Summary (tl;dr)

Pop star and former TikTok sensation Addison Rae trended after her highly anticipated performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2026, where she debuted her "Fame and Glory Show" world tour and opened with her hit song "Diet Pepsi." The performance garnered significant attention, partly due to a recent copyright claim she filed against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for unauthorized use of the same song.

Essential Background

Addison Rae rose to prominence as a TikTok influencer before transitioning into music and acting. Her journey to pop stardom has been closely watched, and she has previously made notable appearances at Coachella, including joining Charli XCX on stage in 2025. Her early musical releases received mixed reviews, but collaborations and a strategic brand reinvention, including working with Charli XCX, helped her gain credibility in the music industry, culminating in a Grammy nomination and the release of her debut album, "Addison," in June 2025.

The Full Story

Addison Rae took to the Coachella Stage on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. PST, as part of the festival's Weekend One lineup. Her set marked the launch of her new worldwide "Fame and Glory Show" tour. Kicking off her performance with "Diet Pepsi," the song itself had recently been in the news due to Rae filing a copyright claim against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The DHS had used the track without authorization in a promotional video for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, leading to the media being disabled on their X post. Rae's appearance also generated buzz for her fashion, including a sheer black lace crop top she was seen in prior to her performance. Her performance, described as having a "vampy theatrical concept," saw Rae engaging with the crowd and delivering a "thumping version" of her remix of Charli XCX's “Von Dutch.”

Why It Matters

Addison Rae's Coachella performance is significant as it represents a pivotal moment in her evolving music career, solidifying her transition from social media star to a recognized pop artist. The event is the inaugural date of her global tour, indicating a serious commitment to her musical endeavors. The trending status of her Coachella appearance, combined with the controversy surrounding her "Diet Pepsi" copyright claim, highlights her ability to remain a central figure in entertainment news and social media discussions. It also underscores the ongoing fascination with influencers successfully navigating the mainstream entertainment industry.

Geographic Location

• Empire Polo Club, Indio, Riverside County, California, United States (Addison Rae's performance at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival)