Sabrina Carpenter Headlines Coachella with Surprise Guest Madonna

On Friday, April 11, 2026, Sabrina Carpenter headlined the first night of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. During her 90-minute set, she was joined by a surprise guest, Madonna, who performed a medley of songs and announced a new album. The Hollywood-themed production featured multiple set pieces and celebrity cameos.

The Headlining Performance

Carpenter's set began after 9:00 p.m. with a video introduction featuring actor Sam Elliott. She opened with the song "House Tour."

Production Design: The stage design had a vintage Hollywood theme, branded as "Sabrinawood." It included a replica of the Hollywood Hills and transitioned through settings resembling a recording studio, a dive bar, a dance studio, and a Broadway-style cityscape with flashing marquees.

Setlist: The performance primarily featured songs from Carpenter's albums "Man's Best Friend" and "Short n' Sweet." The track "We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night" was performed live for the first time. Other songs performed included "Taste," "Manchild," "Please Please Please," "Feather," "Juno," and "Espresso."

The set concluded with the song "Tears," during which Carpenter was elevated on a sprinkler-head chair before exiting the stage in a vintage car.

Celebrity Appearances: The show included several celebrity cameos. Actors Sam Elliott, Susan Sarandon, and Will Ferrell appeared in pre-taped segments or on stage. A voiceover from actor Samuel L. Jackson was played during the song "Juno." Actors Anya Taylor-Joy and fellow Coachella performer Sombr were shown in the audience during the festival livestream.

Artist Statements: During the performance, Carpenter stated, "I can't believe I'm headlining Coachella." She referenced a statement made during her 2024 Coachella set, where she told the audience she would "see you back here when I headline," joking that if she had not headlined, "it'd be pretty fucking awkward."

In an interview published earlier in the week in Perfect magazine, Carpenter described the Coachella show as "the most ambitious show I've ever done."

Reported Audience Reaction: A message from an attendee, reported in some articles, stated that during a nearly seven-minute interlude featuring Susan Sarandon, some people sat down or left the area.

Madonna's Surprise Appearance

During Carpenter's set, Madonna appeared as a surprise guest. The collaboration occurred while Carpenter was performing the song "Juno."

Performances: Madonna and Carpenter performed a medley that included Madonna's songs "Vogue" and "Like A Prayer." They also performed a new track, identified in sources as "I Feel Free" or "I Feel So Free," which Madonna stated was from her upcoming album.

Statements On Stage: Madonna thanked Carpenter for the invitation, calling her return to Coachella a "full circle moment." She noted she had performed at the festival 20 years prior, in the Sahara Tent, which was the first time she performed material from her 2005 album "Confessions on a Dance Floor" in America.

Madonna also made remarks about the new moon in Taurus, stating it meant "we need to work on our communication skills" and "avoid confrontations," adding that music brings people together. She joked that it was likely the first time she had performed with someone shorter than her, to which Carpenter replied, "Amen!"

Album Announcement: During the appearance, Madonna announced the sequel to her 2005 album, titled "Confessions II." She confirmed the album is scheduled for release on July 3, 2026. Sources note this will be her first album of new material since 2019's "Madam X."

Background and Context

• Sabrina Carpenter first performed at Coachella in 2024. During that set, she released her song "Espresso" and stated she would return to headline the festival.
• Prior to the 2026 festival, rumors had circulated that Madonna might appear during Carpenter's set.
• Carpenter has previously cited Madonna as an influence and has worn outfits reminiscent of Madonna's past styles at public events.

Coachella Schedule Notes

Other scheduled performances for the remainder of the festival included Justin Bieber on Saturday night, Karol G as the Sunday night headliner, and a surprise set by Kacey Musgraves at the Sahara Tent on Saturday afternoon.