Looking back on Coachella 2022.
photo by Kevin Mazur.
After a two-year hiatus following the pandemic, The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival returned in 2022, once again bringing the biggest musicians and their fans to the deserts of Southern California. Prior to its launch in April, however, the festival had to deal with some speed bumps. First, they were criticized for not requiring vaccinations. Next, their headliner, Kanye West, pulled out of the festival just weeks before the event for unknown reasons. Yet, the team at Coachella recovered swiftly and tapped The Weeknd and Swedish House Mafia to take West’s spot, joining Harry Styles and Billie Eilish as headliners of the famous festival. With the help of these headliners, as well as its other talented performers, the two weekends of the festival were a success. Every year, Coachella becomes the center of music news and social media attention. With the most popular artists playing and the most famous celebrities (or influencers) attending, the music world is looking at Coachella. Thus, it’s a great place for spectacle — artists announce new projects, create stunning sets, and have fun collaborations. Here are some of the most notable events at Coachella 2022.
Notable Announcements
Isaiah Rashad
The rapper addressed the controversy surrounding an alleged sex-tape that had leaked in February during his set. He mentioned criticism he received from commentators like DJ Akademiks, and then went on to include a voiceover that mentioned that this buzz only resulted in Rashad getting more streams.
Doja Cat
The singer and rapper announced that Taco Bell, a company that she has been working with, will be bringing back the Mexican Pizza.
New Projects
BROCKHAMPTON
The “best boy band since One Direction” broke up (actually tragic), and prior to the festival, the group announced that Coachella 2022 would be their final performance together. During their final performance, they announced that they would be releasing a final album. Following this performance, they are now on an indefinite hiatus. RIP to BROCKHAMPTON — their Saturation era will forever live in our hearts. I’m looking forward to their reunion tour.
Carly Rae Jepsen
The queen of pop music played her set at Coachella and debuted a new song titled “Western Wind,” produced by Rostam (member of Vampire Weekend and producer extraordinaire).
Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion, former UChicago MAB performer, performed a new song titled “Plan B.” Using Wu-Tang’s remix of Jodeci’s “Freek'n You,” Megan crafted a biting diss track.
Collaborations and Guests
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish brought Damon Albarn (of Blur and Gorillaz), Khalid, Pos from De La Soul, and Hayley Williams out as guests during her set. Legends only!
Baby Keem
Baby Keem brought his cousin, Kendrick Lamar, on a performance of Family Ties. Amazing, brother.
Harry Styles
Styles brought Shania Twain out to join him for a few songs, noting that Twain taught him that “all men are trash.” Watch them perform “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”
2NEI
The K-pop girl group reunited during the 88rising showcase.
Daniel Caesar
Caesar brought out Justin Bieber to perform Peaches!
Phoebe Bridgers
Bridgers brought Arlo Parks on stage for a few songs. This guest appearance followed Bridgers’ and Parks’ first collaboration in 2020, a cover of “Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead. Bridgers’ boyfriend at the time, Paul Mescal, also made an appearance on stage.
Coachella 2022 was a fun return after a long break. This year’s festival will be another one for the history books, with Frank Ocean making his long-awaited return to live performances.
edited by Sha Frasier.
photos by Kevin Mazur/Getty for Coachella and Lance Gerber Goldenvoice 2022.