Lana Del Rey headlined Coachella in 2024, a decade after she first played the festival. Known for her signature style and laconic delivery, Del Rey’s performance was plagued by ongoing mic problems and pitchy vocals. Despite her efforts to engage the crowd with ambitious crowd work, she struggled to maintain energy and enthusiasm on stage. Del Rey’s performance drew comparisons to her infamous 2012 Saturday Night Live appearance, with critics noting her lackluster delivery and seeming indifference.
Del Rey’s set included surprise appearances by Jon Batiste and Billie Eilish, whose voices contrasted sharply with Del Rey’s own faltering vocals. The audience began to leave early as Del Rey’s performance failed to captivate them, with only diehard fans remaining until the end. Eilish’s performance of “Video Games” with Del Rey proved to be a highlight of the night, with Del Rey praising Eilish as ‘the voice of a generation.’ Eilish, in turn, jokingly referred to Del Rey as the reason for the existence of many in the audience, referencing her status as an influencer.
Despite the technical difficulties and lackluster performance, Del Rey managed to surprise the audience with moments of creativity and artistry. Her transition to singing on the stage and interacting with her background dancers added a unique element to her set. However, these moments were overshadowed by her struggles with mic problems and inconsistent vocals. The audience’s disappointment was palpable as many began to leave early, indicating that Del Rey’s performance failed to meet their expectations.
Del Rey’s selection as a headline act at Coachella in 2024 raised questions about the relevance of her music and image in the current cultural landscape. The cliche image of Del Rey, with her flower crown and Lolita pout, seemed out of place in the era of influencer culture excess. While she may have once embodied a certain aesthetic appeal, her performance at Coachella highlighted the challenges she faces in connecting with a contemporary audience. Despite her efforts to engage the crowd and showcase her talent, Del Rey’s performance fell short of expectations and failed to leave a lasting impact on the festival.
In the aftermath of Del Rey’s lackluster performance, questions arose about the future of her music career and her place in the music industry. While she has redeemed herself in recent years with good music and critical acclaim, her struggles at Coachella underscored the challenges she faces in maintaining relevance and connecting with audiences. As the audience began to leave early and critics panned her performance, it became apparent that Del Rey’s star may be fading, signaling a need for reinvention and evolution in her music and image to stay current in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
