Coachella 2026: HITS Questionnaire
Coachella 2026: HITS Questionnaire
In what has become a treasured tradition at HITS and an annual irritation for publicists, we asked some of our favorite Coachella artists to share memories of their first gigs, juicy information about their tour riders, and who they can’t wait to see at this year’s desert festival.
This year’s acclaimed panelists include Bichota/Interscope headliner KAROL G, chart-topping Atlantic artist/producer PinkPantheress, billion-streaming Island singer-songwriter Gigi Perez, Roc Nation’s Grammy-winning hip-hop combo Clipse, and Epic’s breakout rapper BIA.
What was the first concert you ever attended?
In 1997, I attended my first performance in La Macarena in Medellín, featuring the Venezuelan group Salserín. My parents purchased bogus tickets, which we discovered upon arrival.
My father did everything he could to find new ones since we were so excited. We had our clothes set, including bell-bottom pants and shoes from Las Juanas, a popular Colombian television show at the time. We eventually got in, had pretty nice seats, and had a great time.
PinkPantheress: Panic! at the Disco performed at London’s Hammersmith Apollo on my birthday in 2015.
Gigi Perez: Bruno Mars performed at the American Airlines Arena in Miami in 2013. It was my friend’s 13th birthday, and her mother transported us all in a pink, zebra-striped limousine. The adult chaperones were clearly worried about how much I enjoyed it.
Malice, Clipse: The Run-D.M.C. and Beastie Boys Together Forever Tour at the Norfolk Scope in 1987. It was my second performance, but it was the most memorable because I waved to Run, and he began to approach me until Rick Rubin instructed him not to “go down there!”. It made me quite angry… Run-D.M.C. is my all-time favorite!
BIA: TLC’s FanMail tour at TD Garden in Boston, 2000.
You can travel back in time and attend any concert. What artist and when?
KAROL G: I’d have loved to see Selena Quintanilla live. She is one of my inspirations. I remember viewing her movie when I was really little, and it made such an impression on me. It inspired me to dream, think that it was possible, and recognize the value of family support in this path.
Pink Pantheress: The first My Chemical Romance tour in 2007. They’re my favorite band, and seeing them then would have been incredible.
Perez: Jeff Buckley performs at the Cabaret Metro in Chicago on May 13, 1995. My friend Nicco sent me the YouTube video, which transformed my life.
Pusha T, Clipse: I’d go back to 1996-97 to watch The Notorious B.I.G. BIG was on a tear, preparing to release the best double album ever, Life After Death. I would have loved to watch him perform the freestyles and remixes that preceded his incredible sophomore effort.
Malice and Clipse: Michael Jackson. The greatest to ever do it.
BIA: Aaliyah. I have always admired her style and choreography.
What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever witnessed while playing on stage?
KAROL G: During the MAÑANA SERÁ BONITO event in Miami, right before I started singing “GATÚBELA,” I said into the microphone, “Why is it so hot?” and it started pouring. The rain became part of the act, as if it had been planned that way. Nobody worried; instead, everyone felt as if they were sharing one of the most memorable moments of their lives with me, dancing in the rain.
PinkPantheress: In Dublin, a fan removed their prosthetic leg and presented it to me onstage to be signed. I admire their dedication!
Pusha T, Clipse: At Coachella, the desert heat burned my DJ’s laptop on stage. It was scorching hot that day.
Malice, Clipse: While touring with the Deftones, I had to halt the show three or four times due to people passing out. I wasn’t sure if they were getting crushed, high, or trolling.
BIA: In this furious mosh pit in Germany, there was a guy wearing in a chicken suit.
What was your first Coachella experience and who was your favorite act?
KAROL G: My first Coachella was in 2022, where I performed on the main stage, and it was a fantastic experience. I understood right away that I wanted to pay gratitude to the Latin artists that helped us get started. Now, as a Coachella headliner, I have the opportunity to continue representing my Latin community around the world.
It wasn’t the same year, but in 2025, I saw Lady Gaga. I’ve been a Little Monster fan for years, and seeing her live—the production, staging, music, storyline, and, most importantly, seeing her perform—was tremendously motivating.
PinkPantheress: I saw Basement Jaxx last year, and it was great.
BIA: I can’t recall my first Coachella, but one of my first Coachella memories is Kali Uchis pulling me up onstage to play her song “Miami” in 2018. From then on, I knew I wanted to perform my own set at Coachella.
Who are you most excited to watch play at this year’s Coachella?
PinkPantheress: I’m so excited to see Alex G. My friends and I had the pleasure of seeing him perform at Laneway, so I’m excited to see him and his band play again.
Perez: FKA Twigs, Little Simz, and KAROL G.
BIA: Karl G. and Justin Bieber.
What is the most “rock star” item on your rider?
KAROL G: My tequila, for sure. My colleagues and I have made it a ritual to drink 200 Copas by Casa Dragones before coming on stage. However, having a candle-lit dressing room is very me. I’m really romantic, and I enjoy creating a calm, serene environment.
PinkPantheress recommends Martini olives.
Perez: No rock stars, just ginger shots and cucumbers.
Pusha T, Clipse: Brazilian nuts. Must have.
BIA: Premium tequila with chocolate-covered strawberries.
Do you have a ritual before going on stage?
KAROL G: I like to interact with my entire team before going out. We hug, celebrate, and replenish ourselves with vitality. Then I pray and present my show to God. I also spend a few minutes alone. I enter a another condition, as if I’m undergoing a transition just before taking the stage. My fans’ enthusiasm and love give me a powerful emotion that I miss even when I’m not on tour.
PinkPantheress: To center myself, I normally favor stillness and solitude. I still get nervous before a performance, but quiet time helps me prepare.
Perez: We’re always singing Celia Cruz’s “La Vida Es Un Carnaval.”
Malice, Clipse: We all pray that the show is a success and that our fans have a safe, joyful, and inspiring experience!
BIA: I pray with the team and then take a moment by myself to absorb everything and contemplate in silence. Going onstage with a clear mind calms my nerves.
What are your plans between Coachella weekends, and can we join you?
KAROL G: To be honest, we never stop over the two weekends. Work, rehearsals, recordings, and show preparation take up a lot of my time.
PinkPantheress: I’ll be on tour throughout April and May, so I’ll be preparing and performing in between Coachella weekends, assuming you don’t mind dance practices!
Pusha T, Clipse: My wife is due to deliver our newborn on April 6, so any free time will be spent at home with the family. And, no, you cannot accompany me. Too germy.
BIA: I intend to rage, so yeah, of course…if you can hang!