Coachella’s 25th anniversary opened with the kind of poise only a legacy festival can command. Friday felt meticulously curated, avoiding the overwhelming trap by oscillating between pop spectacle, indie intimacy, and full-throttle punk catharsis.
Yes, the relentless desert heat tested the early crowds, and gusty winds ultimately had the final word by midnight, but the hours in between were a vivid reminder of why this valley still sets the global tempo.
Here are the performances from Day 1 that lingered.
Sabrina Carpenter
Headlining for the first time, Sabrina Carpenter strutted onto the stage to author a winner’s narrative. Her set unfolded like a glossy Hollywood fever dream, complete with elaborate costume changes and a cinematic storyline about ambition and illusion.
The reveal of the “Sabrinawood” sign during “When Did You Get Hot?” was the set’s thesis: playful, self-aware and entirely in control. Not every theatrical beat landed, but the ambition did, and so did the closing run of hits that reminded you why she earned this slot in the first place. It was pop star as auteur, and she made it look easy.
KATSEYE
There’s a massive difference between a good debut and a defining one. KATSEYE delivered the latter. Already a high-octane set, the energy shifted into overdrive during “Golden” when surprise guests Rei Ami, EJAE, and Audrey Nuna flooded the stage. It transformed from a performance into a shared pop-culture milestone in real-time, converting casual listeners into a dedicated fanbase within minutes.
The xx
After years away, The xx returned with a set that was beautifully understated. Relying on restraint and the power of silence, they allowed classics like “Angels” and “VCR” to breathe in the desert air. It wasn’t a play for nostalgia; it was all about chemistry that remains quietly, unshakably powerful.
Slayyyter
Every year, Coachella captures an artist just as their momentum turns into inevitability. This year, it was Slayyyter. Riding the wave of her most talked-about era yet, she performed with a “nothing left to prove” confidence. “I’m Actually Kind of Famous” hit with an earned swagger, marking the sound of an artist finally stepping into the sun.
Teddy Swims
Sunset sets live or die on connection, and Teddy Swims made it look easy. His voice carried a familiar blend of grit and vulnerability across the field with effortless charm. The set’s “doorbell” gimmick, introducing guests like Vanessa Carlton for “A Thousand Miles” and David Lee Roth for a swaggering “Jump,” added a layer of genuine joy that peaked during a massive singalong of “Lose Control.”
Blood Orange
Dev Hynes offered something rare in a packed festival schedule: a pause. Utilizing the new circular stage to its full potential, Blood Orange traded spectacle for stillness. With softer, orchestral arrangements of tracks like “Charcoal Baby,” Hynes created an immersive atmosphere that didn’t demand attention but held it gently. It felt like a necessary palate cleanser for the high-energy weekend.
Creepy Nuts
For their North American debut, Creepy Nuts bypassed the “easing in” phase entirely. The Gobi tent became a high-energy collision of electronic, rap, and rock. Frontman R-Shitei’s blunt intro, “I don’t speak good English, but I rap really f—king good”, set the tone for a chaotic, convincing, and utterly fearless performance.
The party pauses, but the day still wins
Not every moment was triumphant. The cancellation of Anyma’s anticipated midnight set due to high winds was a reminder that even Coachella isn’t immune to the elements. But if anything, it gave us a perspective on just how much Day 1 had already delivered. Fans scattered to alternate sets, the energy pivoted and the festival marched on.
Because that’s the thing about a day like this, it doesn’t hinge on one moment; it builds them, one highlight after another.
Whether you’re braving the dust on the field or watching the 2026 livestream, we want to hear from you. Share your Day 1 experience with us on X and Instagram, and visit Lyrical Muse for more pop culture coverage.
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