BTS could be headed to Coachella next year, with the festival’s organizer reportedly stepping up efforts to book the group for its 2027 lineup.
Goldenvoice, which organizes the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, is reportedly in intense negotiations to secure BTS, according to Hits Daily Double.
The report comes as the festival begins taking shape ahead of its return to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, on April 9-11 and April 16-18.
According to the publication, Tame Impala and Dua Lipa are among the acts expected to headline, while Fred again is reportedly being considered for a major slot. SZA, Oasis and Radiohead are also among the artists being discussed for prominent positions on the lineup.
BTS’ potential appearance has drawn particular attention following Goldenvoice president and CEO Paul Tollett’s visit to Seoul earlier this year.
Tollett attended BTS’ full-group comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21, where he was seen watching the show next to Hybe Chairman Bang Si-hyuk.
His attendance came amid reports of discussions involving BTS, Goldenvoice and its parent company AEG Presents in January, when it was reported that Hybe had bought a stake in Coachella as part of negotiations to grant AEG Presents promotional rights to BTS’ world tour. The reported deal ultimately did not materialize, with rival concert promoter Live Nation taking charge of the tour.
BTS’ currently announced touring schedule would leave room for a Coachella performance. The last confirmed date of the group’s ongoing “Arirang” world tour is March 16 in Bulacan, the Philippines, about three weeks before the first weekend of the festival.
The report has drawn mixed reactions from fans, with some expressing excitement. Others voiced disappointment, arguing that “BTS has become too big for Coachella” and raising concerns that the festival’s large influencer presence could leave "fewer spots for fans who genuinely want to see the group perform."
Coachella traditionally unveils its lineup in September ahead of the following year’s festival. With the 2026 lineup announced on Sept. 16, 2025, the 2027 lineup could be revealed later this month.
Meanwhile, BTS is currently performing four sold-out shows at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, having completed two shows on Tuesday and Wednesday, with more scheduled on Saturday and Sunday. The Los Angeles shows will conclude the group’s North American leg of the tour, with the South American leg expected to kick off on Oct. 2 and 3 in Bogota, Colombia.
lee.jungjoo@heraldcorp.com
