Top 10 Coachella 2018 Highlights

#1 CINDY CRAWFORD'S EMPIRE PASS

Reminding us that we’re not Cindy Crawford is Cindy Crawford flashing her low-key Empire bracelet that I think grants you all access basically anywhere, anytime and gives you instant perfect skin and 50k cash in your pocket (to cover about at least a few rounds of cocktails at the festival).

#2 MY SQUAD AKA THE NOT JANETS TAKING UP RESIDENCE AT CHATEAU SHEREÉ, P.S. SATELLITE LOCATION

Even a Deee-lite reunion at Coachella couldn’t have topped the company of my best friends. While groove is always in my heart, so are these guys who I shared not only matching In N Out socks with, but daily MDNA SKIN face masks, as well. Pro tip: This year we also rented bikes. If you stay within a mile or so of the festival grounds, look into it. The daytime heat still sucks but you’ll show up a little less wet, and the nighttime rides — minus the human obstacles and dust — were pretty remarkable.

#3 THE SAHARA TENT

The most dramatic change of Coachella’s new layout is the Sahara Tent. At first I was like ‘RIP entrance’ since its now-enlarged tent is located up front near the Ferris wheel, but aside from trying to fit Post Malone and Migos, it gave the infamous EDM tent more room to breathe — and its sideways arch gives a breathtaking view of the Santa Rosa mountains. The highlights for me were Louis The Child (read our Q&A here) who SHOWED UP to deliver their hits, and also Whethan (read our Q&A here) who won two awards: Best Video Projections & Best Surprise Guest. If you’re completely off the grid, he brought out 11-year-old internet sensation Mason Ramsey aka Yodel Boy. The moment was purer than the molly 90% of the crowd were on. There wasn’t a frown within earshot. Well, accept for that girl who bolted mid-set trying to cover her mouth while throwing up. Turns out covering your mouth with your fist while projectile vomiting is more damage than just bending your fucking knees and letting the ground have it. The only real downside to the tent’s new location, is that the Mojave tent’s music now carries into the VIP Rose Garden which is a definite mood shift.

#4 SPECTRA ART INSTALLATION

Kicked off Friday evening with a private tour of one of Coachella’s new art installations (thanks, Craig!). Created by UK-based design studio NEWSUBSTANCE, Spectra features a seven-story spectrum of color offering 360-degree views of the polo fields and beyond. From the outside, Spectra appears as an impressive architectural entity. Inside, it’s less about itself and more about your experience: Light, color, and perspective change with every step you take. The installation features 31 custom cast colored panels and more than 6,000 feet of LED lights, which at night illuminates the site and bathes you in a magnificent spectra of colors. One of the best views, from every direction, of the festival.

#5 THE AMERICAN EXPRESS EXPERIENCE

American Express took their commitment to providing elevated, digitally innovative and premium experiences for Card Members up a notch this year at Coachella. As consumers are increasingly looking for connections and experiences that enhance every facet of their lives, Amex have them covered at key cultural moments, such as the Card Member Club on the festival grounds — including an Amex/cash bar, mobile recharge stations, and more — a free Ferris wheel ride, free monogram embroidery for purchased Coachella merch, and a priority Uber lane for those looking for a smooth exit. Be sure to activate your AMEX Centurion Cards (other lower-tier memberships work too, I think) using the official Coachella app and cop those rewards.

#6 SNOOP DOGG'S CAMEO DURING JAMIROQUAI'S PERFORMANCE ON THE MOJAVE STAGE

Not only because it's Snoop Dogg but also because tomorrow is 4/20. With my birthday / Earth Day this Sunday, name a more iconic weekend.

#7 BEYONCÉ aka #BEYCHELLA

No particular reason. ALL the reasons.

#8 THE OTHER BRENT'S NEON CARNIVAL SPONSORED BY LEVI'S AND PRAYERS

We made our return to Neon Carnival — the brainchild of LA nightlife curator, Brent Bolthouse — of course against our better judgement. The highlight wasn’t so much about the party as it was making it home alive. The rides were pretty cool if you’re into getting stuck on them. I’m actually writing you while hanging upside-down on the Zipper right now. Sponsored by Levi's, the fluorescent soiree brought out tons of celebs including Leonardo DiCaprio, Kourtney Kardashian, Chance the Rapper, French Montana, Get Out’s Daniel Kaluuya, Jamie Foxx, Shay Mitchell and Diddy. It was wayyyy over capacity though and I’m still wondering how many partygoers even got their wristbands in the first place.

#9 ODESZA'S MASSIVE CINEMATIC LIVE SET

We closed Sunday with ODESZA's one-of-a-kind stand-out performance -- an immersive, cinematic experience using blockbuster-level visuals, vocal cameos by Leon Bridges, Naomi Wild (see our Q&A with Naomi Wild here) and WYNNE, a fleet of 420 Intel Shooting Star drones, pyrotechnics, brass section, 12-piece drum line, and an ever-moving stage. I was told this creative vision took two years in the making -- it did not disappoint. If you missed the live stream, check out the video, above!

#10 MY NIKE X JCREW KILLSHOT KICKS AND 'A BIGGER SPLASH' BY DAVID HOCKNEY T-SHIRT COMBO

One-two punch.