Would it really be Coachella without the surprise guests?
The 2024 Music and Arts Festival kicked off its annual two-weekend festival in Indio, Calif., on Friday — and, as expected, this year’s lineup wowed audiences with electric performances and unexpected stage appearances .
Headliner Lana Del Rey kicked off the weekend at Coachella with a dreamy, hits-filled set that included songs like “Summertime Sadness” and “Doin’ Time.” It marked Del Rey’s return to the Coachella stage for the first time in a decade — “exactly 10 years ago to the day,” she told the crowd.
Del Rey surprised festival-goers in more ways than one, heading to the main stage on a motorbike amid a crowd of thousands, before welcoming major stars like Billie Eilish to join her in a duet with “Video Games” and Ocean Eyes.
Argentinian producer Bizarrap brought energy during his hour-long DJ set at the Sahara tent, including a jaw-dropping surprise that brought the already excited crowd to a break with the appearance of his collaborator – and global superstar – Shakira.
The music-filled weekend continues Saturday with another rich lineup, including headliners Tyler, the Creator on Saturday night and Doja Cat on Sunday. Additionally, a promised reunion will take place with Gwen Stefani and her band No Doubt as they take the stage for the first time since 2015.
Keep reading to check out all the artists who have made surprise appearances during Coachella’s first weekend so far.
Lana Del Rey and Billie Eilish
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Lana Del Rey kicked off the first weekend of Coachella with a memorable set that included three appearances from fellow hit collaborators and friends during her headlining set Friday night.
Jon Batiste was the first artist to join Del Rey on the main stage to sing an extended version of “Candy Necklace.” The multi-instrumentalist dazzled at the piano, while Del Rey sat on top and sang.
Del Rey then welcomed Billie Eilish on stage after Batiste. She surprised the audience with an unscheduled performance of her 2016 hit “Ocean Eyes” before singing Del Rey’s “Video Games” right after.
Toward the end of Del Rey’s set, Jack Antonoff played the piano on stage while she appeared in hologram form to perform “Hope Is a Dangerous Thing for a Woman Like Me — But I Got It.”
(Antonoff and his band Bleachers are part of the Coachella lineup and will perform Saturday night.)
Bizarrap and Shakira
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Bizarrap took over the Sahara tent with an energetic, rave-y ensemble – all while sporting his signature hat and sunglasses – on Friday night. In the middle of his live DJ set, the Argentinian producer surprised the already excited crowd by welcoming Shakira on stage.
The global superstar joined him midway through his set to perform “La Fuerte,” a surprise that was capped off with an announcement made right after the performance.
Shakira then revealed that she was going on a world tour. “Finally, we’re going on tour — starting here in November! I can’t wait!” » she announced on stage.
Peso Pluma and Becky G
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Peso Pluma was joined by Becky G on the main stage Friday night, a year after the pop star brought out the Mexican singer for a surprise performance during her set at Coachella in 2023. They performed their song “Chanel.”
Junior H also joined Peso Pluma on stage for “El Azul,” followed by Santa Fe Klan for “No Son Klle” and Arcángel for “Peso Completo.”
Without a doubt and Olivia Rodrigo
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Gwen Stefani and No Doubt’s place in the lineup was enough to shock music lovers when Coachella first announced they would reunite for the first time in nine years. Fast forward to their set on Saturday night, they continued to surprise fans by welcoming Olivia Rodrigo on stage for a song.
The “Driver’s License” singer, who recently completed the first leg of his highly anticipated “Guts Tour,” joined Stefani and the band for a rendition of “Bathwater.”
Rodrigo showcased his fangirling for the iconic rock-punk band by wearing an “I heart ND” t-shirt.
Tyler, the Creator and A$AP Rocky
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In classic Tyler the Creator fashion, he intrigued fans from start to finish of his headlining set Saturday night. Between making a zipline entrance dressed as a park ranger and quietly eating a sandwich on stage, the “EARFQUAKE” rapper put a show.
Aside from dance moves featuring fancy footwork and hysterical banter, Tyler surprised guests even more with guest appearances. Childish Gambino (aka Donald Glover), A$AP Rocky, Charlie Wilson and the highly anticipated Kali Uchis each joined him on stage.
Gambino joined Tyler for “Running Out of Time.” Rocky came out for “Potato Salad” and “Who Dat Boy.” Charlie Wilson joined him for “Earfquake” and Uchis for “See You Again”.
Additionally, Rihanna shocked fans as she made her way through the crowd with Rocky to watch the rest of Tyler’s set.
Vampire Weekend and Paris Hilton
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Vampire Weekend was a last-minute addition to this year’s Coachella lineup, one that was announced when the set times were revealed the day before the festival began.
What was even more surprising was that the guest they brought on as they ran through their collection of hits — including “This Life,” “Diane Young” and “A-Punk” — was a cameo by Paris Hilton, who appeared on stage for a game of cornhole while frontman Ezra Koenig and the band played through a medley of fan favorite songs.
Sublime and Jakob Nowell
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Jakob, the son of frontman Bradley Nowell, made his official debut as the group’s new singer at Coachella on Saturday. He was joined by original members Bud Gough and Eric Wilson, whom Bradley chose to be his son’s co-sponsors.
“This is my family,” Jakob told PEOPLE on the eve of his planned set. “I consider the members of the group Sublime to be my uncles.”
The family energy was felt as the band took the stage for their set which brought the laid back, California cool vibe to the festival as they played hits – old and new – like “Badfish” and “What I Got.” the sun set behind them.
After performing “Doin Time” for the first time since 1996, Jakob and Sublime closed their set at Coachella with the ’90s classic “Santeria” while visuals of surf scenes and sunsets filled the screens behind them .
J Balvin and Will Smith
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J Balvin’s performance at Coachella on Sunday night was – wait for it – out of this world. The Colombian superstar performed an intergalactic-themed show on a laser-filled stage – and yes, a huge inflatable alien. Very trendy, he continued to shock the crowd with surprise guest Will Smith, who rapped the iconic theme from Men in black (and I dressed the part too)!
Doja Cat and 21 Savages
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Headliner Doja Cat left fans speechless from start to finish as she closed the doors at Coachella on Sunday night. Not only did she kick off her performance in a full hazmat suit before stripping down to a bikini and thong (and hair down to the floor before her wig was ripped off), but she surprised the crowd by welcoming A $AP Rocky and 21 Savage at The Stage.
TEMS and Justin Bieber
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TEMS welcomed Justin Bieber to the stage, reunited to perform “Essence” alongside Wizkid at the Nigerian singer-songwriter’s Sunday night party.
“Give it up for Justin, the legend,” TEMS shouted from the stage.
Before its performance, TEMS teased fans’ enthusiasm about X: “Coachella! I’m so excited, I have a surprise tonight.
Renee Rapp and Kesha
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Reneé Rapp performed a cover of Kesha’s “TikTok” during her set, and surprised the crowd even more with the “TikTok” singer herself! Kesha joined the mean girls actress on stage wearing an “I am mother” shirt.
Mia Moretti and Katy Perry
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Mia Moretti’s first DJ set in the desert turned up the heat when she brought longtime pal Katy Perry to the DoLab stage. The “California Girl” singer showed her support for the artist by shooting Moretti-branded dollar bills from a money gun at the excited crowd.
Baby Rexha and David Guetta
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Bebe Rexha’s performance at Coachella on Sunday night was full of hits, performing songs like “I’m a Mess” and “Meant to Be.” Closing her set, she paid a moving tribute to David Guetta for supporting her throughout her career before welcoming the French DJ and producer himself on stage to perform the hit “I’m Good”.