13-05-2025
Coachella 2025: Jennie brings out Kali Uchis, thanks crew and dancers in her solo debut
(This story was updated to to correct a misspelling/typo.)
Coachella met Jennie. Not as a member of Blackpink, but as a solo artist who is establishing a career beyond K-pop.
Yes, she previously performed at Coachella with Blackpink in their history-making headlining set in 2023. But like Lisa, she's pursuing an individual path, one that's included acting in HBO's 'The Idol' to her recently released debut solo album, 'Ruby.'
But there were moments during her Weekend 1 performance that you'd be forgiven in forgetting that Jennie has been enjoying stardom for years, like the quick, seemingly self-satisfied smiles as she danced during 'with the IE (way up)' or remarking on the size of her massive crowd.
Like she too was meeting what she's capable of.
'To be performing here at the Outdoor Theatre, it feels like a dream,' Jennie said.
Like all members of Blackpink, Jennie has faced online criticism, accused of dancing lazily among the squad of four. Warranted or not is up to the individual to decide, but if you need evidence to sway someone in support of Jennie's talent and energy, it's worth looking to her performances of 'Mantra,' 'ExtraL' and 'like Jennie' during Weekend 1.
Her movement was strong, to the beat and full of the attitude required for 'ExtraL,' the collaboration with Grammy-winning rapper Doechii (Unfortunately for fans, Doechii was not a surprise guest.) Wearing a trendy pair of black sunglasses, Jennie danced to the camera and strutted across the stage.
She also went hard for 'like Jennie,' and understandably so for the self-aggrandizing anthem.
You could hear her breathing heavily after both songs, but especially after 'like Jennie' as she took a moment to speak to the audience.
'I did not expect to see so many people out there,' the singer said. 'Wow, that's a lot of people.'
'Ruby' featured collaborations with Dua Lipa, Doechii, Dominic Fike, multi-instrumentalist FKJ, Childish Gambino and Kali Uchis.
It was ultimately Uchis who joined Jennie on stage for their song with Childish Gambino, 'Damn Right.'
'I love you so much, Kali,' Jennie told her.
More: Coachella 2025: From 'Starlight' to 'ExtraL,' see full setlist for Jennie's solo performance
I've covered five sets in their entirety at Coachella Weekend 1 this year, and yes, considering there were dozens of performers on Sunday alone, I recognize that's not much.
But Jennie did something that my colleagues agreed was notable. Before she left the stage, Jennie thanked her crew, her backup dancers and her vocalists.
I'm not saying that the artists I covered aren't thankful toward their crew or backup dancers or vocalists. But the clear, public acknowledgement of all the people helping to make Jennie's show what it was stood out, especially from a performer who's no newbie to massive fame.
Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Coachella 2025 review: Kali Uchis, Jennie join forces for stellar set
