Justin Bieber, Wet Leg, And More Had The Best Moments Of Coachella 2026’s First Weekend

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The first weekend of Coachella 2026 is over. It was quite the three days out in the desert, too. Pop stars made head-turning creative choices, rock favorites brought boundless energy, and icons continued to innovate. Consequently, there were so many great sets and individual moments worth looking back on. The weather offered some scares, but ultimately, the festival will be remembered by the highlights. So far, after just one weekend, Coachella has proven there’s so much to love about the never-boring contemporary music landscape.

Turnstile

Turnstile’s big moment came at a sensitive time for the band: Earlier this month, Brady Ebert, the band’s former guitarist, was arrested on charges of attempted second-degree murder and first-degree assault of Bill Yates, the father of lead singer Brendan Yates. At the start of their set, the band played a set of pre-recorded videos, one of which was from the elder Yates, which got some big cheers from the audience. Once the show got going, it boasted the classic Turnstile intensity, complete with a mosh pit, Brendan crowd-surfing, and favorites like “Never Enough” and “Blackout.”

Not For Radio

After a long day trudging across festival grounds in the hot sun, it’s a big ask to show up to a late-night set. It’s not nearly as bad, though, when you’re staying up for Not For Radio, the solo project of The Marías’ María Zardoya. She went on at around midnight on Friday, but her gorgeous sleepy-hours performance was worth pushing the limits of fatigue. Aside from Zardoya just being generally fantastic, fans were treated to the live debut of an unreleased song. It was all part of a stunning new performance that Zardoya called “Fireflies After Dark.”

Sabrina Carpenter

A few days before Coachella began, Carpenter stirred up some excitement when she said of her planned performance, “It’s the most ambitious show I’ve ever done,” revealing that she had seven months to work on it. As expected, it was a spectacle. There were appearances from Sam Elliott, Susan Sarandon, Will Ferrell, and Samuel L. Jackson. Jackson helped Carpenter have one of her most memorable “Juno” positions: Instead of pulling a suggestive pose, a Jackson voiceover played, in which he took the audience on a brief meditation before calmly telling Carpenter to “finish the motherf*ckin’ song.” The whole thing was showmanship at its finest.

Geese

Geese have been crushing it with live covers lately, nailing New Radicals’ “You Get What You Give” in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge a few months ago. They were at it again at Coachella this past weekend, though they went with a more contemporary cut: While performing their own “2122,” they threw in a snippet of Justin Bieber’s “Baby,” presumably as a nod to Bieber headlining the fest. Did anybody see this coming? No, but was it awesome? It was Geese, so yes, absolutely. The Geese hype was real, even luring Carpenter to check out the set from the audience.

Nine Inch Noize

Nine Inch Nails have welcomed a new collaborator into their creative universe: Boys Noize, who remixed Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross Challengers soundtrack, worked on to NIN’s Tron: Ares soundtrack, and was an opener on their Peel It Back Tour. Now he’s part of the crew, as he joined Reznor and Ross in a new supergroup, Nine Inch Noize. They made their big debut at Coachella. It wasn’t completely clear what they would end up doing together, although the most expected possibility turned out to be it: On the aforementioned tour, Boys Noize remixed a bunch of NIN songs, and their fantastic joint set this past weekend was full of masterful re-workings.

PinkPantheress

PinkPantheress went heavy on the collaborators, too: The Dare got his own three-song section of her set, playing new Addison Rae and Charli XCX remixes, along with his own “Girls.” When the spotlight returned to PinkPantheress, she shared it with Thundercat, who brought his otherworldly bass dexterity as Pink sang “Break It Off.” PinkPantheress nailed it overall, continuing to shine when she didn’t have performance partners to give her a boost. She’s come a long way from the production-minded artist whose view of performing live was fueled by fear.

Justin Bieber

Bieber was perhaps the biggest star in the desert last weekend, but his set was one of the most divisive. For the back half of it, he had a laptop hooked up to a giant screen behind him, playing his own old videos as he sang along to his back catalog. At one point, he even went ahead and just watched the “deez nuts” meme. Some called it lazy, but one thing nobody could rightfully label it was forgettable. Having a YouTube watch party on stage at the biggest festival in the world is a big swing, but it’s one that paid off as the headlining set turned into a fun, casual, nostalgia-fueled hang. As Zara Larsson put it, “It’s giving let’s smoke and watch YouTube,” but that wasn’t a bad thing.

Sombr

Sombr is more of a rock fan that some people might realize. He’s big on classic UK bands, he played a great cover of The Cranberries’ “Linger” last month, and he led with rock once again at Coachella. His performance was highlighted by bringing Billy Corgan on stage for “1979.” Sombr played his part perfectly, too, letting Corgan belt out the iconic first line of the chorus, “And I don’t even care, to shake these zipper blues,” as only he can with his distinct voice. Sombr’s a wonderful performer, but it was endearing to see him just be a fan, too.

Wet Leg

Wet Leg already have plenty of social currency among rock icons, like Dave Grohl, who joined them on stage at Coachella back in 2023. Their profile has only increased since then, and they’ve only gotten better. Their late-afternoon set was full of energy and charm, and even a surprise appearance from Horsegiirl. For attendees who missed them this time, they shouldn’t repeat the mistake this coming weekend.

FKA Twigs

More than most of her contemporaries, Twigs is a charismatic and high-effort performer. Remember when she got really good at pole dancing just for one video? She never phones it in, both with the music and her choreography, which would be impressive even if she wasn’t also singing through it. She brought back her pole-dancing prowess for a particularly moving rendition of “Cellophane,” and it was a striking way to put a bow on Weekend 1.



source https://uproxx.com/music/coachella-2026-weekend-one-justin-bieber-wet-leg/

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Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution

Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution and What Listeners Look For Hip hop is more than just a genre of music; it is a cultural movement that has deeply influenced the world for over four decades. Originating in the South Bronx during the 1970s, hip hop was birthed from the creative expression of marginalized communities. What started as a fusion of DJing, breakdancing, graffiti art and MCing (rapping) quickly became a global phenomenon. Over the years, hip hop has expanded its reach, influencing various aspects of society, from fashion and language to politics and social movements. But what exactly do listeners seek when they tune in to their favorite hip hop tracks? Let’s explore.

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music At its core, hip hop music is built on rhythm and lyricism. Early pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Run-D.M.C. laid the foundation for what we now recognize as hip hop. They mixed disco, funk, and soul beats with rhythmic rapping to create a unique sound. Through the 1980s and 1990s, iconic artists such as Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Jay-Z further shaped the genre, adding deeper narratives that explored social issues, struggles, and triumphs.
In the 2000s, hip hop saw its golden age evolve into new sub-genres, from Southern hip hop (e.g., OutKast and Lil Wayne) to the rise of trap music (led by artists like Future, Gucci Mane, and Migos). Today, artists continue to experiment with hybrid sounds, blending trap with pop, rock, and electronic music, creating a more diverse landscape for the genre.

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music While the genre has evolved, the heart of hip hop music still beats with certain core elements that listeners continue to seek. Here’s what attracts audiences to hip hop music:

1. Authenticity

One of the most important qualities of hip hop is its authenticity. Listeners are drawn to artists who stay true to themselves, their roots, and their experiences. Whether an artist is rapping about overcoming hardship, life in the streets, or personal triumphs, their genuineness resonates with fans. Authenticity gives hip hop its raw edge, connecting the artist's voice with listeners on a deeply personal level.

2. Lyricism and Wordplay

Hip hop has always been a platform for storytelling, and the craft of lyricism is highly valued. Fans look for clever wordplay, metaphors, punchlines, and deep storytelling in their favorite tracks. Rappers like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Nas are revered for their intricate lyricism and ability to convey powerful messages through their words. A song with sharp bars, vivid imagery, and emotional depth can elevate a listener’s connection to the music.

3. Beat and Production Quality

The beat is often the first thing people notice in a hip hop song. A catchy, hard-hitting beat can make or break a track, and producers play an integral role in shaping the sound of hip hop music. Producers like Dr. Dre, Kanye West, and Metro Boomin have become household names for their distinctive production styles. From boom-bap beats to trap drums, the instrumental elements are essential in drawing listeners into the rhythm and groove of the song.

4. Innovation and Evolution

Hip hop is known for its constant evolution. Fans of the genre are often on the lookout for artists who push boundaries and experiment with new sounds. This spirit of innovation keeps the genre fresh and exciting. From the rise of auto-tune with artists like T-Pain to the blend of electronic and rap seen with artists like Travis Scott, listeners are eager for new music that challenges the traditional limits of hip hop.

5. Vibe and Energy

Hip hop isn’t just about the lyrics or the beat—it’s also about the energy the music brings. Whether it’s a party anthem, an introspective track, or a political statement, the vibe and energy of a song play a crucial role in how it resonates with fans. Artists like Drake, Cardi B, and Lil Uzi Vert have mastered the art of creating tracks that make listeners feel a certain way, whether it’s hyped up, laid back, or reflective.

6. Relatability and Emotional Connection

Hip hop has always been an outlet for self-expression and commentary on life experiences. Because of this, listeners often gravitate toward songs that reflect their own lives, struggles, and aspirations. Whether it’s a song about the challenges of growing up in a tough environment, the celebration of personal success, or the experience of love and heartbreak, hip hop has the unique ability to connect emotionally with audiences. Fans often seek songs that speak to their individual journeys and provide comfort, validation, or empowerment.

The Global Reach of Hip Hop

What was once confined to the streets of New York City has now become a global cultural force. From Tokyo to Paris, hip hop has spread across continents, influencing artists and listeners worldwide. In recent years, artists from outside the U.S. have brought their own cultural influences to the genre, blending hip hop with local sounds, languages, and traditions. The genre’s global reach is a testament to its universal themes of struggle, self-expression, and empowerment.

Conclusion

Hip hop music is an ever-evolving cultural powerhouse that has grown from a localized subculture into a global sensation. The authenticity, lyricism, production quality, innovation, energy, and emotional depth are the main ingredients that attract listeners to hip hop. While the genre continues to change, its core values remain consistent—offering a space for self-expression, storytelling, and connection. As hip hop continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a major force in shaping the future of music. Whether you’re a fan of classic boom-bap or modern trap, hip hop’s diverse range offers something for everyone, proving that its cultural impact is here to stay.