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Sean "Diddy" Combs

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Sean "Diddy" Combs To Receive Industry Icon Honor At Pre-GRAMMY Gala

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The three-time GRAMMY winner and music mogul will be honored at the exclusive GRAMMY Week event hosted by the Recording Academy and Clive Davis
GRAMMYs
Dec 18, 2019 - 7:00 am

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been named 2020 GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons honoree. Recognized for his 25-year trailblazing career and continuous influence on the music industry and beyond, the three-time GRAMMY winner and multi-hyphenate's musical accomplishments will be celebrated at the annual Recording Academy and Clive Davis Pre-GRAMMY Gala on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, the night before the 62nd GRAMMY Awards. 

Combs started his career as an intern at Uptown Records, which began his journey to creating his own label, Bad Boy Records. He has fostered talent that includes Mariah Carey, Method Man, Boyz II Men, Lil’ Kim and more. His musical legacy lives far beyond the studio, stage or streams. As an established actor and executive producer in film, television and on Broadway, his cultural influence expands to his digital cable network REVOLT and its experiential development initiatives, including the REVOLT Summit. Combs continues to apply the same drive and entrepreneurial spirit to his philanthropic work and political activism with Capital Preparatory Harlem Charter School, helping fulfill his lifelong commitment to supporting education and empowering future leaders.

“It’s personally so gratifying that Sean “Puffy” Combs is this year’s icon. He fully deserves this wonderful recognition,” said Davis, co-host of the Pre-GRAMMY Gala. “From his past innovative and creative contributions right from the very inception of the hip hop revolution, to his many memorable appearances at the Pre Grammy Gala as both speaker and performer, it’s all come full circle. I couldn’t be happier for Sean as a dear friend and colleague.”

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Combs joins a prominent list of previous honorees, including Herb Alpert & Jerry Moss, Clarence Avant, Irving Azoff, Martin Bandier, Sir Richard Branson, Shawn "JAY-Z" Carter, Clive Davis, Ahmet Ertegun, David Geffen, Berry Gordy, Lucian Grainge, Debra L. Lee, Doug Morris, Mo Ostin, and Antonio "L.A." Reid.

“Clive Davis and Arista Records gave me a chance when I was starting Bad Boy Records, he was one of the first industry executives to really believe in me. I’m forever grateful for him,” said Combs. “To be honored at this year’s Pre-GRAMMY Gala and receive the Industry Icons Award is truly a blessing.” 

For the past decade, the invitation-only Pre-GRAMMY Gala has included a presentation to honor industry luminaries through the Recording Academy's GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons award. Sponsored by Delta, Ford, Hilton, JBL By Harman, IBM, and Mastercard, the night has become one of the music industry's most distinguished events as it convenes music’s most innovative and influential creators and professionals.

2020 GRAMMY Awards: Complete Nominees List

Katy Perry

Katy Perry

Photo: Andy Lyons/Getty Images

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Songs To Wake Up & "Roar" With From Katy Perry, Aretha Franklin And More

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Power up for the day with this energizing playlist, including songs by the Christina Aguilera, Bill Withers, Kanye West, Britney Spears and more
Philip Merrill
GRAMMYs
Mar 20, 2019 - 4:37 pm

On March 20, O magazine published a playlist meant to wake you up and start the day off right. It credits research in psychology for revealing that "songs with a slow build, a positive message, and a strong beat" can confer mood-enhancing benefits. Just for fun, we also took a look at how GRAMMY recognition shines a spotlight on some of these tracks. It's no surprise that the Queen of Soul herself stood out, as Aretha Franklin's "Respect" took two wins at the 10th GRAMMY Awards.

Other GRAMMY winners in the selection include Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful," Shania Twain's "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" and "Stronger" by Kanye West. With Britney Spears' song "Stronger" making the list as well, from her Oops!...I Did It Again album, a double-shot might give you twice the energy.

At the 45th GRAMMY Awards, Sheryl Crow was nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "Soak Up The Sun," and Vanessa Carlton drew three nominations for her "A Thousand Miles," including Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year. Two songs from O's list received nominations at the 56th GRAMMY Awards, Katy Perry's "Roar" and "Brave" by Sara Bareilles. The latter topped the playlist and its curator reassured us that if you give it a morning listen, "You'll believe you can conquer anything."

Beyoncé made the list twice, once for her solo "Run the World (Girls)" and again for Destiny's Child's "Happy Face." Lady Gaga offers "The Cure" and Kirk Franklin's "I Smile" might help you tackle your day smiling, too. Two songs to help you find up when you're down are "No Tears Left to Cry" by Ariana Grande, from her 2018 album Sweetener, and Demi Lovato's "Skyscraper." 

Whether you say "Hello, Good Morning" with P Diddy or have a "Lovely Day" with Bill Withers, prepare to get out of bed with a spring in your step. Spring is almost here. Check out other songs ready to assist at O — from Earth, Wind & Fire, Ice Cube, Lil' Duval, and Bob Marley.

Alessia Cara On Aretha's Inspiration: "You Could Tell That It Came From Her Soul"

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Kristolyn Lloyd

 

Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images

 
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The 63rd GRAMMY Awards: Looking Ahead To The 2021 GRAMMY Awards Show

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Need something to look forward to? Here's what you'll want to know about the 2021 GRAMMYs, including nominations, timelines, rule changes, possible formats, voting and more...
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Aug 19, 2020 - 9:37 am

Updated March 7, 2021.

Given how this year has gone, perhaps you're ready to fast-forward to 2021 (we're almost there!). Beyond it no longer being 2020, next year has some other big things going for it, including Music's Biggest Night, a.k.a. the 2021 GRAMMYs. Airing Sunday, March 14, 2021, on CBS, the 63rd GRAMMY Awards recognize excellence in music released in late 2019 and 2020. Hopefully, you're as excited about the show as we are! 

To help make sure you stay in the loop, read on to learn more important dates and details about GRAMMY nominations (they were announced on Nov. 24), the Recording Academy member voting process and everything else 2021 GRAMMY Awards show!

Looking for more GRAMMYs news? Here's everything you need to know about the 2022 GRAMMYs Awards show and nominations!

When Is It?

On Sunday, March 14, 2021, the 63rd GRAMMY Awards will be happening. The health and safety of the artists, guests, crew and staff is always front of mind during every GRAMMYs, so, logistically, things will be a little different this year.

62nd GRAMMY Awards Wrap Up Show

How To Watch The 2021 GRAMMY Awards Show

Ahead of Music's Biggest Night, GRAMMY.com has put together a useful guide about the different ways you can watch the show and experience the 2021 GRAMMY season in full. Check out our official Watch The 2021 GRAMMYs Live page and read below for more details.

Meet The New Class: Meet This Year's Best New Artist Nominees | 2021 GRAMMYs

Who Is Nominated?!

One of the biggest days in music outside of the show itself is the nominations announcement, when hundreds of artists learn they're in the running for a golden gramophone. For the upcoming 63rd GRAMMY Awards, the nominees were announced on Nov. 24. You can peruse the complete 2021 nominees list here and rewatch the star-studded nominations annoucement livestream here. You can also find out who are the most-nominated artists this year here.

GRAMMY nominations are always a very celebratory day for those nominated. It is truly a moment when all the love, long hours and hard work that was put into the music feels worth it. Celebrate with the 2021 nominees in this joyful reactions roundup. 

Revisit The Magic Noms Moment: "This doesn’t feel real:" 2021 GRAMMY Nominees Celebrate On Social Media

Who Is Performing?!

Performers for the 2021 GRAMMY Awards show include Bad Bunny, Black Pumas, Cardi B, BTS, Brandi Carlile, DaBaby, Doja Cat, Billie Eilish, Mickey Guyton, Haim, Brittany Howard, Miranda Lambert, Lil Baby, Dua Lipa, Chris Martin, John Mayer, Megan Thee Stallion, Maren Morris, Post Malone, Roddy Ricch, Harry Styles, and Taylor Swift.

To view a list of current nominations per artist, please visit our GRAMMY Awards performer and presenter page here.

What About The Premiere Ceremony?

Preceding the 2021 GRAMMY Awards show, the 63rd GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony will take place Sunday, March 14, at noon PT, and will be streamed live internationally via GRAMMY.com.

Hosted by current three-time GRAMMY nominee Jhené Aiko, the Premiere Ceremony will feature a number of performances by current GRAMMY nominees, including: Nigerian singer, songwriter and rapper Burna Boy, jazz band Terri Lyne Carrington + Social Science, blues musician Jimmy "Duck" Holmes, classical pianist Igor Levit, Latin electropop musician Lido Pimienta, singer, songwriter and performance artist Poppy, and singer, songwriter and composer Rufus Wainwright. 

Learn more about the 63rd GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony.

What Releases Are Eligible?

The Product Eligibility Period for the 63rd GRAMMY Awards is Sept. 1, 2019—Aug. 31, 2020.

Read: 62nd GRAMMY Awards & "Let's Go Crazy: The GRAMMY Salute To Prince" Earn Emmy Nominations

What Will The Show Look Like?

Just ahead of the nominees announcement on Nov. 24, the Recording Academy revealed GRAMMY-nominated South African comedian Trevor Noah will host the 2021 GRAMMYs.

While the format of next year's GRAMMY Awards has not been announced, Harvey Mason jr., the Recording Academy Interim President/CEO, offered some insight on what to expect at the 2021 show back in June during an interview with Variety. "We are simultaneously developing three plans for what the show would look like: One is the traditional show with the full crowd, two is a limited crowd, and three is no crowd, and there's creative around all three of those ideas: how and where we would film it. But none of them involve changing or postponing the date," said Mason. 

"I've spent a lot of time talking to artists, managers and labels and getting a feel for how the pandemic is affecting the release of music—and as I'm sure you've noticed, the amount of music released has actually increased during the pandemic, so we would not want to delay our date with so much great music coming out," he continued.

"But I also think it's important and helpful to have shows like this, when there's been so much uncertainty and unrest—to have something you know is coming around every year and to know there's a time when we all sit down together and watch great entertainment and art… We're trying to build the next evolution of the Academy, and the show will go hand-in-hand with that. Whether it's with a crowd or not, we're going to try to take things to the next level," Mason added.

Let's Add It Up: Find Out Who Has The Most GRAMMY Nominations, Which Categories Are All-Female & More: 2021 GRAMMYs By The Numbers

More recently, on Sept. 30, he spoke to Variety again and added that no matter what, the show will be executed fully live, with no pre-recorded segments.

"We're looking at Staples [Center] with a limited audience, although that seems increasingly unlikely; Staples with live performances and no audience; or something a little more virtual, with some elements from different locations," Mason said. "We're still waiting to hear back from our partners at the network and the venue and our medical experts, because obviously we want this to be safe for everyone ...

"Obviously, this is a very unique year. We've been looking at all of the [2020 awards] shows really closely and I've been talking with some of the people who put them together—the creative and also the business side. I think there have been some great examples of how to present music and awards at these shows, and I think there's some other things that we're gonna do pretty differently. The civic and social unrest deserves to be addressed, and we always encourage artists to voice their opinions, so I expect we'll see messages both from the artists' side and the Academy side."

Behind The Board: Harvey Mason Jr.

We can't wait for all the magical GRAMMY moments, epic performances and moving speeches—it's exactly what we need to start 2021 off on an inspirational note. While you'll have to wait to closer to the show to find out who the performers and presenters are (which are always announced in multiple waves), what's certain is things will be off the chain.

Read: The Recording Academy Announces Changes For 63rd Annual GRAMMYs, Releases Rules And Guidelines

What's New For 2021?

There are quite a few exciting changes going into effect with the 63rd GRAMMY Awards! Following Ken Ehrlich's celebrated 40-year run as the show's executive producer, Emmy Award-winning producer Ben Winston is taking over the reins. The highly experienced TV/film writer/director/producer has worked on "The Late Late Show with James Corden," co-creating Corden's beloved "Carpool Karaoke" show with the comedian himself.

James Corden Subway Carpool Karaoke | 2018 GRAMMYs

Additionally, several major changes to the voting guidelines and rules, the latter which affects five award categories, go into effect this year. These updates, announced in June, reflect the Recording Academy's ongoing commitment to evolve with the musical landscape and to ensure that the nomination process and rules are more transparent and fair. More details on the changes can be found in the above link, but, the rule/category updates are highlighted below.

  • Best Urban Contemporary Album has been renamed Best Progressive R&B Album to include a more accurate definition to describe the merit or characteristics of music compositions or performances within the genre of R&B.
  • Best Rap/Sung Performance has been renamed Best Melodic Rap Performance to represent the growing hybrid performance trends within the rap genre.
  • Latin Pop Album has been renamed Best Latin Pop Or Urban Album AND Latin Rock, Urban Or Alternative Album has been renamed Best Latin Rock Or Alternative Album to represent the current state and prominent representation in the Latin urban genres.
  • There is no longer a specified maximum number of releases prohibiting artists from entering the Best New Artist category. The screening committees will determinine whether the artist had attained a breakthrough or prominence prior to the eligibility year, with such a determination would result in disqualification.

Another exciting category update occured in November, when Best World Music Album changed to the more inclusive Best Global Music Album. While this might appear subtle to those not familiar with the baggage the term "world music" carries, it represents an important honoring of its past and movement towards a more inclusive, adaptive future.

The new name was decided after extensive conversations with artists, ethnomusicologists and linguists from around the world, who decided it was time to rename it with "a more relevant, modern, and inclusive term," an email sent to Recording Academy members explained. "The change symbolizes a departure from the connotations of colonialism, folk and 'non-American' that the former term embodied while adapting to current listening trends and cultural evolution among the diverse communities it may represent."

Related: Travel Around The World With The Best Global Music Album Nominees | 2021 GRAMMYs

Key Voting Dates

As the only peer-recognized music award, the GRAMMY is the music industry’s highest honor. This means GRAMMY nominations and winners are determined by the music professionals who are voting members of the Recording Academy. 

  • Sept. 1, 2019—Aug. 31, 2020: Product Eligibility Period
  • Sept. 30—Oct. 12, 2020: First-Round Voting—eligible members vote to determine the 2021 nominees!
  • Nov. 24: Nominations Announcement!
  • Dec. 7, 2020—Jan. 4, 202: Final-Round Voting—this round determines the GRAMMY winners!
  • Sunday, March 14, 2021: 63rd GRAMMY Awards & Premiere Ceremony

Your Academy: Welcoming The 2020 New Member Class

Find more at the GRAMMY Awards FAQ page here, including on the voting process.

To make sure you don't miss a beat on anything GRAMMY Awards related, make sure to follow us on our social channels (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) and subscribe to our newsletter (sign up below) and YouTube channel.

2021 GRAMMYs Awards Show: Complete Winners & Nominees List

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Sean "Diddy" Combs at 2020 Pre-GRAMMY Gala

Sean "Diddy" Combs accepts award at 2020 Pre-GRAMMY Gala

Photo: Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images

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2020 GRAMMYs: Clive Davis And The Recording Academy Celebrate Sean "Diddy" Combs With Industry Icon Honor At Star-Studded Pre-GRAMMY Gala

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The biggest party of GRAMMY Week 2020 recognized the industry luminary's 30-year career in a room full of fellow biz icons, world-class artists and Diddy's collaborators, family and friends
John Ochoa
GRAMMYs
Jan 28, 2020 - 7:52 am

Last week, the entire music industry and artist community gathered ahead of the 62nd GRAMMY Awards, Music's Biggest Night, for what was music's biggest pre-party. Held at the glamorous Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 25, the annual Pre-GRAMMY Gala this year celebrated the 2020 GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons honoree: the one and only Sean "Diddy" Combs. 

GRAMMY Week 2020: Pre-GRAMMY Gala Show Recap

The Pre-GRAMMY Gala, hosted by The Recording Academy and legendary executive Clive Davis, is one of music's most celebrated and coveted industry events of the entire year. It's no wonder, then, that the star-studded night welcomed some of the biggest artists, producers, creatives and luminaries across music, film, politics and art, as well as past GRAMMY winners and nominees. Across the glitzy ballroom where the event took place, stars packed out the audience and stage, with everyone from power couple Jay-Z and Beyoncé to pop megastars Dua Lipa, Luis Fonsi and Lana Del Rey in the crowd. Even Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi took a night off from her busy schedule on the Hill to attend, seated next to a bedazzled Billy Porter.

After a rousing opening set from seven-time GRAMMY winner Beck, who immediately jolted the audience with a three-song run, which included his all-time '90s classics "Loser" and "Where It's At," Harvey Mason, Jr., Chair Of The Board and Interim President/CEO of The Recording Academy, took to the stage to officially open the night.

"GRAMMY Week is the time of year when our music communities all come together to celebrate and embrace one another," he said, "to reflect our accomplishments and acknowledge necessary areas of improvement as we forge ahead on a path to a more inclusive and inviting industry."

"If you've attended this event before, then you're already aware that tonight is one of those nights," he continued, "one where history is created right here in this room. Looking around, I'm reminded at just how much of a unifier music really is. This room is the perfect example, with actors, writers, dancers, other creatives who've been inspired by the sounds, moments and memories created by some of the musicians here tonight, including our Industry Icon Award recipient, Sean Diddy Combs."

GRAMMY Week 2020: Pre-GRAMMY Gala Red Carpet

The theme throughout the night focused on honoring those who have shaped and shifted the biz on an industry-wide scale, the visionaries behind the music who have cultivated an inclusive, diverse landscape where both art and artists could flourish beyond the limits. Perhaps no other record executive best represents this spirit than Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, who next took the stage to a well-deserved standing ovation.  

In his short yet impactful speech, he introduced "someone who needs no introduction," the host of the night: Clive Davis. 

"He's a living legend, an icon and a consummate music man," Gordy said of Davis. "He has discovered and nurtured countless superstars, picked their hits time after time. And no, I'm not talking about myself." 

Berry Gordy - 2020 Pre-GRAMMY Gala

For his part as host, Davis paid tribute to the icons and rising legends-in-the-making who attended the night, shouting out giants like Joni Mitchell, Cardi B and Migos' Offset, Kygo, Earth, Wind & Fire and others for their lasting contributions to music. In a bit of foreshadowing, he toasted the artists and the various genres that would fill the room for the big night ahead.

"Tonight," he said, "we have come together as we have for decades to celebrate music, from rock to hip-hop to R&B to pop to country and Latin. I do believe that before this night is over, you will have heard incredible music, and you will have witnessed spectacular performances to remind us all why our lives have been so deeply enriched by our lifelong careers in music. I know that you will walk away with this night of unforgettable music and it will affect you for many years to come."

Read: 10 Unforgettable Moments From The 2020 GRAMMY Awards

Much like the careers of the event's host and honoree, the night's musical offerings spanned diverse genres and decades. Guitar god Carlos Santana kicked off the night with an electrifying performance of his chart-topping, GRAMMY-winning "Smooth," alongside OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder, and "Maria Maria," with help from Wyclef Jean and Miguel. Chance The Rapper followed up with a cool, confident rendition of his track, "Sun Come Down." 

Miguel, Wyclef Jean, and Carlos Santana perform at 2020 Pre-GRAMMY Gala

Brandi Carlile, who performed at last year's Pre-GRAMMY Gala, returned to the stage to wow audiences once again with a performance of "A Case Of You," followed by a surprise duet of '80s anthem "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" alongside Cyndi Lauper, the latter of which proved to be the breakout performance of the night. GRAMMY king John Legend shut it down with a soulful rendition of his "A Change Is Gonna Come," followed by the live debut of his most recent single, "Conversations In The Dark," another you-had-to-be-there moment in Pre-GRAMMY Gala history. Additional performers included Khalid and Adrienne Warren, an actress, singer and dancer who portrayed Tina Turner in the "TINA: The Tina Turner Musical" Broadway show, who both brought down the house.

Brandi Carlile and Cyndi Lauper at 2020 Pre-GRAMMY Gala

Prior to the night's main presentation, some of Combs' friends and associates praised the honoree in a touching video, which included tributes from industry leaders like Antonio "L.A." Reid, Lyor Cohen and Clive Davis himself. One of the night's major highlights, a cast of Diddy's closest collaborators performed a medley of hits that pulled from the producer's decades-long career as well as the deep discography of his renowned Bad Boy Records. Featured performers included Carl Thomas; Lil' Kim, who performed "It's All About The Benjamins"; and Ma$e, who performed rap classics "Feel So Good" and "Mo Money Mo Problems." The career-spanning set came to a heartwarming close with a performance from King Combs, Diddy's son, who delivered an endearing rendition of "I'll Be Missing You," the eternal tribute to The Notorious B.I.G., featuring Bad Boy artist and the track's original singer, Faith Evans. 

As Combs took to the stage, the crowd erupting in cheers and giving him a long standing ovation, he stood in disbelief of the moment. "You know, when people ask me, 'Did you ever know you'd get to a certain point?' I always tell them, 'Yes,'" he remarked. "But I never thought that I would get to this point right here, where my peers would honor me and show me this amount of love."

Sean "Diddy" Combs at 2020 Pre-GRAMMY Gala

Throughout his extensive speech, Combs spoke wistfully of his early life and long career, remembering all the way back to his childhood days when he received his first record player and James Brown 45s to his days as an intern at Uptown Records. He recognized the many figures and industry pioneers who solidified black music and art as an integral part of American culture, including Quincy Jones, Def Jam Recordings co-founder Russell Simmons, Uptown Records founder Andre Harrell and Motown's Berry Gordy.

"…[Gordy] showed me that there was other things besides music," he noted, "that music could infiltrate and have an impact. And it wasn't just about the music. It was about the lifestyle. It was about black culture. And it was about the value and importance of black culture and the importance it was going to have on the world. Berry Gordy was and still is a unicorn. And it just empowered me at another level."

After giving kudos to the friends, family and associates who helped shape and sharpen his career, he looked ahead at his next mission in the industry. 

"My goal used to be about making hit records," he said. "Now it's about ensuring that the culture moves forward: my culture, our culture, the black culture. And for me to be worthy of receiving an Icon Award, I have to use my experience to help make a change."

The night closed by tributing another icon in music: five-time GRAMMY winner Janet Jackson and her chart-topping 1989 album, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814, which celebrated its 30-year anniversary last September. 

Clive Davis and Janet Jackson at 2020 Pre-GRAMMY Gala

"When I was getting dressed this evening I thought about it and I said to myself, 'I've been in this industry for 47 years,'" Jackson said. "That's a long time, and I still enjoy going to work. And I feel very blessed to still have my journey ahead of me."

Cynthia Erivo, a GRAMMY-, Emmy-, and Tony-winning actress and singer-songwriter, brought the event to a thunderous end with a performance of Jackson's iconic singles "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" and "Together Again," putting a cap on another magical Pre-GRAMMY Gala night.

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2020 GRAMMY Awards: Complete Winners List

Coachella 2019

Coachella 2019

Photo: Rich Fury/Getty Images

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Breaking Down The Coachella 2020 Lineup: Rage Against The Machine, Frank Ocean, Calvin Harris & More Announced

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From hip-hop headliners to K-pop comebacks, the Coachella 2020 lineup reflects the current state of the music industry
John Ochoa
GRAMMYs
Jan 3, 2020 - 2:24 pm

The world-leading Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival is back with the much-anticipated lineup announcement for its upcoming 2020 edition. Returning to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, Calif., across two weekends—weekend one takes place Friday, April 10, through Sunday, April 12; weekend two takes place Friday, April 17, through Sunday, April 19—Coachella 2020 will feature headlining performances from the recently reunited Rage Against The Machine (Friday), hip-hop giant Travis Scott (Saturday) and R&B avant-gardist Frank Ocean (Sunday). Other artists rounding out the lineup include Calvin Harris, Lana Del Rey, FKA twigs, Flume, Thom Yorke, Lil Uzi Vert, Run The Jewels, Megan Thee Stallion, Disclosure, 21 Savage and many others. 

Coachella, the most successful reoccurring festival franchise, is known for its wide-spanning annual lineups, which regularly predict and solidify music trends while also reflecting the current state of the industry. This year's artist roster continues the trend. 

Here's a quick breakdown of the Coachella 2020 lineup and what it means for the year ahead. 

Hip-Hop And R&B Lead The Way

With hip-hop and R&B surpassing rock as the most popular genre in the U.S., it's no surprise that Coachella, once a rock-centric festival in its early years, is leaning heavily into those dominating scenes. Two of the festival's main headliners, Scott and Ocean, come from the rap and R&B worlds, respectively. Even Friday headliners Rage Against The Machine, who headlined the first-ever Coachella in 1999, feature hip-hop elements in their rap-rock sound. 

The Coachella 2020 lineup also features rising hip-hop and R&B artists and bona fide stars including Roddy Ricch, 21 Savage, DaBaby, Megan Thee Stallion, Brockhampton, City Girls, Doja Cat, Pink Sweat$, Princess Nokia, Summer Walker and others. This year's lineup expands Coachella's large bet on hip-hop and R&B as the de facto sound of the new decade, a continuation of previous years, with a larger focus on emerging artists and global acts. 

Reunions, Surprise Acts And Comebacks

The big reunion at Coachella 2020 is the return of Rage Against The Machine, who last performed at the festival in 2007 and last played together as a group in 2011. Elsewhere, K-pop fans worldwide are ecstatic for the return of South Korean boy band BIGBANG, who are reuniting as a group for the first time since 2018, the year the act went on official hiatus after some of its members enlisted in their homeland's military and another member retired from the entertainment industry amid criminal and legal investigations against him. The BIGBANG booking continues Coachella's expansion into K-pop, which last year welcomed BLACKPINK as the first K-pop girl group to perform at the festival.

Read: Why is K-pop's popularity exploding in the United States?

The biggest surprise act to wow Coachella fans is Danny Elfman, the former Oingo Boingo frontman who's since become a film and TV score composer virtuoso. (You might know him best as the man behind the everlasting theme song of "The Simpsons" as well as the scores and music for major blockbuster films like Planet Of The Apes (2001), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985) and many others.) While Elfman may be the odd man out at this year's lineup, he joins fellow film score composer Hans Zimmer, who performed at the festival in 2017, in Coachella history.

Read: "The Simpsons" At 30: A Complete History Of Every Band That's Ever Rocked Springfield  

Latin Music Comes Back Strong

The influence of Latin music at Coachella 2019 was undeniable. Last year's lineup featured Latin pop's heavy hitters like J Balvin, Bad Bunny and Rosalía. As well, Coachella welcomed Los Tucanes De Tijuana, a legendary band from Tijuana, Mexico, who became the first-ever norteño act to perform at the festival in 2019. 

This year, Coachella continues the Latin music spree with confirmed performances from Brazilian pop superstar Anitta, Mexican banda group Banda MS and Brazilian drag star and pop singer Pabllo Vittar. The lineup also features rising Latinx indie pop and rock artists like Jessie Reyez, Cuco, Chicano Batman, Omar Apollo and Inner Wave. Ranking as the fifth most popular genre in America, Latin music continues its global domination on the charts and again at Coachella 2020.

The Many Flavors Of Pop

Ever since Drake headlined Coachella in 2015, the festival has experimented with mainstream pop headliners over the past five years: Calvin Harris in 2016, Lady Gaga (replacing Beyoncé) in 2017, Beyoncé (actually) in 2018 and Ariana Grande in 2019. For 2020, Coachella enlists a wide array of pop artists, each offering a distinct take on the genre. Acts like Lewis Capaldi, Alie Gatie and Marina lead the pack for the vocal pop singer-songwriter bunch. Lana Del Rey and FKA twigs, both billed as subheadliners for Sunday, will offer a moodier, more experimental pop experience. Then there's Charli XCX and Kim Petras, two alt-pop auteurs taking the genre to the future. Finally, Lil Nas X and Carly Rae Jepsen, both pop giants who tout global crossover appeal, will undoubtedly bring their viral sound to the festival masses. Coachella 2020 is a pop lover's dream come true. 

Experiences As Artists

While not officially billed on the lineup, Kanye West stole the show at last year's Coachella with an Easter Sunday performance from his gospel group, Sunday Service Choir. The event was one of the most talked-about performances at Coachella 2019, essentially becoming an "experience within an experience." This year, Coachella continues the trend via two standout bookings: Emo Nite and 88rising's Double Happiness.

Emo Nite, which takes over on Saturday, is the wildly popular emo-themed event series from Los Angeles that has largely sparked the emo and pop-punk revival and emo nostalgia trend of the past decade. The throwback dance party has hosted performances, surprise DJ sets and full-on tours from the genres' mainstays, including 3OH!3, Blink-182's Mark Hoppus, Dashboard Confessional and From First To Last, featuring frontman Sonny "Skrillex" Moore. That's all to say you can expect a star-studded roster at the Emo Nite gig this April. 

Elsewhere, 88rising, the hybrid management and multimedia production company and record label globalizing rap artists and hip-hop culture from the wider Asian-American and Asian markets, is presenting its Double Happiness event series at the festival. While the event, scheduled for Saturday, is featured as a standalone experience at the bottom of the bill, 88rising has confirmed several of its artists across the Coachella 2020 lineup, including Indonesian rapper Rich Brian (Friday), Japanese R&B singer/rapper Joji (Saturday) and Indonesian singer NIKI (Friday).

With Coachella leading the way, festival lineups this year may feature more experiences-as-artists bookings. 

Tickets for weekend one of Coachella 2020 are now sold out, but presale registration for weekend two is now open. A first-ever presale for weekend two begins Monday, January 6, at 12 p.m. PT. 

View the full Coachella 2020 lineup and register for the presale via the festival's official website.

Coachella Co-Founder Paul Tollett Talks Kanye, Safety, Legacy & More