The 10 best (virtual) Coachella performances

Between acts like Billie Eilish and Harry Styles, high-profile guests, and much-anticipated reunions, the beloved festival had it all

By Annie Zaleski  |  April 25, 2022 | 3:44am
Music Features Coachella
The 10 best (virtual) Coachella performances
Billie Eilish (Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty) and Harry Styles (Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty) Image: The A.V. Club

After being dormant for the last few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Coachella roared back over the past two weekends, April 15-17 and April 22-24. Although there were changes from the intended 2020 lineup—headliners Rage Against The Machine, Travis Scott, and Frank Ocean were no longer playing—the acts booked in their place were marquee names. Perhaps you’ve heard of Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, Swedish House Mafia, and The Weeknd—the latter replacing Kanye West, who dropped out the week before.

Unsurprisingly, these acts brought their A-game (and surprise guests) to their late-night slots. However, Coachella’s not known as a festival bar-setter for nothing; in fact, the event’s 2022 undercard was just as strong. Punk, electronica, pop, hip-hop, reggaeton, rock—you name it, Coachella 2022 had it.

Although the festival was very sold-out, it was live-streamed via YouTube during the first weekend, and select sets were also broadcast the second weekend. That means anyone, anywhere could have their own Couch-ella and enjoy the festival, only with cheaper beer and fewer sunburns.

Here are 10 of the best acts we saw (virtually) at Coachella 2022.

Billie Eilish (both weekends)
Billie Eilish (both weekends)
Billie Eilish (Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty) and Harry Styles (Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty) Image The A.V. Club Getty Images

After being dormant for the last few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Coachella roared back over the past two weekends, April 15-17 and April 22-24. Although there were changes from the intended 2020 lineup—headliners Rage Against The Machine, Travis Scott, and Frank Ocean were no longer playing—the acts booked in their place were marquee names. Perhaps you’ve heard of Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, Swedish House Mafia, and The Weeknd—the latter replacing Kanye West, who dropped out the week before. Unsurprisingly, these acts brought their A-game (and surprise guests) to their late-night slots. However, Coachella’s not known as a festival bar-setter for nothing; in fact, the event’s 2022 undercard was just as strong. Punk, electronica, pop, hip-hop, reggaeton, rock—you name it, Coachella 2022 had it.Although the festival was very sold-out, it was live-streamed via YouTube during the first weekend, and select sets were also broadcast the second weekend. That means anyone, anywhere could have their own Couch-ella and enjoy the festival, only with cheaper beer and fewer sunburns.Here are 10 of the best acts we saw (virtually) at Coachella 2022.

Billie Eilish (both weekends)

Much was made of Billie Eilish being Coachella’s youngest-ever headliner, although she certainly wasn’t fazed by the honor, instead putting on her usual stage-dominating show. As with Harry Styles, she also made some of her musical dreams come true. During weekend two, Paramore’s Hayley Williams made a surprise appearance to perform an unplugged version of Paramore’s “Misery Business” and an electric version of Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever.” Weekend one, Damon Albarn and De La Soul’s Pos popped up for a spirited take on Gorillaz’s “Feel Good Inc.”

Harry Styles (both weekends)

Harry Styles didn’t need to give fans anything super-special at Coachella—after all, his already dialed-in stage show was more than enough. However, Styles isn’t about doing anything halfway. For both weekends, Styles played three new songs (including the No. 1 hit “As It Was”), wore fabulous outfits, and brought out meaningful special guests. Weekend one found him re-living childhood car sing-alongs to Shania Twain with the country icon herself, on her “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” and “You’re Still the One.” On weekend two, Styles’ bud Lizzo made a surprise appearance to sing a powerful version of Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” and a spirited take on One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful.”

Danny Elfman (both weekends)

Danny Elfman’s much-anticipated Coachella set—the first live show he’s done under his own name since the mid-1990s—was shrouded in mystery. How would he combine all of his career guises (new wavers Oingo Boingo, decorated film scorer and solo artist, recently of 2021’s heavy Big Mess) all in one show? As it turns out, quite easily. Elfman, a full orchestra and a crack band—including guitarists Wes Borland and Nili Brosh, with drummer Josh Freese— channeled David Bowie during a seamless, dizzying set. The segue between The Simpsons theme and a breakneck take on Oingo Boingo’s “Only a Lad” was particularly jaw-dropping.

BROCKHAMPTON (both weekends)

If you have to take a break, go out on top. That was clearly the tactic of BROCKHAMPTON, who announced an indefinite hiatus in early 2022, but announced the release of a new album and gave it their all both weekends of the festival, during sets that were equal parts emotional and inspirational.

Anitta (April 15)

Brazilian superstar Anitta set the bar high for Coachella 2022 with a Friday afternoon opening-day set that featured high-profile guests (notably California royalty Snoop Dogg and rapper Saweetie) and an expertly assembled performance that weaved together funk carioca, reggaeton, hip-hop, samba, and pop.

2NE1 (April 16)

Six years after splitting, South Korean girl group 2NE1 reunited on the Coachella main stage after a solo set by leader CL. The quartet performed a high-energy version of 2011’s “I Am the Best,” which ended up being not just a mission statement for the appearance—they didn’t miss a beat despite the years apart—but also a reminder of why 2NE1 have been so missed.

Baby Keem ft. Kendrick Lamar, “family ties” (April 23)

With a backdrop of fire and roiling lava behind him, rapper Baby Keem was already slaying “family ties” during his April 23 Coachella set—and then Kendrick Lamar, who’s on the studio version of the track, walked onstage, which ramped the energy level and crowd response up multiple levels. For good measure, Lamar stuck around to perform Baby Keem’s “Vent” as well.

Måneskin (both weekends)

Italian glam rockers Måneskin have become a global phenomenon during the last few years. The band’s two Coachella sets underscored why they’re so beloved, as each performance exuded charisma and musicianship. The hard rock version of Britney Spears’ “Womanizer” from weekend one was particularly revelatory.

Karol G and Becky G, “Mamiii” (April 17)

Colombian singer Karol G had a massive hit in early 2022 with the reggaeton jam “Mamiii,” which featured Becky G. To the utter delight of the crowd, the pair debuted the song together live at Coachella, with a note-perfect performance that made a good argument as to why “Mamiii” should be in the running for song of the summer this year, as well.

Amyl & The Sniffers (April 15)

The members of Australian punk band Amyl & The Sniffers are known for their high-octane live performances—and on a massive platform such as Coachella, the group’s riotous rabble-rousing and Amy Taylor’s ferocious vocals and charisma won over more than a few new fans.

 
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