Coachella kicks off with Sabrina Carpenter and surprise guests
Coachella kicks off with Sabrina Carpenter and surprise guests
Coachella’s annual music festival opened on Friday with a unique twist, as actor Susan Sarandon made an unexpected appearance during Sabrina Carpenter’s headlining set. The 26-year-old pop star transformed the stage into a Hollywood Hills setting, dubbing it “Sabrinawood,” for her first time as a main act. Sarandon delivered a monologue in character as an older version of Carpenter, interrupting the performance to add a cinematic flair.
Comedian Will Ferrell and actor Sam Elliott also joined Carpenter’s Hollywood-themed concert, with Elliott playing a police officer who lets her off after a midnight traffic stop. Ferrell later took to the stage in a humorous role as an electrician. The event drew over 100,000 attendees each day across two weekends, according to Indio city police.
“Due to strong wind conditions affecting Anyma’s stage build, he is unable to perform tonight,” the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival stated on Instagram. “Coachella and Anyma have made this decision together with your safety as the priority.”
Weather disruptions marred the opening day, as wind gusts reached 25 mph, forcing the cancellation of DJ Anyma’s set. The National Weather Service issued an air quality advisory for the Coachella Valley from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning, citing windblown dust that could pose health risks. “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 service warned.
Despite the weather challenges, the festival lineup continued with global acts like KATSEYE and Disclosure on Friday. Saturday’s headliner will be Justin Bieber, followed by Karol G on Sunday. Additional UK performers include Wet Leg, Lambrini Girls, Little Simz, and FKA Twigs. The same lineups will return for the second weekend. Held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio since 2002, Coachella remains a major cultural event in the California desert.
