When Jennie from BLACKPINK hit the Coachella stage on Sunday, fans expected a show-stopping performance. Instead, they were left confused and disappointed. After weeks of hype around her solo album Ruby and her evolution as an artist outside the group, the performance didn't deliver the energy or polish many had hoped for.
Jennie performed at the Outdoor Theatre, stepping out in dazzling outfits and kicking off her set with confidence. Visually, everything was in place; her cowboy-inspired look and later a red leather ensemble were definite crowd-pleasers. But once the music started, the cracks began to show.
Fans noticed something was off from the first song. Many pointed out that Jennie looked out of breath early on, and her vocals were barely audible. Several attendees and viewers online said she sang only in short bursts, and much of the set relied heavily on backing tracks or minimal vocal effort. “It felt like she gave up halfway through,” one fan posted on Reddit. “She looked tired and unprepared.”
The setlist didn’t help. Filled with slower tracks, it didn’t match the high-energy expectations of a Coachella crowd. One fan put it bluntly: “You can’t do three mellow songs in a row at a festival and expect people to stay hyped.”
While Jennie’s style is rarely in question, many viewers felt the performance lacked stamina and stage presence. “If singing isn’t the focus, she needs to lean into the dance,” another fan wrote, comparing her set unfavourably to Lisa’s high-energy show earlier in the weekend. But even when Jennie did dance, fans said she looked drained, raising questions about whether she was physically prepared for a solo festival set.
Some longtime BLACKPINK fans suggested that Jennie thrives better as part of the group, where responsibilities are shared and strengths balanced. Alone on stage, her weaknesses stood out more clearly. “BLACKPINK works because they support each other,” one fan said. “Jennie’s not there yet as a solo headliner.”
from Coachella
It’s clear that the response to her Coachella appearance wasn’t what Jennie or her team had hoped for. Still, fans aren’t giving up on her. Many say they’re rooting for her to improve and come back stronger but next time, with more rehearsal and a set that matches her star power.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.