Lana Del Rey made a triumphant return to Coachella, headlining the festival’s opening night with a mesmerizing performance that featured an array of surprise guests. Joining her on stage were recent collaborators Jack Antonoff and Jon Batiste, and a particularly unexpected appearance from Billie Eilish.
Eilish’s entrance onto the stage alongside Del Rey was met with wild excitement from the crowd. Together, they performed the 2016 hit ‘Ocean Eyes’ and 2012 song ‘Video Games’, both representing the first breakout hits in their respective careers.
During their joint appearance, Del Rey expressed her admiration for Eilish: “That’s the voice of our generation, the voice of your generation, and I’m so fucking grateful she’s standing next to me right now singing my favorite song.” The two time Oscar-winning artist said in response, “Get the f— out of my face,” as they both fell into laughter. “This is the reason for half you b—s’ existence — including mine!” she continued. “Lana Del Rey, you guys, come on!”
Prior to the 22-year-old phenomenon’s surprise appearance, Lana Del Rey had welcomed Jon Batiste to perform ‘Candy Necklace’, a song they worked up together for her most recent album ‘Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd’. “Sometimes you need somebody else’s spirit to move with you, and that’s always going to be Jon Batiste,” said the headliner.
Later in the set, Del Rey was joined by Jack Antonoff for ‘Hope Is a Dangerous Thing for a Woman Like Me — but I Have It’, or at least, partially. While Antonoff was playing the piano, Lana’s presence during this performance was a hologram.
Del Rey’s setlist featured a mix of her classic hits and rare live performances, including the nostalgic ‘Without You’ and a stirring cover of Sublime’s ‘Doin’ Time’. Her ethereal stage presence and dreamy vocals mesmerized the audience, reaffirming her status as a true icon of the music industry.
As Del Rey closed out her set with the hauntingly beautiful “Young and Beautiful,” accompanied by a dazzling firework display, it was clear that her performance had left an indelible mark on Coachella’s opening night.
With her highly anticipated 10th studio album, ‘Lasso,’ set for release in September, Del Rey’s triumphant return to Coachella marks just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting year for the acclaimed artist.
