[Coachella 2017. Photo Credit to Unsplash]

Coachella, the annual music and arts festival held every April in Indio, California, unveiled its 2026 lineup on September 16.

The announcement featured both fresh talents and legendary performers, creating one of the festival’s most anticipated editions in recent years.

On April 10th and 17, the festival will be headlined by Sabrina Carpenter. 

Carpenter made her first appearance in Coachella performing in 2024, on the main stage with her hit singles including “Espresso” and “Because I liked a boy”.

This time, she returns as a headliner, demonstrating her rapid rise in the pop music scene.

Taking place Saturday, Justin Bieber will take center stage for his first-ever headlining performance at Coachella.

Although Bieber has made guest appearances in past festivals, he has never before led the lineup.

He has recently released his latest studio album, “Swag II,” on September 5, 2025, following his earlier summer release “Swag.” 

His inclusion adds a strong global pop presence to the weekend lineup.

Sunday’s headlining spot will be held by Karol G, who will become the first Latina artist to headline Coachella.

Karol previously performed at the festival three years ago and is returning to make history once again.

Her performance is expected to highlight her record-breaking success and cultural impact across the Latin music world.

The 2026 lineup also welcomes iconic artists from past generations like David Bryne, Iggy Pop, The Strokes, Devo, and Moby.

Their participation is to attract audiences nostalgic for the rock and alternative eras of the 1970s and 1980s.

Byrne, The Strokes, and Moby previously headlined Coachella in the early 2000s, adding a sense of continuity between eras.

Among the most talked-about names this year is Bigbang, the long awaited K-pop group finally making its Coachella debut. 

Originally scheduled to perform in 2020 before the event’s cancellation due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the group’s appearance fulfills years of fan anticipation.

Bigbang — consisting of G-dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung— debuted in 2006 under YG Entertainment and is often regarded as the “Kings of K-pop.”

Their influence extends across generations, inspiring countless younger idols.

BTS member Suga once said, “It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that BIGBANG practically made BTS. You were musicians that I aspired to be like as a kid.” 

The group’s last full performance took place at the 2024 MAMA Awards, where they surprised fans by appearing as a complete lineup for the first time in seven years.

Following the event, Mnet released behind-the-scenes footage showing fellow artists singing along, cheering, and dancing to BigBang’s hits, proving their title as “idols of idols.”

The video quickly went viral, highlighting the group’s enduring legacy and influence in K-pop culture.

As BigBang approaches its 20th anniversary in 2026, fans are speculating about a possible comeback to coincide with their Coachella performance.

From being the group many thought would never reunite to headlining one of the world’s biggest music festivals, BigBang’s story demonstrates that true legends never fade.