Coachella 2026 Highlights: Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G Shine in Weekend One

From theatrical productions to historic headlining sets, Coachella's first weekend delivered unforgettable performances.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:13pm

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An abstract close-up image featuring a dramatic, high-contrast composition of glittering sequins and shattered glass, conceptually representing the energy and glamour of Coachella's 2026 festival.The vibrant textures and lighting of Coachella 2026 evoke the festival's ability to showcase both established stars and rising talents.Indio Today

Coachella 2026's first weekend featured standout sets from artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G. Carpenter brought a theatrical 'Sarbrinawood' production, Bieber performed hits old and new, and Karol G made history as the first Latina woman to headline the main stage. Other highlights included energetic shows from Slayyyter, PinkPantheress, and Addison Rae.

Why it matters

Coachella remains one of the most high-profile music festivals, drawing massive crowds and media attention. The performances from the first weekend showcase the diverse array of talent taking the stage and the festival's ability to elevate emerging and established artists alike.

The details

Sabrina Carpenter's Friday night set transformed the desert into 'Sarbrinawood' with an elaborate theatrical production featuring costume changes, cars, fountains, and celebrity cameos. Justin Bieber's Saturday performance spanned his catalog, from early hits to newer songs, and even included a duet with a past YouTube cover. On Sunday, Karol G made Coachella history as the first Latina woman to headline the main stage, delivering an array of her biggest songs. Other standouts included Slayyyter's critically acclaimed album performance in the Mojave Tent, PinkPantheress' electric set with special guests, and Addison Rae's pop star-making turn complete with choreography and a surprise appearance by Maddie Ziegler.

  • Coachella 2026 took place over two weekends, April 10-12 and April 17-19.
  • Sabrina Carpenter performed on Friday, April 10.
  • Justin Bieber headlined on Saturday, April 11.
  • Karol G made history as the first Latina woman to headline Coachella on Sunday, April 12.

The players

Sabrina Carpenter

A pop singer who headlined the Friday night set at Coachella 2026, bringing a theatrical 'Sarbrinawood' production to the desert.

Justin Bieber

A global pop superstar who headlined the Saturday night set at Coachella 2026, performing a mix of hits old and new.

Karol G

A Latina singer-songwriter who made history as the first woman of Latin descent to headline the main stage at Coachella, performing on Sunday night.

Slayyyter

An up-and-coming pop artist who delivered an acclaimed performance of her new album in the Mojave Tent on Friday.

PinkPantheress

A rising British singer-songwriter who had an electric set in the Mojave Tent on Saturday, featuring special guests.

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What they’re saying

“Today, I am the first Latina woman to headline Coachella. I am very happy and very proud about this, but at the same time, it feels late.”

— Karol G

“To my fans who have supported me from Day 1, I love you, thank you. And to my haters suck my d***”

— Addison Rae

What’s next

Coachella 2026 will continue with its second weekend of performances from April 17-19, featuring many of the same artists as well as additional acts.

The takeaway

Coachella 2026's first weekend showcased the festival's ability to highlight both established superstars and rising talents across a diverse array of genres. The historic headlining set from Karol G and the theatrical productions of artists like Sabrina Carpenter demonstrated Coachella's continued influence in shaping pop culture.