Bellevue Rates Coachella

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For 27 years and counting, California’s Coachella event has been one of the biggest performances this year in both music and pop culture. With all this excitement, people around the globe tuned in this year to watch all the dynamic performances. From long-awaited performances to standout surprise sets, Bellevue students had a lot to say about the festival’s most memorable moments.

This year, Coachella had people talking more than ever, with headliners including Sabrina Carpenter, Karol G and Justin Bieber, leading some to refer to the event as “Bieberchella.” Bieber returned to the stage as a pop icon, proving that his star power hasn't faded after years away from touring.

“Justin Bieber was the performer I was the most excited for,” said junior Aracely Garcia Mendez, “Even though all he did was screen share his laptop, it was still really exciting to see him perform again and hear his old music.”

In addition to Bieber's highly anticipated set, another headliner that didn't disappoint was Sabrina Carpenter. Labeled "Sabrinawood," her Hollywood-themed spectacle featured cinematic shorts with countless celebrity cameos, including Madonna.

“I really liked Sabrina Carpenter’s performance because of the storytelling,” said sophomore Olivia Myers. “I especially liked weekend two when she brought out Madonna to sing ‘Like a Prayer.’”

As the festival continued, it became clear that Coachella isn't just about the top celebrities. This year, there were over 160 performers at the festival. Both new and seasoned, these performers showed the same level of enthusiasm as the renowned headliners, giving many of their loyal fans something to look forward to. Over the course of the event, there were many notable performances by The Strokes, Addison Rae, Katseye, Young Thug and Ethel Cain.

“I really loved the Ethel Cain set! I saw her live in August, and the stage looked the same,” said freshman Ella Barsuk. “She sang songs from both albums and a few different EPs without autotune or overproduction; it was so pretty!”

Whether students tuned in for Bieber, Carpenter, or smaller artists like Cain, Coachella 2026 gave everyone something to talk about. From major headliners to unexpected standout moments, this year’s festival once again showed why Coachella remains one of the most-watched events in music.