remain a Concern
The National Weather Service issued an air quality advisory for the Coachella Valley from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning, warning of windblown dust that could pose risks for sensitive groups. “Particle pollution can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger severe issues like asthma attacks, heart and lung disease symptoms, and heightened lung infection risks,” the service cautioned. Despite this, local air quality measurements were classified as good to moderate from Thursday noon onward.
Thematic Performances and Lineup Highlights
Carpenter transformed the stage into a Hollywood Hills setting, calling it “Sabrinawood” to celebrate the festival’s opening. Her set opened with a short film where she was pulled over by Sam Elliott, who then let her off before she emerged onto the stage. Later, Will Ferrell joined as a pretend electrician, adding a comedic touch. Other Friday acts included the global girl group KATSEYE and British artist Disclosure.
Saturday’s headliner will be Justin Bieber, followed by Karol G on Sunday. UK artists such as Wet Leg, Lambrini Girls, Little Simz, and FKA Twigs are also part of the lineup. The festival’s schedule will repeat next weekend, continuing its tradition at the Empire Polo Club in Indio since 2002.
“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 National Weather Service warned.
