Coachella 2026 review: Justin Bieber headline, surprise guests and strong pop presence despite corporate vibes

Coachella 2026 delivered another massive edition of North America’s largest music festival, blending high-profile returns, surprise collaborations, and a broad mix of genres amid the usual desert challenges. Justin Bieber’s Saturday headline set, dubbed ‘Bieberchella’, drew one of the largest crowds in festival history with a low-energy but solid performance that satisfied fans. The event featured plenty of nostalgia and buzz through guest appearances, including David Guetta bringing out JLo, Teddy Swims with Joe Jonas and Vanessa Carlton, Lizzo supporting Sexyy Red, Camila Cabello remixing Havana with Young Thug, and Diplo introducing MIA for Paper Planes. Pop acts dominated, with standout sets from Slayyyter’s raucous pop-screamo, Addison Rae, and Karol G making history as the first Latina headliner in the festival’s 27 years, celebrating pan-American unity. Rock roots remained strong with Jack White, Turnstile, Geese, and veteran Iggy Pop at 78 years old leading an all-ages mosh pit. Electronic and experimental performances shone through Nine Inch Nails and Boys Noize’s collaborative set, FKA Twigs, and others. The festival expanded its international appeal and infrastructure, including a new underground theatre, while leaning further into livestreaming and corporate activations. Logistical hiccups like high winds cancelling a set and crowd bottlenecks occurred, but enthusiasm stayed high. Politics stayed mostly absent, with only minor comments from artists like Julian Casablancas and Karly Hartzman. Despite feeling more corporate than ever, Coachella 2026 proved its enduring draw with quality entertainment and memorable moments across three intense days.