As Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival entered its final stretch, Day 3 didn’t disappoint with its mix of surprises, nostalgia, and soothing vibes. From unexpected cameos to iconic performances, here’s a rundown of the highlights and lowlights from the festival’s closing day.
Coachella Day 3 Highlights:
1. Reneé Rapp’s Surprise Cameo with Kesha: Pop star and “Mean Girls” actor Reneé Rapp delighted fans with a special guest appearance by Kesha during her electric set. The duo’s rendition of Kesha’s hit “TiK ToK,” with a twist in the lyrics, created a memorable Coachella moment.
2. Taking Back Sunday’s Nostalgic Vibes: Rock band Taking Back Sunday kept the festival’s nostalgic spirit alive with their energetic performance. Delivering hits like “A Decade Under The Influence” and “Cute Without the ‘E’ (Cut from the Team),” they captured the essence of ’90s rock for a captivated audience.
3. Khruangbin and Hermanos Gutierrez’s Soothing Sets: For festivalgoers seeking a moment of tranquility, Khruangbin and Hermanos Gutierrez provided the perfect escape with their soulful and groovy performances. Khruangbin’s eclectic blend of soul and psychedelic rock, coupled with Hermanos Gutierrez’s desert-inspired soundscapes, offered a serene respite amidst the festival’s frenzy.
Coachella Day 3 Lowlights:
1. Ideal Weather Comes Too Late: While Day 3 boasted ideal weather conditions with temperatures in the low 70s, it served as a stark contrast to the scorching heat experienced earlier in the weekend. As festivalgoers reveled in the pleasant weather, anticipation loomed for Weekend 2 attendees facing forecasted high temperatures.
2. Headliner Order Mismatch: The lineup’s headliner order on Day 3 sparked debate, with some questioning the placement of Doja Cat as the Sunday night headliner. Suggestions arose that Doja Cat’s high-energy performance would have been better suited for Friday, while Lana Del Rey’s dreamy vibe would have complemented Sunday’s chill atmosphere.
3. Lauryn Hill’s Limited Performance Time: Lauryn Hill’s brief appearance during YG Marley’s set left fans yearning for more. As the festival’s first female rapper headliner, Hill’s talent deserved a more prominent spotlight, signaling the need for greater recognition of female rap artists in future Coachella lineups.
Despite the highs and lows, Coachella 2024 Day 3 concluded the festival with a mix of unforgettable moments and room for improvement, setting the stage for future editions to continue pushing boundaries in the music and arts scene.