The 5 Biggest, Most Historic Moments From Coachella 2024: Headliners, Surprise Guests, And Record-Breaking Sets

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival remains the undisputed cultural barometer for music and fashion, and the 2024 edition, held in April, solidified its reputation as a powerhouse of monumental performances and history-making moments. This year's festival, taking place at the iconic Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, delivered a lineup that was both a celebration of current chart-toppers and a nod to legendary acts from the past.

The 2024 festival was an undeniable success, marked by three distinct headlining performances that captivated the massive crowds across two weekends. From a historic first for a female rapper to a long-awaited reunion of a legendary rock band, here are the five biggest and most unforgettable moments that defined Coachella 2024.

The Triumphant Trio: Analyzing the 2024 Headliners and Their Guests

The foundation of any great Coachella is its headliners, and the 2024 selection—Lana Del Rey, Tyler, the Creator, and Doja Cat—represented a diverse and thrilling cross-section of modern music. Each artist brought a unique spectacle, proving why they earned the coveted top spot.

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1. Lana Del Rey's Star-Studded Poetic Opener

Lana Del Rey, the poetic superstar, kicked off the festival's main stage on Friday night, delivering a mesmerizing 20-song set that was both intimate and grand. Her performance was a stunning showcase of her critically acclaimed album, Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, mixed with her classic hits.

The biggest buzz, however, came from her parade of surprise guests, a hallmark of any memorable Coachella set. Del Rey brought out three major collaborators, instantly setting the bar high for the weekend:

• Billie Eilish: The pop icon joined Del Rey for a stunning acoustic duet of Eilish's "Ocean Eyes" and Del Rey's "Video Games."
• Jack Antonoff: Her long-time producer and a titan in modern music, Antonoff joined on piano.
• Jon Batiste: The award-winning musician added his signature soulful touch to the performance.

Lana Del Rey's set was a masterclass in mood and atmosphere, a perfect blend of vulnerability and spectacle that resonated deeply with her dedicated fanbase.

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2. Tyler, the Creator's Desert Havoc and Hip-Hop Royalty

Saturday night belonged to Tyler, the Creator, who delivered an exhilarating, high-stakes performance that was pure theatrical chaos. The rapper and producer exploded onto the stage from a makeshift trailer, setting the tone for a desert-themed spectacle that was both aggressive and deeply personal.

Tyler, known for his mischievous energy and elaborate stage production, matched Del Rey's guest count with his own lineup of hip-hop and R&B royalty:

• Childish Gambino (Donald Glover): A major surprise, the multi-hyphenate artist joined Tyler for a memorable collaboration.
• A$AP Rocky: The two rappers shared the stage, bringing an undeniable energy to the crowd.
• Kali Uchis: The R&B star added a smooth, melodic element to the set.

His commanding presence and the sheer force of his performance cemented his status as one of the most exciting and unpredictable headliners in the festival's history.

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3. Doja Cat’s Historic and Record-Breaking Set

Closing out the weekend on Sunday, Doja Cat did more than just perform—she made history. The 28-year-old artist became the first Black female rapper to ever headline the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in its 25-year existence.

Doja Cat’s set was an electrifying tour de force, a dazzling display of high-energy choreography, stunning visuals, and a diverse tracklist spanning her career. Her monumental achievement was widely praised, symbolizing a significant shift in the festival's representation and the growing dominance of female hip-hop artists on the world stage. Her performance was a cultural moment that will be referenced for years to come.

The Biggest Surprise: No Doubt's Long-Awaited Reunion

While the headliners were incredible, the single biggest moment of curiosity and excitement was the highly anticipated reunion of the iconic ska-punk band, No Doubt. Performing for the first time in nearly a decade (since 2015), the band—featuring lead singer Gwen Stefani, guitarist Tom Dumont, bassist Tony Kanal, and drummer Adrian Young—took the stage on Saturday night.

The band rolled out a greatest hits setlist that had the crowd instantly transported back to the 90s, featuring classics like "Hella Good," "Sunday Morning," "Just a Girl," and "Don't Speak."

To top off the already momentous occasion, the band brought out a massive surprise guest:

• Olivia Rodrigo: The Gen Z pop-rock sensation joined No Doubt on stage to perform their 2000 hit, "Bathwater."

The collaboration between the legendary 90s band and one of the biggest stars of the new generation perfectly captured Coachella's spirit of bridging musical eras and creating unforgettable, one-of-a-kind moments.

Beyond the Main Stage: Other Notable Moments and Entities

Coachella 2024 was stacked with talent across all stages, ensuring that every day offered a wealth of fresh musical discoveries and big-name performances. The festival’s success is a testament to the depth of its full lineup. Other entities and moments that contributed to the festival's topical authority included:

• Latin Music Dominance: Artists like Peso Pluma continued the trend of Latin music's massive influence, following in the footsteps of previous headliner Bad Bunny.
• K-Pop Influence: The festival maintained its global focus with performances from major K-Pop acts.
• The Do Lab Surprises: The smaller, more intimate Do Lab stage hosted its own set of shock appearances, including a surprise DJ set from Katy Perry.
• High-Profile Guests: Other major guest appearances across the weekend included Shakira joining Bizarrap, and Will Smith making an unexpected appearance during J Balvin's set.
• Rising Stars: The lineup featured buzzworthy acts like Ice Spice, Blur, Jungle, Jhené Aiko, and Chappell Roan, all of whom delivered high-impact sets that captivated the audience.

Coachella 2024 will be remembered not just for its headliners, but for the sheer volume of cultural moments it generated. From Doja Cat's historic achievement to the No Doubt reunion, the festival proved once again that it is the premier destination for music fans seeking the freshest, most talked-about performances in the world.