Coachella just hit, and it’s time to pick apart the drama surrounding this year’s festival. Coachella is one of the most famous festivals in the US, known for the Instagram-worthy outfits, the music everyone loves and, of course, all the celebrities. Except this time, something felt… off. It seemed like all of the celebrities were replaced by influencers.
Many people noticed a shift. When asked about the major differences in this year’s festival compared to previous years, “It was more social media-based, there were more influencers than celebrities there,” Raegan Emrick said.
Coachella has always been the place where the biggest names in music, film and fashion come together. Lady Gaga, Charli XCX, Post Malone, Megan Thee Stallion and more performed, while Charli D’Amelio, Alix Earle, Haylee Baylee etc. were the ones in the audience. Some online even joked that it felt more like an influencer convention than a music festival.
Not only that, but beyond just the guest list, many fans said the overall energy was lower than expected. In past years, there were viral moments, surprise performances and massive crowds. This time, a lot of the buzz online was about how “low energy” the festival felt and how underwhelming some performances were; there weren’t as many unforgettable stories. “It wasn’t as hype as it normally is,” Emrick said.
One thing that stayed consistent, though, was the fashion. If you were expecting glitter, bright colors, cowboy boots and over-the-top outfits, you definitely weren’t disappointed. Coachella has basically set the standard for festival fashion, and this year was no different. If we can depend on anything during this festival, we can depend on the crazy glam outfits that these influencers give us. That’s one thing that never fails to impress!
But the shift from A-listers to influencers isn’t going unnoticed, and it’s creating some annoyance for the fans. A lot of people felt like the vibe of Coachella was changing. Instead of a gathering for music lovers, it seemed to have turned into a marketing event, with brands partnering with influencers to promote products. Some even questioned if the basics of Coachella were being overshadowed by all the brand deals and social media posts, with most people not even going unless they are being paid.
Now that the people in attendance are mostly influencers, many people are starting to wonder if Coachella has lost its authenticity. This shift is sparking debate. Some argue that Coachella has always had commercial elements, but now it’s just more obvious and over the top than before. While influencers and brands might always have had a presence, it’s clear that they’ve taken over in a way that’s harder to ignore. Fans are asking themselves if Coachella is still the festival it used to be.
Despite all the criticism Coachella got this year, it still had its moments. There were great performances, and fans were still able to enjoy the music. But it’s hard to deny that something felt different. Coachella has changed, and whether that’s for better or worse depends on how you look at it.
Looking into the next few years, it’s hard to say what Coachella will be like. Will it continue to lean into influencer culture and brand deals, or will it shift back to focusing on music and culture?
