Addison Rae Shakes Up Coachella 2026 With “The Fame and Glory Show”
Coachella 2026 has already delivered plenty of surprises, but few were as calculated and high-energy as Addison Rae’s performance debut. Stepping onto the Coachella Stage on April 11, the influencer-turned-popstar traded her social media roots for avant-garde drama and a defiant stage presence that signaled a complete evolution of her public persona.
Rae’s set, which she branded as “The Fame and Glory Show,” was designed as a “2.0” version of her previous tour. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a statement of intent from an artist who is no longer interested in fitting into a pre-defined box.
A Setlist Defined by Pop Glamour
The performance opened with the high-octane sounds of “Diet Pepsi,” immediately setting a tone of cinematic stardom. Throughout the set, Rae leaned into a bold, red-centric aesthetic, utilizing red sirens and pom poms to maintain a high visual energy. One of the night’s most striking moments occurred during “Money Is Everything,” where Rae appeared in a boa made of hundreds of bills.
The energy peaked during “Aquamarine,” when Rae welcomed acclaimed dancer Maddie Ziegler to the stage. The duo provided a sharp visual contrast, with Ziegler twirling in a flowing white ensemble while Rae commanded the stage in bright red latex.
Rae too showcased her ability to engage the crowd, recruiting a fan to lead the signature scream during a remix of Charli XCX’s “Von Dutch” and breaking festival rules by jumping directly into the audience.
Defying the Critics and Embracing the Rebrand
Beyond the music, Rae used her platform to address the scrutiny that often follows her transition from influencer to musician. During the set, she expressed gratitude to her long-term supporters before delivering a blunt message to her critics, telling her haters to “Suck my d–k,” according to E! News.
This confidence follows a pivotal year for Rae, which included a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2026 Grammys. Although the award ultimately went to Olivia Dean, Rae remained unbothered, telling reporters that she doesn’t feel the need to clear up misconceptions about herself.
Her journey to the Coachella stage was a meticulously planned pivot. In a January 2025 profile with Rolling Stone, Rae revealed that she pitched her vision to Columbia Records CEO Ron Perry with a binder and a slideshow, mood-boarding her “vibes” before she even had music ready to play.
The Bieber Connection and Festival Style
As the set wound down, Rae transitioned into a purple hoodie for “Headphones On” and began hyping up the night’s headliner, Justin Bieber. Her playful banter—asking the crowd if they were there for “JB” before admitting she was also there for him—added a lighthearted touch to an otherwise intense performance.
The fashion choices of the weekend have already develop into a talking point, with The New York Times highlighting Rae and Bieber among the best-dressed attendees of the festival, noting that Coachella fashion is rarely rooted in reality, which is precisely what makes it compelling.
Key Takeaways: Addison Rae at Coachella 2026
- The Concept: Performed “The Fame and Glory Show,” a high-concept evolution of her live touring set.
- Collaborations: Featured a high-profile dance collaboration with Maddie Ziegler during “Aquamarine.”
- Fashion: Dominated the stage in red latex, a purple hoodie, and a money-themed boa.
- The Pivot: Solidified her transition from influencer to pop artist following a 2026 Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who guest-starred during Addison Rae’s set?
Maddie Ziegler joined Addison Rae on stage to perform “Aquamarine.”
What was the theme of Addison Rae’s Coachella performance?
The show was titled “The Fame and Glory Show,” focusing on avant-garde fashion, pop glamour, and a recurring red color motif.
Which songs did Addison Rae perform?
Her set included “Diet Pepsi,” “Money Is Everything,” “Aquamarine,” “Headphones On,” and a remix of Charli XCX’s “Von Dutch.”
As Addison Rae continues to lean into her pop persona, her Coachella debut serves as a blueprint for how modern creators can navigate the leap from digital fame to musical legitimacy. With a blend of strategic branding and raw stage presence, she’s proved she can handle the biggest stages in the world.
Keep reading