Exciting performances and unforgettable moments defined the first day of the California country festival on Friday, April 26.
Zach Bryan performs at Desert Diamond Arena on December 03, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona.
John Medina/Getty Images
The first day of the Stagecoach Music Festival was nothing short of exhilarating, as it showcased some of the most talented and popular country music artists from around the globe in Indio, California. This annual event promises three days filled with unforgettable performances, and this year was no exception. Fans were treated to a diverse lineup that combined both established stars and emerging talents, setting the stage for an incredible weekend of music and camaraderie.
Up-and-coming artists such as Tigirlily Gold and Alana Springsteen proved their worth with spectacular performances, demonstrating why they are being heralded as the next big stars in the country music scene. Meanwhile, newly recognized hitmaker Tucker Wetmore made a compelling case for his rising stardom. Established favorites like Carly Pearce and Dylan Scott delivered electrifying sets packed with their chart-topping hits, culminating in a sensational two-hour performance by headliner Zach Bryan. He not only entertained the crowd but also humorously noted that he wore the same shirt as three years ago, showcasing his charm and connection with the audience.
Among the most talked-about performances was the highly anticipated debut of alt-pop sensation Lana Del Rey at Stagecoach. Though she may not traditionally fit the country music mold, Del Rey’s upcoming album hints at a country influence that her fans are eager to explore. Her set revealed a surprising affinity for the genre, captivating the audience and inviting them to reconsider her musical identity in a new light.
Here’s a roundup of eight standout moments from the exhilarating first day of the 18th Stagecoach Festival, with many more highlights still to unfold throughout the weekend.
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Tigirlily Gold Delivers a Memorable Performance with “Tried a Ring On”
The sister duo Tigirlily Gold brought an infectious energy to their early afternoon set, engaging the crowd with a fun collection of songs that should have dominated the charts. Their standout moment included a delightful cover of Leona Lewis’s classic ballad “Bleeding Love.” The highlight of their performance came when singer Kendra Slaughbaugh, frustrated with her setlist fluttering in the wind, dramatically tossed it off the stage, vowing, “I’ll pick it up later.” — ANDREW UNTERBERGER
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Nikki Lane Teams Up with Drake Milligan for a Rocking New Song
South Carolina native Nikki Lane captivated the audience as she introduced a new song during her set, teasing, “For the next song, I’m gonna need a male counterpart.” She then invited Drake Milligan, who had just performed on the same stage, to join her. Despite their impromptu collaboration — both admitting they hadn’t rehearsed — their performance of “Wreck It All,” an ’80s-inspired rocker with a catchy riff, charmed the crowd. Milligan sweetly declared, “I heart Nikki Lane,” reflecting the audience’s sentiments as well. — A.U.
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Avery Anna Invites Fans to Sing Along with Her “Story”
With a packed audience at her Friday set, Arizona’s Avery Anna confidently declared, “Every single one of y’all know the words to this song.” While her set featured numerous original songs, she was about to perform a cover of Taylor Swift’s iconic “Love Story.” Sure enough, the crowd erupted in enthusiastic sing-along, as Anna twirled joyfully on stage, reminiscent of leading her very own Fearless World Tour. — A.U.
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Tucker Wetmore Stands Out with a Captivating Set
Rising star Tucker Wetmore delivered a stellar 35-minute performance that had the mid-afternoon crowd clamoring for more. He kicked off with his emotional breakout hit, “Wine into Whiskey,” before transitioning into a medley of covers. His rendition of Gavin DeGraw’s “I Don’t Want to Be” was a standout, followed by an impressive piano cover of “Great Balls of Fire,” reminiscent of the legendary Jerry Lee Lewis. Wetmore wrapped up his set with his popular track “Wind Up Missin’ You,” leading to an engaging singalong, before jokingly addressing his romantic preferences in “Brunette,” a lighthearted song about his dating experiences. We predict Wetmore’s next Stagecoach performance will see him elevated to a prime time slot. — MELINDA NEWMAN
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Alana Springsteen Poses Heartfelt Questions in Her Performance
Performing to a captivated audience at the Bud Light Backyard, Alana Springsteen showcased her poignant songwriting skills, making a compelling case for her emotionally charged anthems to be heard in larger outdoor venues next time. Her unreleased ballad “Love Me Anyway” resonated deeply, as she explored themes of unconditional love and acceptance. As she sings, “Would you love me anyway?” the emotional weight of her lyrics left a lasting impact, especially when the final chorus culminated in, “I hope that you still love me anyway.” — A.U.
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Carly Pearce’s Bold Show of Support for Emerging Talent
In an industry often challenging for female artists, Carly Pearce has enjoyed a successful eight-year career as a prominent country hitmaker. When she introduced her tour opener, Carter Faith, as “one of the best female singers I’ve heard since I moved to Nashville,” it underscored her commitment to supporting fellow women in music. Pearce invited Faith on stage to perform her hit “Never Wanted to Be That Girl,” and Faith seamlessly stepped into the role of the duet partner, showcasing her talent in front of an eager crowd. — A.U.
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Lana Del Rey Creates a Buzz with “57.5” and a New Twist
An unforgettable moment occurred during Lana Del Rey’s first-ever Stagecoach performance when she debuted her new song “57.5.” The lyrics reveal that this number corresponds to her monthly Spotify listeners in millions, but the real surprise came when she cheekily referenced a rumored encounter with Morgan Wallen. “I kissed Morgan Wallen. I guess kissing me kind of went to his head,” she quipped, stirring speculation about their relationship. Del Rey’s playful lyrics and enigmatic stage presence left the audience buzzing, further entwining her narrative with that of the evolving country music genre. — A.U.
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Zach Bryan’s Stellar Return to the Stage with Unforgettable Hits
Three years prior, Zach Bryan performed on the Palomino Stage at Stagecoach to a packed audience. His triumphant return on Friday night saw him headline the Mane Stage, a testament to his meteoric rise in the country music world. He humorously remarked, “I wore the same shirt, I thought it was cute,” before launching into a set filled with fan favorites like “Something in the Orange,” “Overtime,” and “Whiskey Fever.”
Zach also acknowledged the earlier performance by Lana Del Rey, expressing his disbelief at sharing the stage with her, stating, “Never in my life did I think I would be onstage around the same time as Lana Del Rey. She’s the best.” He showcased his versatility by performing his all-time favorite, “Lawyers, Guns and Money,” a classic from Warren Zevon.
In a collaborative spirit, Noeline Hofmann joined him for “Purple Gas,” while Willow Avalon substituted for Kacey Musgraves during “I Remember Everything.” Bryan concluded his electrifying set with a dynamic rendition of “Revival,” involving the audience in a lively exchange of lyrics, showcasing not only his musical talent but also the strong camaraderie among his band members. This performance solidified Bryan’s status as a must-see act at Stagecoach. — JESSICA NICHOLSON
