Since its start in 1999, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has been the most popular musical festival in the U.S. The festival lasts for two weekends — April 15 and 16 and April 22 and 23 — and is held in Indio, CA.
Most performances were streamed live and specific songs are up on YouTube. Here are a few of the most memorable highlights.
- Bad Bunny and Blackpink make history
History was made this year as Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny became the first Latino artist to headline Coachella and girl band Blackpink became the first Asian and all-female group to do so. This was also a landmark victory for the international music scene as both concerts were in a language other than English. Regardless of the language barrier, neither Bad Bunny nor Blackpink disappointed and both performances were electric and had the crowd singing and dancing along.
For Bad Bunny, this past year has easily been the most successful of his career. Following the release of his November album “Un Verano Sin Ti,” which was the most-streamed album of 2022 with nearly five billion streams, he became the second most-streamed artist on Spotify. Undoubtedly one of the most successful artists in the world, Bad Bunny’s performance at Coachella was a testament to how great of an artist he truly is. Even through the screen, it was easy to see that his performance was exhilarating, full of bright lights and colorful visuals. Every song stirred the crowd into a frenzy as the rapper danced around the stage, encouraging his audience to get off their feet and move.
Even those who are not fans of K-pop have to admit that Blackpink pulled off a spectacular performance. With their intricate, dazzling costumes and elaborate dance routines, they came to deliver. The pop group performed hit after hit from “Kill This Love” to “How You Like That.” They also had individual members perform their own solo songs such as Lisa singing her hit single “Money.”
- Zendaya has her first live performance in 7 years
A total surprise to the audience, actress Zendaya joined American singer Labrinth on stage to perform “I’m Tired” and “All For Us,” from her Emmy-award winning TV show, “Euphoria.” Zendaya’s set involved her and Labrinth singing to the audience as bright colors flashed and a choir sat behind, echoing their melodies. Unlike most other Coachella performances, it was not particularly flashy, but the simplicity ensured that the audience was focused on their vocals.
- Becky G’s tribute to Selena
Becky G performed the first weekend and her concert was a celebration of Latin culture. Aside from her own hits, she also featured a special segment honoring the late Tejano-American artist, Selena. Selena Quintilla was one of the most influential Mexican-American artists who was shot and killed at just the age of 23. At her show, Becky G sang a tribute medley performing four of Selena’s most famous songs: “Como La Flor,” “La Carcacha,” “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” and “Baila Esta Cumbia.”
