2 members of K-pop group Blackpink go solo at Coachella festival

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival stage became a platform for individual brilliance as two members of the globally recognized K-pop group Blackpink showcased their solo artistry. Jennie and Lisa captivated audiences on separate days, delivering performances that highlighted their distinct musical identities within the vibrant festival atmosphere.

Jennie took to the stage first on Friday, April 11, followed by Lisa on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Both artists embraced the opportunity to connect with the massive Coachella crowd in a new light, stepping away from their group dynamic to present their personal musical styles.

Lisa's performance was particularly energetic, featuring her song "Drop Some Money." Bathed in red lights and donning a striking red ensemble, she incorporated dynamic choreography, including a twerk, into her set, emphasizing her hip-hop influences.

Beyond Blackpink's members, the Coachella lineup also reflected the growing global appeal of K-pop. Seven-member boy group Enhypen performed on Saturday, while XG, a Japanese girl group based in South Korea, was also scheduled to perform on Sunday, local time, further demonstrating the genre's diverse representation at the festival.

Blackpink's presence at Coachella has been noteworthy over the years, marking milestones for K-pop on the global stage. They first made history in 2019 as the first female-led K-pop group to perform at the festival, and then again in 2023 as the first K-pop act to headline the event. This year, Jennie and Lisa's solo appearances further solidify the group and its members' impact on the international music scene.

Coachella's inclusion of Korean artists has steadily increased since 2016, starting with hip-hop trio Epik High. Since then, the festival has welcomed a range of K-pop acts including Aespa, DPR (Dream Perfect Regime), LE SSERAFIM, ATEEZ, and The Rose, illustrating the expanding presence and popularity of Korean music in the US and globally.

Lisa's solo endeavors extend beyond her Coachella performance. Her debut solo studio album, "Alter Ego," is slated for release in 2025. This album marks a new chapter following her departure from YG Entertainment in 2023 and her subsequent signing with RCA Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music. She will continue her group activities with Blackpink under Interscope Records.

"Alter Ego" is described as a 15-track collection exploring hip-hop, electropop, and trap genres, and features collaborations with prominent artists such as Raye, Doja Cat, Tyla, Rosalía, Future, and Megan Thee Stallion. Adding to her diverse portfolio, Lisa has also ventured into acting, securing her first role in the Max television series "The White Lotus."

Jennie has also been building her solo career, having released her debut single "Solo" in 2018 under YG Entertainment and Interscope Records. Her foray into acting began in 2023 with a role in the Max series "The Idol," demonstrating her versatility across different entertainment mediums.