Coachella 2018, Day 2 Highlights: Beyonce, MØ & Sigrid

Mike Wass | April 15, 2018 3:01 pm
Coachella 2018, Day 1 Highlights
From Yodel Boy to The Weeknd, we recap the highlights of Coachella, Day 1.

Day 2 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California was all about Beyonce. The Hive braved 100-degree-plus heat and swirling dust to get in early and find prime real estate near the Coachella Stage. As expected, Queen Bey did not disappoint. (But more about that later). Day 2 was also about newcomers and rising stars taking it to the next level. It was the arrival of Chloe x Halle, Marian Hill and Sigrid — all of whom seem destined for huge things. We recap all the most talked-about moments below.

1. Beyonce stole the show

As soon as Mrs. Carter was announced as headliner in 2017 (her festival debut was delayed by a year due to pregnancy), the event was rebranded Beychella. That kind of hype and expectation could crush a lesser artist, but Queen Bey thrives on pressure and delivered the best festival set I’ve ever seen — a non-stop, intricately choreographed spectacle that was influenced by everything from ancient Egypt to high school pep rallies. While the staging was truly staggering, Beyonce was never overshadowed — reminding us that she’s the best performer of her generation. By far.

2. Destiny’s Child reunited

It finally happened! Picking a highlight from Beyonce’s flawless set feels petty, but the reunion of Destiny’s Child gets my vote. A monstrous roar erupted when Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams joined the superstar for “Lose My Breath” and the trio proved that they well and truly still have it as they made their way through “Say My Name” and “Soldier.” The ladies looked and sounded incredible, and their fancy footwork is still as sharp as ever. A reunion tour would make the world a much better place.

3. Chloe x Halle arrive

While on the topic of Beyonce, it should be noted that her proteges Chloe x Halle also performed on Day 2. The absurdly-talented duo delivered an early afternoon set in the Mojave tent — transfixing the space with their otherworldly brand of alt-R&B. Highlights include the title track of their new album, “The Kids Are Alright,” as well as “Grown” from their TV show Grown-ish (they are already multi-hyphenates) and “Happy Without Me,” which is my best for their next single. These young women are the future.

4. MØ comes into her own

is an amazing pop star. Equally at home with alt-pop or radio-ready bangers, the Danish diva never fails to deliver huge hooks and catchy choruses. Which makes the fact that she’s probably better known for her massive features a little frustrating. She took a big step to remedying that situation with a high-energy set on the Coachella Stage. The “Nights With You” hitmaker made her way through an eclectic setlist that covered early faves like “Pilgrim,” recent pop moments (“Final Song”) and her killer collaborations. MØ also gets bonus points for bringing out Diplo and Charli XCX.

5. Marian Hill & Lauren Jauregui bring the bangers

Another act coming into their own on Day 2 was Marian Hill. The duo has built a loyal following with their twisted brand of electro and electric live shows, but they broke new ground with an afternoon set (under the blazing desert sun) at the Outdoor Theatre. They kicked out with breakthrough hit “Down” and then weaved in underrated gems from Act One and new music from sophomore LP, Unusual. A highlight was their cute collaboration with Lauren Jauregui, who has the stage presence of a superstar.

6. Disco lives with Nile Rodgers & CHIC

Fans of classic disco were treated to a lively early set from Nile Rodgers and Chic when Nigerian hitmaker Wizkid was denied entry to the USA. The iconic producer and his crew broke out numerous timeless classics including “Le Freak,” “I’m Coming Out,” “Let’s Dance,” “Dance Dance Dance” and “Everybody Dance.” As you can probably tell dancing was a major theme and there was plenty of it around the Coachella stage. Who else could bring together “He’s The Greatest Dancer” and “Like A Virgin” in the same set?

7. Sigrid lives up to the hype

Sigrid caught everyone’s attention with viral smash “Don’t Kill My Vibe” and then held it tightly with sublime pop anthems like “Plot Twist” and “Strangers.” The 21-year-old Norwegian singer brought her dreamy brand of electro-pop to the Gobi stage on Day 2, performing those songs as well as gifting fans with new music off her second EP, Raw. Sidestepping flash in favor of sheer talent, you can bet this won’t be Sigrid’s last visit to Indio. Also, bring on the album.

8. BØRNS is a worthy festival favorite

Just days after dropping his new music video for “We Don’t Care,” Michigan’s BØRNS drove fans into a frenzy with a energetic set at the Outdoor Theatre. Rocking red shorts, a red shirt and a red vintage jacket, the rising star delivered his arsenal of eclectic, pop gems including old favorites from Dopamine like “Electric Love” and “American Money” as well as gems from new LP Blue Madonna (“God Save Our Young Blood” and “I Don’t Want U Back”). There’s a reason he’s a perennial festival favorite.

9. Dreams come true for HAIM

After making their Coachella debut at the Outdoor Theatre in 2014, HAIM finally made it to the main stage on Day 2. The siblings delighted festival-goers with their catchy anthems that always seem to be winking at rock ‘n’ roll greats of the past. This being their “home festival,” the LA natives we’re in their element when showcasing their penchant for crunchy guitar and ethereal harmonies. Este Haim also recounted her favorite Coachella memory — which was being accidentally drugged by Kesha.

10. Fleet Foxes fly the flag for rock

While pop, R&B and dance reigned supreme on Day 2, Seattle’s Fleet Foxes took a different approach. They were right at home during their rousing-yet-contemplative set on Saturday night. As always their mix of staggering instrumental virtuosity and laid-back charm was just the thing to offer fans an escape before watching Beyonce make history across the polo field.

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What was your Day 2 highlight? Let us know below, or by hitting us up on Facebook and Twitter!