Photo credit: www.billboard.com
The Stagecoach Music Festival kicked off with a vibrant first day, showcasing an array of both emerging and established country artists in Indio, California. The festival is well-known for bringing together some of the biggest names in country music for a weekend filled with performances.
Up-and-coming performers like Tigirlily Gold and Alana Springsteen demonstrated their potential, while Tucker Wetmore proved he is on the brink of stardom. Established artists Carly Pearce and Dylan Scott captivated audiences with their popular hits. Headliner Zach Bryan closed the night with a dynamic two-hour performance, reminding fans of his evolution since his last appearance at the festival in 2022.
A notable highlight of the day was the performance by alt-pop star Lana Del Rey, who made her Stagecoach debut. Though not a conventional country artist, she revealed a deeper connection to the genre through her upcoming album, which showcases a more country-oriented sound.
Here are eight standout moments from the first day of the 18th Stagecoach Festival, with more excitement expected throughout the weekend.
Tigirlily Gold Takes the Setlist Off for “Tried a Ring On”
The sister duo Tigirlily Gold energized the early afternoon crowd with a lively performance featuring a selection of should-have-been hits, including a captivating cover of Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love.” A memorable moment arose when Kendra Slaughbaugh, one of the sisters, became frustrated with the setlist and threw it off the stage, humorously promising to retrieve it later.
Nikki Lane Invites Drake Milligan Back Onstage for Ripping New Song
Nikki Lane, who was born in South Carolina, teased her audience before a new song by calling for a male collaborator. She invited Drake Milligan, who had just performed earlier, to join her. Despite their lack of preparation, their rendition of “Wreck It All”—a rock-inspired track—was charming and well-received.
Avery Anna Tells a “Story” Her Audience Knows by Heart
Arizona-based singer Avery Anna engaged her audience by claiming they all knew the upcoming song’s lyrics. Her performance included a cover of the iconic “Love Story” by Taylor Swift, prompting enthusiastic sing-alongs and showcasing her ability to connect with the crowd.
Tucker Wetmore Makes His Case for a Later Set Time
Rising star Tucker Wetmore delivered an impressive 35-minute set that left fans wanting more. He performed his breakout hit “Wine into Whiskey,” followed by a medley of covers, including Gavin DeGraw’s “I Don’t Want to Be.” Wetmore showcased his musical range and finished with “Brunette,” a playful tune exploring dating preferences, hinting at even more success in the future.
Alana Springsteen Asks the Tough Questions
Performing at the Bud Light Backyard, Alana Springsteen made a strong case for her heartfelt songs to be featured on an outdoor stage in the future. Her best moment came with the emotional ballad “Love Me Anyway,” which reflects on the challenges of seeking unconditional acceptance and grapples with personal changes.
Carly Pearce’s Leap of Faith
Carly Pearce has carved out a successful career in a male-dominated industry. She praised fellow performer Carter Faith, calling her one of the finest vocalists she’s encountered since moving to Nashville. Pearce’s collaborative performance with Faith on “Never Wanted to Be That Girl” demonstrated her commitment to uplifting female artists in country music.
Lana and Morgan, Sitting in a Tree
In a memorable moment, Lana Del Rey concluded her debut Stagecoach performance with the introduction of her new song “57.5.” The lyrics playfully referenced her monthly Spotify listener count and featured a surprising narrative twist involving country star Morgan Wallen, sparking intrigue and speculation about their relationship.
Zach Bryan: Same Shirt, Different Stage
Zach Bryan, who previously captivated audiences at the festival, returned as a headliner on the Mane Stage. He humorously noted he wore the same shirt from his last performance, setting a light-hearted tone before launching into a set filled with extensive hits, including “Something in the Orange” and “Overtime.” He also expressed admiration for Lana Del Rey, reflecting on his growth since his last appearance while performing crowd favorites and showcasing his tight-knit band.
Source
www.billboard.com