On April 20, the second week of Coachella’s performances brought a surprising guest to the stage with Lana Del Rey: Camila Cabello. While previous guests like Billie Eilish received enthusiastic praise, Cabello’s performance alongside Del Rey received mixed feedback, with some fans even left silent during their 3-minute collaboration.
In the first weekend, Del Rey received positive reviews for embodying her signature “American melancholy girl” aesthetic. Performing classic hits and fan favorites with an ethereal presence, Del Rey was widely celebrated for her interaction with Billie Eilish, with the duo performing Ocean Eyes and Video Games, creating a resonant moment for fans.
However, the vibe shifted in the second week when Del Rey arrived in a black cut-out dress and veil, making a dramatic entrance on a motorcycle. For this weekend, Del Rey invited Camila Cabello as her guest, who introduced a new single, I Luv I, from her upcoming fourth studio album. Although Del Rey’s poetic stage presence and sound complemented her own set, Cabello’s new track—a departure from her previous hits like Havana and My Oh My—seemed to clash with the mood Del Rey had established.
I Luv I represents a more experimental turn for Cabello, incorporating a vibrant sound that’s distinct from her previous Latin-influenced style. However, fans’ reactions suggested that the song felt “shallow” and discordant when paired with Del Rey’s signature style. Despite Del Rey’s graceful vocal contributions, the performance was described as “chaotic,” leaving the audience disconnected. Unlike the familiar hits that usually unite Coachella crowds, this new song had an unfamiliarity that left many in the audience merely watching without singing along.
On social media, fans shared mixed, sometimes humorous takes on the collaboration:
– “I thought this song might be improved with a remix, but it felt just as confusing live at Coachella.”
– “Is Camila holding some secret over Lana? Why else would this song be in the set?”
– “Someone save Lana for me; that performance was chaotic!”
– “It was like a mixed potpourri—confusing and all over the place.”
As Camila Cabello ventures into fresh musical territory, reactions to her new direction may vary, but this Coachella moment proved polarizing. Cabello’s distinct experimental sound diverged from Del Rey’s melancholic style, leading to a performance that left fans and critics divided.
The contrast between Del Rey’s serene, poetic image and Cabello’s bold, upbeat approach created a blend that was as unexpected as it was controversial, adding yet another layer of intrigue to the festival’s many memorable moments.
