Coachella 2024: Weekend One Highlights – Stellar Performances, Surprise Guests J Balvin Surprises Crowd with Will Smith and Unforgettable Moments

J Balvin Surprises Coachella 2024 Crowd with Will Smith

Coachella 2024 Valley Music and Arts Festival 2024: Weekend One Comes to a Close with Stellar Performances

• As the first weekend of the 2024 Coachella 2024 Valley Music and Arts Festival wraps up on Sunday, April 14, fans witnessed Doja Cat’s electrifying return to the desert as she headlined the event for the very first time.

• Joining her were other talented artists such as Victoria Monét, Reneé Rapp, J Balvin, and Bebe Rexha, making it a weekend filled with diverse musical experiences.

• Coachella 2024 Saturday night saw Tyler, the Creator delivering a guest-filled spectacle, including an appearance by a bighorn sheep, while No Doubt graced the stage for the first time in nine years, supported by Olivia Rodrigo.

• Taylor Swift, though not performing, was spotted enjoying Bleachers’ set alongside Travis Kelce, while Billie Eilish surprised fans with an appearance in the Do Lab.

• Friday boasted remarkable performances from Lana Del Rey and Peso Pluma, setting the tone for an unforgettable weekend.

Stay tuned as our reporters August Brown, Danielle Dorsey, Vanessa Franko, and Mikael Wood bring you live updates from the festival grounds in Indio for the final day of Weekend One.”

At 1:30 p.m., the Do Lab emerges as a festival within the festival at Coachella 2024, drawing crowds with its pulsating beats, cirque performances, and refreshing misters. Initially positioned at the heart of the grounds, it has evolved significantly since its inception in 2004.

• Today, the Do Lab boasts its own dedicated area, capable of accommodating up to 15,000 fans simultaneously, reflecting its soaring popularity. Renowned for its array of surprise guest appearances, this year’s lineup is no exception. Notable drop-ins included DJ Pee .Wee (Anderson .Paak) and Sofi Tukker on Friday, followed by a thrilling set from 2022 headliner Billie Eilish on Saturday

• The creative minds behind the Do Lab, comprised of L.A.-based brothers Dede, Jesse, and Josh Flemming, collaborate to craft a whimsical haven offering an enhanced concert experience while providing relief from the desert sun.

• “Our focus lies primarily on providing shade, water, and misting. We also prioritize considerations such as lighting and sound,” explains Josh Flemming.

• However, what truly sets the Do Lab apart is its vibrant stage designs. This year’s installation features striking structures adorned with fabric in hues of blue, orange, yellow, and red, resembling “10 massive mushrooms,” as described by Josh Flemming.

• “We stand out as the most colorful attraction on the grounds. Our aim is to transport people through a portal of imagination,” adds Jesse Flemming.

• For those captivated by the Do Lab’s allure at Coachella 2024, there’s more in store. Lightning in a Bottle, the Do Lab’s own festival, awaits at Buena Vista Lake in Kern County from May 22-27, promising an immersive experience beyond compare.

At 2 p.m., DJ Will Clarke makes his debut as an official Coachella 2024 performer, having previously graced the Do Lab stage in past editions. Hailing from the U.K. and Detroit, this multi-talented DJ, known for his food-focused Instagram, took to the Yuma tent stage on Saturday. However, on early Sunday afternoon, we rendezvoused to explore Postmates’ Sauce Bar nestled within the 12 Peaks VIP Area.

• The vibrant yellow-and-orange shaded structure offered a stark contrast to the festival’s sunny ambiance, with temperatures feeling notably warmer than the pleasant mid-70s. Amidst this cozy setting, diners were treated to a choice between fries, tots, or a tantalizing combination of both, complemented by an array of sauces inspired by some of L.A.’s culinary gems.

• Coachella 2024 From Bludso’s BBQ sauce to a collaborative ghost chile sriracha featuring producer Benny Blanco, the sauce selection promised a fusion of flavors. Our taste buds were particularly enamored with Blanco’s sriracha, closely followed by the honey mustard. A clever strategy emerged as we discovered that pairing Blanco’s sriracha with the honey mustard provided a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. We both concurred that Blanco’s creation would undoubtedly elevate a plate of hot wings.

With such positive feedback, one can only hope that Postmates incorporates our insights before returning for Weekend 2 of Coachella 2024.

At 4:18 p.m., the ongoing tally of shaven versus unshaven chests among male attendees at Coachella 2024 reveals a close competition:

Shaven: 28,987 Unshaven: 27,674

With the night still young, anticipation mounts to witness the ultimate victor by the day’s end. – M.W.

At 5 p.m., YG Marley graces the Coachella 2024 Stage under the blazing afternoon sun, accompanied by a spirited hype man brandishing a massive Jamaican flag. His opening single, “Marching for Freedom,” sets the tone, rallying the crowd with calls for freedom, peace, and love—an homage to his legendary grandfather, Bob Marley.

• The crowd erupts as YG Marley invites his mother, Ms. Lauryn Hill, to join him onstage, followed by surprise appearances from Wyclef Jean and a medley of Fugees classics. The atmosphere reaches a fever pitch as Busta Rhymes jumps onstage with his 1997 hit, “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See,” igniting a journey through hip-hop history before returning to Bob Marley’s timeless tunes.

• Coachella 2024 Amidst the pulsating beats and enthusiastic crowd, Wyclef Jean’s call for global peace resonates, prompting a unified gesture of solidarity from the audience. As YG Marley closes with “Is This Love,” the stage transforms with iconic Bob Marley imagery, encapsulating a moment of pure connection and euphoria.

As the performance concludes, a sense of love and unity lingers—a sentiment shared not only through the music but also by the collective spirit of the crowd

At 5:03 p.m., the fervent chants of “TBS! TBS! TBS!” echoed through the Mojave Tent as Taking Back Sunday prepared to take the stage. A collective reunion of emo souls ensued, reminiscent of the basement shows that once defined our youth—a sentiment I share as one of them.

• While the band now dons suits onstage, their energy remains as electrifying as ever, with frontman Adam Lazzara effortlessly wielding the microphone with his signature flair at Coachella 2024 .

• The 45-minute set was a nostalgic journey, featuring beloved tracks like “A Decade Under the Influence,” “You’re So Last Summer,” and “Cute Without the E (Cut From the Team).” As expected, it culminated in a cathartic emo sing-along, reaffirming our steadfast connection to the music, encapsulated by the anthemic closer, “MakeDamnSure.” – V.F.

At 6:05 p.m., Reneé Rapp graced the Outdoor Theatre stage, introducing her special guest, Kesha, whom she hailed as “the hottest person in the world.” Together, they delivered a sensational performance of Kesha’s 2009 hit “Tik Tok.”

• In a bold move, Kesha altered the song’s opening lyric to express defiance against recent allegations of sexual abuse involving P Diddy, signaling her solidarity with the victims. Rapp, known for her roles in Broadway’s “Mean Girls” and on TV’s “The L Word,” captivated the audience with her powerhouse vocals and flirty yet assertive pop-soul tunes.

One of her tracks, “Colorado,” humorously depicted the quirks of “white people winter,” resonating with the crowd and adding a playful touch to her dynamic set. – M.W.

At 7:51 p.m., Heather Shaw, CEO of L.A.-based Vita Motus Design Studio, brought her vision to life at Coachella’s Quasar stage. Inspired by discussions on augmented reality at SXSW in 2023, Shaw crafted a presentation envisioning a futuristic stage for the festival.

• Although Shaw didn’t formally present her deck to Coachella 2024’s team, her concept materialized when the festival sought a new stage. The Quasar stage, tailored for extended DJ sets, made its debut Friday evening, boasting impressive dimensions of 55 feet tall and 235 feet wide, adorned with 660 LED panels.

• Featuring two angled screens resembling Nevada’s shape flanking a pyramid-like DJ booth, the stage creates an immersive experience with mirrors and large slat-like structures. Shaw’s goal is to transport festival-goers to another dimension through real-time visuals synchronized with the beats per minute.

• London DJ Michael Bibi’s set on Saturday night showcased the stage’s versatility, with kaleidoscopic visuals transitioning into intricate stained glass patterns pulsating to the music, evoking a sense of awe and wonder.

Looking ahead, Shaw envisions further advancements to create a fully immersive three-dimensional space. – V.F.

At 8 p.m., the Mojave tent lit up with Victoria Monét’s dazzling performance, marking a significant moment for the Grammy Award-winning artist. Known for her songwriting prowess for icons like Ariana Grande and Fifth Harmony, Monét stepped into the spotlight with her own unique flair.

• Her album “Jaguar II,” released last year, serves as a testament to her profound understanding of Black music history, blending humor and funk in a retro-R&B style. Backed by a stellar band featuring her producer, D’Mile, Monét seamlessly weaved elements of Usher, Outkast, and the Supremes into her own repertoire, showcasing her scholarly approach to music.

• In tracks like “Stop (Askin’ Me 4 S—),” Monét boldly addressed pressing social issues, earning thunderous applause for her calls to end genocide. Yet, amidst her thought-provoking lyrics, Monét’s performance was equally captivating for her intricate choreography, executed flawlessly alongside her dynamic dance crew.

One enthusiastic audience member was so moved by Monét’s spirited performance that he showered her with a flurry of dollars—a testament to the undeniable impact of her electrifying stage presence. – M.W.

At 8:10 p.m., Bebe Rexha’s triumphant performance on the Main Stage at Coachella 2024 solidified her status as the new reigning champion in the ongoing battle to be crowned the Main Pop Girl.

• As a seasoned industry veteran with a knack for crafting smart and catchy singles, Rexha has long been on the cusp of breakthrough success as an artist. However, tonight marked a turning point in her career.

• With her decadent and expertly delivered set, Rexha commanded the stage with unparalleled confidence and charisma. Flanked by agile and fiercely posed dancers, she belted out hits like “Me, Myself & I” and “I’m the Drama” with precision vocals that cut through the intricately crafted club pop beats.

On standout tracks like “Bad Bitch,” Rexha challenged the audience to embrace her unapologetic chaos or step aside. Today, amidst the fierce competition, the people have spoken, declaring Bebe Rexha as their undeniable choice.

Reflecting on her journey, Rexha expressed disbelief at her newfound coolness, remarking, “I always thought I wasn’t cool enough for Coachella 2024” Tonight, however, she unequivocally claimed her place in the spotlight, declaring, “I’m cool now.” – AB

At 9 p.m., J Balvin’s interstellar performance at Coachella 2024 , adorned with neon lasers, alien motifs, and chrome spaceships, reached new heights of otherworldly spectacle with a surprise cameo from none other than Will Smith. The iconic actor emerged on stage to rap along to the classic “Men In Black,” evoking a wave of nostalgia reminiscent of the song’s 1997 release.

• Coachella 2024 Amidst a day filled with star-studded appearances, Smith’s unexpected presence during Balvin’s reggaeton extravaganza might have seemed unusual. However, in a festival atmosphere steeped in nostalgia, Smith’s smooth dance moves, reminiscent of the music video for the timeless soundtrack hit, struck a chord with Balvin and the audience alike. It was as if the moves were ingrained in both Balvin’s and our childhood memories, eliciting a sense of joy and connection.

• After leaving us in awe, Smith playfully attempted to erase our minds with the trademark MIB red laser, but as Twitter aficionados know, memories may fade, but tweets endure. Nice try, Will, but the internet never forgets. – Nate Jackson