Blackpink’s Jennie returns to Coachella in two years, this time solo

Jennie (center) performs during the first weekend of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, Sunday (April 13, 2025), local time. (AP-Yonhap via The Korea Herald).

Jennie of Blackpink returned to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, on Sunday (local time), marking her third appearance at one of the world’s largest music festivals — and her first there as a solo act.

Previously gracing the Coachella stage in 2019 and 2023 with Blackpink, Jennie took to the Outdoor Theatre this year, just two days after fellow bandmate Lisa made headlines with her own solo set at the Sahara Tent, Friday.

Jennie’s return attracted much attention, particularly as both members showcased their individual artistry apart from the group.

Jennie’s 50-minute set comprised 13 tracks, primarily from her first solo studio album “Ruby,” released in March. The set list, created exclusively for Coachella, differed from the lineup performed during her solo concerts held in Seoul and other cities last month, offering a fresh experience for global fans.

Opening the show with “Filter,” Jennie appeared in a Western-inspired outfit complete with a hat and sunglasses. She followed with tracks including “Mantra,” “Handlebars,” “Start a War,” “Zen” and “F.T.S.” Her performance of “Zen” emphasized a commanding stage presence, while “F.T.S” allowed her to slow down and showcase her emotional vocals with a handheld microphone.

Jennie performs at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, Sunday, local time. (AP-Yonhap via The Korea Herald).

The highlight of the evening was her performance of “Like Jennie,” the hit single that charted on both Billboard’s Hot 100 and the UK Official Singles Chart. Chanting, “Come on, it’s gon’ be f—ing hard,” Jennie unleashed rapid-fire raps and electrified the crowd, triggering a massive sing-along. Fans flooded the Coachella YouTube livestream chat and social media platforms with the term “Jenchella,” a fusion of Jennie and Coachella.

The set also included a surprise collaboration with singer Kali Uchis for their track “Damn Right,” released in March. The two artists delivered a sultry duet, trading lines across a tiered stage with Jennie’s poised movements complementing Uchis’ rich vocals. Childish Gambino, who is also featured on the track, did not appear.

“I did not expect to see so many people out there,” she said following the performance. “Thank you for coming to my set, I love you Coachella.”

Jennie closed the show with “Starlight,” ending the night on a sentimental note as she thanked her fans — known as Blinks — as well as her dancers, band and crew.

Jennie is scheduled to perform on the Coachella stage for a second performance April 20.