Coachella’s second day kicked off at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, with headliners Justin Bieber, Karol G, and Sabrina Carpenter drawing massive crowds. Fans across the globe tuned in via livestream as the festival spotlighted both international stars and surprise guest appearances.
The day’s performances began with Jack White opening the Mojave Stage at 3:00 p.m. PDT, a set that surprised many attendees since he was not originally listed as a main stage act. By 9:05 p.m., electronic artist Anyma took over the Coachella Stage, leading into Bieber’s midnight set that electrified the crowd with a mix of new tracks and classics. Karol G, the first Latina artist to headline Coachella, performed at 10:30 p.m., blending reggaeton and pop in a show that fans described as “historic.”
Sabrina Carpenter’s set at 8:15 p.m. PDT drew one of the largest audiences of the night, with fans singing along to her chart‑topping hits. Asian acts including BIGBANG, BINI, and Taemin also took the stage, underscoring the festival’s growing embrace of global talent. PinkPantheress and Laufey added indie flair earlier in the evening, while KATSEYE’s debut performance was met with thunderous applause from their international fanbase.
Public response has been immediate and vibrant. Social media platforms lit up with hashtags like #Coachella2026, #KarolGAtCoachella, and #JustinBieberLive, with fans praising the diversity of the lineup and the energy of the performances. Videos of Carpenter’s set and Karol G’s headlining moment went viral within hours, while Bieber’s midnight show trended globally on TikTok and X.
Critics noted that the festival’s programming reflected a deliberate push toward inclusivity, with Latin and Asian artists commanding prime slots. Some attendees expressed frustration over long entry lines and high-ticket prices, but the majority of reactions emphasized the thrill of seeing such a varied lineup. Surprise guest appearances, including influencers like Addison Rae and Maddie Ziegler spotted backstage, added to the buzz.
Coachella had cemented its reputation as a global stage for music and culture. With two weekends of performances scheduled, the festival’s second day underscored why Coachella remains one of the most influential music events worldwide blending star power, cultural milestones, and a public response that reverberates far beyond the desert.
