BILLIE, SHAKIRA AND MORE SURPRISES FROM COACHELLA

There was plenty of drama at opening night of Coachella. Lana Del Rey had a dramatic entrance for her headlining set on the main stage, arriving on a pack of motorcycles alongside her band. The Interscope singer-songwriter also brought out multiple surprise guests, including former Coachella headliner Billie Eilish, Grammy-winner Jon Batiste and frequent collaborator Jack Antonoff.

Right before Lana's set, Mexico commanded the main stage with a set from Peso Pluma. The phenom and his band filled the Polo grounds with trombone as corridos momentarily took over the fest. Pluma brought out Becky G, Arcángel, Junior H and Santa Fe Klan as he powered through his Coachella debut.

Another surprise took place in the Sahara Tent during Argentinian DJ/producer Bizarrap's set. The global hitmaker tapped Shakira to perform their collab "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53." The Colombian superstar also took the opportunity to announce to fans that she is indeed launching a world tour this year, which will be produced by Live Nation.

And now, a word from our editor on the ground, Nicole Ghapgharan, who has emerged from a bush outside Zenyara we’re told.

Chappell Roan delivered an electrifying performance of hits from her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, captivating the crowd especially with her latest single, “Good Luck, Babe!” Elsewhere, Sabrina Carpenter charmed the audience with her sparkly microphone, echoing through the field with her vibrant pop tunes.

The Sahara tent, now enlarged and relocated—aiding this editor's step count—was abuzz with excitement. It was a focal point of the festival, hosting not just Bizarrap's stellar act but also Peggy Gou, whose “Murder on the Dancefloor” edit and “It Goes Like (Nanana)” echoed beyond the packed crowd, turning the area into an exhilarating dance hub.

The dynamic duo of Everything Always, consisting of Dom Dolla and John Summit, set an upbeat tone with their infectious energy, paving the way for their individual sets later in the weekend.

The much-anticipated return of French duo Justice lived up to expectations. Their first live show in years brought the classic electronic vigor back to Coachella, proving once again why they're festival legends.

Peso Pluma's presence on the main stage was undeniably magnetic. Commanding every inch, he showcased why he deserved such a prominent spot at Coachella. As he delivered his powerful corridos, the audience was treated to an array of surprise guests that kept the energy high. Becky G, Arcángel, Junior H, and Santa Fe Klan joined him, each adding their flair to an already electrifying set. The performance was a clear statement of his rising star in Latin music, leaving no doubts about his fitting place on this grand stage.

Over in the Sahara Tent, Bizarrap created one of the night’s most talked-about moments. His collaboration with Shakira, "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53," brought the crowd to a frenzy. The highlight was undoubtedly Shakira's surprise appearance, where she also announced her upcoming world tour, setting the scene for what's sure to be a massive global comeback. This set was a perfect blend of Bizarrap’s signature style with a legendary pop icon, marking a memorable point of the festival.

And now Lana Del Rey, whose entrance was nothing short of cinematic, as she made her way to the main stage on the back of a motorcycle. From her sultry vocals to the set design, Lana killed it, but if you’re not into slow and sad songs then this headliner wasn’t for you. Her set was a deep dive into her hits, enhanced by the appearance of guests like Billie Eilish, who joined her for duets on "Ocean Eyes" and "Video Games," and Jon Batiste, who delivered a mesmerizing rendition of "Candy Necklaces." Taylor Swift's appearance in the crowd (in a green hat, with Travis) for sets by Bleachers and Ice Spice roiled the fest and the socials. Will she return for Weekend 2 and grace the stage with Lana? Fingers crossed, Swifties.

Stay tuned for Day 2, as more surprises and unforgettable moments are surely on the way.

Shakira photo by Nicolas Gerardin