April saw the highly anticipated return of the Stagecoach country music festival to Indio’s Empire Polo Club, following two weekends of Coachella. The festival, held from April 26 to April 28, featured a star-studded lineup including Post Malone, Jelly Roll, Chainsmokers, and Ernest, alongside performances by country music icons Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, and Morgan Wallen.
One notable change at the festival was the expansion of the “Mane” stage, covering the entire north-side field and featuring four jumbotrons for better visibility. Additionally, celebrity chef Guy Fieri returned to provide cookery demos with Stagecoach stars.
Despite some controversies, such as Eric Church’s acoustic set and the disappointment over Morgan Wallen’s set not being live-streamed, one thing remained clear—the communal spirit of country music.
Among the festival’s highlights was Lana Del Rey’s surprise appearance, where she performed the iconic song “Unchained Melody” alongside country musician Paul Cauthen. Willie Nelson, joined by his family band, delivered a memorable performance featuring classics like “On the Road Again” and “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die.”
A moment of anticipation arose when internet reports suggested a last-minute addition of Beyoncé to the lineup under the name “Backwoods Barbie.” Although the act turned out to be a different performance, fans were still treated to an electrifying atmosphere.
Post Malone’s performance at the Mane stage was another standout moment, featuring collaborations with Dwight Yoakam and Brad Paisley. Meanwhile, the audience was delighted to see Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly dancing together during Jelly Roll’s performance of “Save Me.”
Overall, Stagecoach 2024 showcased the enduring appeal of country music, bringing together fans from all walks of life to celebrate the genre’s rich culture and diverse talent.