Sabrina Carpenter Brings Star Power to Coachella Set

From Susan Sarandon to Will Ferrell, the singer's headlining performance featured a slew of celebrity cameos.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:28am

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An abstract close-up photograph featuring a dazzling array of glittering sequins and shattered glass, evoking the high-energy and glamorous atmosphere of Sabrina Carpenter's Coachella performance.Sabrina Carpenter's star-studded Coachella set brought a touch of Hollywood glitz and glamour to the desert festival.Coachella Today

Sabrina Carpenter's highly anticipated Coachella 2026 headlining set was filled with surprise celebrity appearances, including Susan Sarandon, Will Ferrell, Samuel L. Jackson, and the singer's former co-star Corey Fogelmanis. Throughout the performance, Carpenter incorporated cinematic video vignettes that featured the famous faces in various comedic roles, adding an extra layer of entertainment for the crowd.

Why it matters

Carpenter's strategic use of celebrity cameos during her Coachella set demonstrates her growing influence and star power in the music industry. By bringing in well-known actors and actresses, she was able to create a truly unique and memorable performance that stood out from typical festival fare, further cementing her status as a rising force in pop music.

The details

Carpenter opened her set with a black-and-white Hitchcock-inspired video in which she was pulled over by a police officer played by actor Sam Elliott. She then transitioned into a vibrant, Hollywood-themed segment featuring a 'Yellow Brick Road' inspired by The Wizard of Oz. Throughout the performance, other surprise guests appeared in pre-recorded video skits, including Susan Sarandon as an older version of Carpenter, Will Ferrell as an electrician, and Samuel L. Jackson as a spiritual guide. Carpenter's former co-star Corey Fogelmanis also made a cameo as a waiter.

  • Sabrina Carpenter's Coachella 2026 set took place during the first weekend of the festival.
  • The performance marked Carpenter's return to Coachella, having previously promised to headline the festival.

The players

Sabrina Carpenter

A rising pop star who headlined the first day of the first weekend of Coachella 2026.

Susan Sarandon

An acclaimed actress who appeared in a pre-recorded video skit as an older version of Carpenter during the Coachella performance.

Will Ferrell

A popular comedic actor who portrayed an electrician in one of the pre-recorded video segments during Carpenter's Coachella set.

Samuel L. Jackson

A veteran actor who played the role of a spiritual guide in a pre-recorded video that was part of Carpenter's Coachella performance.

Corey Fogelmanis

Carpenter's former co-star from the TV series 'Girls Meets World' who made a cameo appearance as a waiter in one of the pre-recorded video segments.

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What they’re saying

“Sabrina Carpenter's Coachella set was a true spectacle, filled with so many unexpected celebrity cameos that kept the crowd on their toes.”

— Sophie Wang, Author

What’s next

Carpenter is expected to continue her world tour in support of her latest albums, with additional festival appearances likely in the coming year.

The takeaway

Sabrina Carpenter's innovative use of celebrity cameos during her Coachella headlining set demonstrated her growing influence and ability to create a truly unique and memorable live experience for fans. By blending music, comedy, and cinematic visuals, she has solidified her status as a rising force in pop music.