Celebrities like Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Kacey Musgraves are ditching Coachella for Stagecoach, citing the festival’s unique atmosphere and artist-friendly approach as key reasons.
The Great Migration: Why Celebrities Are Trading Coachella for Stagecoach
In recent years, the music festival circuit has seen a significant shift in attendance patterns. While Coachella remains one of the most popular festivals globally, several A-list celebrities have chosen to ditch the ‘Indio event’ in favor of Stagecoach, held in nearby Indio, California.
The Rise of Stagecoach as a Celebrity Favorite
Stagecoach, which debuted in 1993, has evolved into a premier country music festival. Its smaller, more intimate setting and focus on traditional country sounds have made it an attractive alternative to Coachella‘s broader lineup and larger crowds. ‘Celebrities like Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Kacey Musgraves have opted for Stagecoach over Coachella in recent years,’ citing the festival’s unique atmosphere and artist-friendly approach as key reasons.
Luke Bryan is a multi-platinum, award-winning country music artist known for his soulful voice and catchy songs.
Bryan was born on July 17, 1976, in Leesburg, Georgia, where he began his music career playing in local bars and clubs.
He released his debut album in 2007 and gained popularity with hits like 'Country Girl (Shake It for Me)' and 'I Don't Want This Night to End.'
Bryan has won numerous awards, including multiple Academy of Country Music Awards and Country Music Association Awards.
He is also a New York Times best-selling author.
A Change of Pace
One reason celebrities might prefer Stagecoach is its more laid-back vibe. Unlike ‘Coachella, which can be overwhelming with crowds of up to 125,000 attendees,’ Stagecoach draws a significantly smaller crowd of around 75,000 people over two weekends. This allows artists and fans alike to enjoy the music without the pressure of a massive festival.
A Focus on Traditional Country
Another factor contributing to Stagecoach’s appeal is its emphasis on traditional country music. ‘Coachella, while featuring some country acts, often prioritizes more experimental and genre-bending sounds.’ In contrast, Stagecoach proudly showcases the best in traditional country, with artists like Chris Stapleton and Maren Morris headlining the festival.
The Benefits of a Smaller Festival
While some may view Stagecoach as a less glamorous alternative to Coachella, its smaller size offers several advantages. For one, it allows for more personalized interactions between artists and fans. Additionally, the festival’s lower profile means that attendees are often able to get closer to their favorite performers without the chaos of a massive crowd.
Coachella is a two-weekend music and arts festival held annually in Indio, California.
The event was founded in 1999 by Paul Tollett and Rick Van Santen of Goldenvoice.
Coachella features a diverse lineup of artists across various genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic dance music.
The festival has grown in popularity over the years, with attendance exceeding 125,000 people per weekend.
Notable performers have included Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Radiohead.
A New Era in Festival Attendance
As celebrities continue to opt for Stagecoach over Coachella, it’s clear that the traditional country music festival is gaining traction. With its unique atmosphere, focus on traditional sounds, and smaller crowds, Stagecoach has become an attractive alternative for those looking for a more low-key festival experience.
