INDIO, Calif. — Addison Rae delivered a bold message to her critics during her debut performance at the 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, telling detractors to "suck my d***" in a moment that quickly went viral on social media.
The 25-year-old singer and former TikTok star took the stage on Saturday, April 11, for what marked her first live set at the renowned music festival held in the Colorado Desert. According to footage circulating online, Rae paused midway through her performance to address both supporters and skeptics. "To my fans who have supported me from Day 1, I love you, thank you," she said, before adding the pointed retort aimed at her "haters." The unfiltered remark underscored Rae's unapologetic persona, which has become a hallmark of her evolving music career.
Rae's set featured several of her chart-topping hits, captivating a diverse crowd under the festival's signature palm trees and art installations. She also brought out Maddie Ziegler, the former Dance Moms standout turned actress, to perform alongside her during the track "Aquamarine." The collaboration added a layer of high-energy choreography to the show, drawing cheers from attendees who had braved the desert heat for the event's first weekend.
This Coachella appearance served as the kickoff for Rae's "The Fame and Glory Show" tour, a production that promises to blend her pop sensibilities with theatrical elements. Festival organizers confirmed that Rae's slot was part of the lineup curated by Goldenvoice, the promoters behind the annual event that attracts over 250,000 visitors across two weekends. Tickets for Coachella, which range from $499 for general admission to upwards of $1,200 for VIP packages, sold out rapidly, reflecting the festival's enduring appeal since its inception in 1999.
Rae's journey to this stage began on TikTok, where she amassed millions of followers through dance videos and lip-sync content starting in 2019. By 2023, she had transitioned into music, releasing her debut single "Diet Pepsi," which peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her rapid ascent continued with a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 2025, making her one of the few influencers to cross over successfully into the recording industry.
In a January 2025 profile with Rolling Stone, Rae opened up about her approach to breaking into the music world. "I walked in with a binder, and I made a slideshow," she recounted, describing her meeting with Columbia Records CEO Ron Perry. "I just mood-boarded my vibes. I literally had no music to play [him] at that point, so it was about trust. Like, ‘Yes, I’m in the clouds, and I enjoy being there. But I’m also serious.’"
That determination has paid off, as Rae has consistently emphasized authenticity in her performances. "People have decided who I am," she told the magazine. "I’ll be your girl next door, but maybe there’s a wild side to the girl next door." Her Coachella outburst aligns with this philosophy, rejecting preconceived notions about her image as a wholesome influencer.
Reflecting on her TikTok roots, Rae acknowledged the platform's role in her success while expressing a desire to move beyond it. "TikTok definitely gave me a lot of things, so it would be really sad to [see it] go, but hopefully the things that I create and put out surpass that platform … but I won’t beg for it. I’ll work for it," she said in the same interview. Despite occasional backlash from those who view her as a product of viral fame rather than traditional artistry, Rae has maintained a focus on artistic growth.
The festival setting amplified the impact of her words, as Coachella has long been a platform for boundary-pushing performances. Past headliners like Beyoncé and Travis Scott have used the stage to make cultural statements, and Rae's debut fits into this tradition. Social media reactions were mixed, with fans praising her confidence while some critics called the language crude for a family-friendly event. According to reports from attendees, the crowd's energy remained high, undeterred by the controversy.
Rae's career trajectory has not been without challenges. Early in her music endeavors, she faced skepticism from industry insiders who questioned her vocal chops and songwriting credentials. However, her collaboration with producers like Charli XCX and Troye Sivan on recent projects has helped silence some doubters. In December 2025, speaking to The Guardian, Rae addressed the double-edged sword of fame. "I enjoy fame. I think fame is very exposing and raw, and it puts you in a position that not everyone gets to experience," she said. "I enjoy the luxury of it all, though of course there is a price you pay."
"I trust that the people who indulge in my artistry treat it with kindness and acceptance and love and understanding, in a way that maybe I didn’t before, and that’s honestly the dream, that I’m never fully understood. If that ever were to change, I think it would be quite boring actually."
This sentiment echoes throughout her recent interviews, where she positions herself as an enigmatic figure in pop music. Rae's Coachella set, clocking in at around 45 minutes, included visuals inspired by her mood boards—dreamy cloud motifs mixed with edgy neon lights—further illustrating her vision.
Beyond the performance, the festival itself buzzed with other highlights. Attendees sported everything from homemade festival attire to high-end designer pieces, as noted in coverage of Coachella's fashion scene. Related events included after-parties in nearby Palm Springs and pop-up shops from brands like Free People and Adidas. Security was tight, with officials reporting no major incidents during Rae's slot, though the desert temperatures reached 95 degrees Fahrenheit by evening.
As Rae's star continues to rise, her team has hinted at more tour dates following the Coachella residency. She is scheduled to return for the festival's second weekend on April 18, where she will perform an expanded set. Industry observers suggest this could propel her toward a full arena tour later in 2026, potentially including stops in major cities like Los Angeles and New York.
The broader implications of Rae's Coachella moment highlight the shifting landscape of celebrity and social media influence in music. Younger artists like her are redefining success metrics, blending online virality with live spectacle. While some traditionalists argue that her path undermines established artists, supporters point to her sales figures—over 5 million albums moved worldwide—as proof of genuine appeal.
In the end, Rae's debut at Coachella 2026 was more than a concert; it was a declaration of intent. By clapping back at her haters in such vivid terms, she reinforced her commitment to authenticity amid the glare of fame. As the festival continues, all eyes will be on whether her bold energy translates to even greater accolades in the months ahead.