Party In the Desert: Highlights of Coachella 2019

by The Cowl Editor on May 2, 2019


Variety


Influencers and Musicians Dominate Festival Scene

by Grace Whitman ’22 A&E Staff

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

The 2019 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California was an event to remember. The festival highlighted so many aspects of the music industry through inspiring debut performances, surprise appearances, and unforgettable headlining acts. The best pop, country, hip-hop, and indie artists took to the hot Colorado Desert of California to entertain over 100,000 people. 

For the 20th year of Coachella, Goldenvoice went all out for their lineup. Music fans gathered to hear performances by artists on multiple stages, including sets by Childish Gambino, Tame Impala, Khalid, Zedd, Kacey Musgraves, Billie Eilish, BLACKPINK, Janelle Monáe, Ariana Grande and dozens of new and upcoming artists like Social House. 

Country-pop crossover star, and Grammy Album of the Year artist Kacey Musgraves represented country music well at Coachella, performing her hit songs “Rainbow” and “High Horse.” Additionally, 17-year-old pop star Billie Eilish brought her signature raspy vocals, adding to her sinister persona, which left the crowd in awe. 

The surprise guests that the artists brought on stage truly made the festival one to remember. Cardi B seems to be everywhere, and Coachella was no exception. Cardi B made a surprise appearance on DJ Snake’s set. She performed her verse in “Taki Taki” alongside other surprise guests Selena Gomez and Ozuna.  

Ariana Grande brought some huge surprise guests between the two weekends, starting with the 2000s boyband *NSYNC. *NSYNC came out to perform a part of Ariana’s hit song “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored,” which samples their song “It Makes Me Ill.” They also performed *NSYNC’s 1997 hit “Tearin’ Up My Heart.” Nicki Minaj also joined Grande for two of her songs, “Bang Bang” and “Side To Side.” During week two of Coachella, Grande closed the event by bringing out an impromptu guest, Justin Bieber. This was Bieber’s first live performance in two years and he also teased his new album.  

Katy Perry also made an appearance during ZEDD’s set performing their song “365” during weekend one while Alessia Cara and Maren Morris joined him for weekend two. 

Although Coachella’s roots are grounded in music, it has become way more than that in recent years for all types of art. It features art installations by artists like Robert Bose, who is known for his balloon chain. This consists of an interactive balloon chain which is hundreds of meters long and floats hundreds of feet above concertgoers. 

Coachella has also become a major fashion hotspot for influencers to show off their outfits. It is packed with celebrities, from the artists who are performing to stars who just want to hang out. This year, some of the biggest celebrities in attendance included Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Vanessa Hudgens, and Madison Beer. 

 Coachella  2019 was one that people will remember forever as its lineup had a piece in nearly every corner of the charts.