Ariana Grande had a huge performance at Coachella over the festival’s first weekend. She sang all her hits, and even brought out a few stars.
Sunday night might have been all abuzz about Game of Thrones, but make no mistake, there was still room for fans to go wild over Ariana Grande at Coachella.
The singer’s performance was the festival’s big headliner and the closing act on the Coachella Stage to wrap up the first week — and she made sure the festival went out with a bang. The setlist included 26 songs spanning all of her discography, including “Thank U, Next” to “Break Free.” Plus, she even invited a few special guests to join her on stage.
Because Grande was the big headliner, some are comparing #Arichella to #Beychella, Beyoncé’s groundbreaking Coachella performance from last year. And before we get into highlights from Grande’s show, let’s settle it now: there’s no need to compare Beyoncé to Grande. Yes, Beyoncé’s performance made a lot more buzz than Grande’s. But Grande still killed it during her performance, and that’s all that matters.
Speaking of which, one of the biggest surprises during Grande’s killer performance was when the *NSYNC showed up to sing “Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored,” and “Tearin’ Up My Heart.” Justin Timberlake, unfortunately, couldn’t make it to the performance because he was wrapping up his own tour this weekend.
The #Coachella crowd goes WILD as @ArianaGrande brings out @NSYNC 🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀 pic.twitter.com/nMzU0Rqkz5
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) April 15, 2019
Tune in now https://t.co/kRjOZ0KCue @coachella @ArianaGrande pic.twitter.com/fc1tOLyayb
— *NSYNC (@NSYNC) April 15, 2019
Grande also surprised fans with Nicki Minaj, who performed “Bang Bang” and “Side to Side” with her. Unfortunately, things went south for the performance during “Bang Bang,” in which Grande said they couldn’t hear the music. It resulted in Minaj’s verse being off beat, but the two knew the show must go on. Fans showed a lot of love to the two for keeping the show going.
Nicki Minaj crying after performance at Coachella... STAY STRONG Onika. WE LOVE YOU NO MATTER WHAT #Arichella #Coachella #NickiMinaj pic.twitter.com/Zud0FLthwC
— Bartek (@Ariatto999) April 15, 2019
Nicki looked flawless PERIOD pic.twitter.com/zH6goCp5eQ
— mic (@michelemarajj) April 15, 2019
The guest performers didn’t stop with *NSYNC and Minaj. In an interesting move, Diddy and Mase came out to sing “Mo Money Mo Problems.” The song served as a tribute to late rappers like The Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac, Nipsey Hussle and Grande’s ex-boyfriend Mac Miller.
#ARICHELLA: @ArianaGrande brings out @Diddy and Mase at #Coachella to perform ‘Mo Money Mo Problems’ as a tribute to Biggie, 2 Pac, and Mac Miller ❤️ pic.twitter.com/EIqnT878hx
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) April 15, 2019
‘ put a one in da air for B.I.G , put a one in da air for MAC MILLER ‘ 👼🖤 #ARICHELLA pic.twitter.com/OMaHjGRF3d
— erica 🧚🏻♀️ (@jesuiserii) April 15, 2019
Grande’s set included a lot of visually stunning moments, including a cameo from Wall-E and Eve, and fireworks to cap off the show.
ARIANA GRANDE IS AMAZING, WONDERFUL, UNBELIEVABLE, PERFECTLY PERFECT. THAT’S MY BABY! 🖤 #ARICHELLA pic.twitter.com/FdRYNkjw4I
— ♡ (@WeFocusOnYouAri) April 15, 2019
For anyone who didn’t get to see Ariana Grande at Coachella, she’s currently in the midst of her Sweetener World Tour. It’ll last all through the summer in the U.S., and hit Europe later this year.