Coachella 2026: Madonna performance | ‘Why Madonna’s Coachella backlash is actually about something else’

ADVICE — When Madonna appeared on stage with Sabrina Carpenter Coachellathe condemnation came thick and fast.

While many focused on Madonna’s performance, much of the criticism was not about her performance or even her clothing. Instead, the underlying tone of the criticism of Madonna was really about one thing: her age.

While indeed Mick Jagger at 82, he still struts across the stage with the Rolling Stones – he is 15 years older than Madonna – the truth is that much of the criticism of Madonna came for daring to perform in the first place.

Watch the video above. 

In the days after the performance, social media in particular is still buzzing, not only about Madonna’s performance, but also about her sheer courage to even dare to come to the iconic festival.

A video of her dancing wildly to another artist went viral over the weekend.

But instead of seeing what I see – a passionate music lover rocking the most important music festival in the world – others saw something different; a woman past her prime who should be locked away somewhere collecting dust instead of living her life.

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And it’s not just her decisions as an artist that are agitating an age-obsessed audience, but also her private life.

Whenever Madonna appears with her much younger boyfriend, the comments are even more furious.

The star has been in a relationship with Jamaican-born footballer Akeem Morris since 2022. Morris, now 29, is often by her side and accompanied her to Coachella.

The two seem to be happy and in love. Their relationship certainly isn’t hurting anyone, but the comments about them on social media sites are usually scathing.

“What could he see in her?” is a very common one. Most included disturbing comments about her appearance.

But at the heart of these cruel comments is one thing; Madonna’s age and the belief among much of society that she should have been put out to pasture a long time ago.

Of course, Madonna is not alone.

Jennifer Lopez is often trolled on social media by users who refer to her age. 

The JLo Show Live in Las Vegas show ran from December 2025 until last month, and videos of her energetic performances in barely there showgirl-like costumes are regularly shared on social media.

But instead of marveling at her dance routines, amazingly fit and muscular physique and her singing talent, most comments are about one thing: her age.

“Why does JLo dress like that at 56?” is an oft-repeated question alongside the vision of her literally burning the stage.

Um, because she can.

Of course, both stars have been down this road before.

Commentators often suggest she should age gracefully — that’s code for aging anywhere other than on a stage at Coachella.

Madonna faced condemnation for a previous Coachella performance in 2015, when she made a surprise appearance during Drake’s set and added a passionate onstage kiss.

Despite being 56 at the time, she was labeled as ‘grandma’ even though she wasn’t really one.

Meanwhile, Jagger is a real-life grandfather and great-grandfather who is engaged to a woman 44 years his junior.

But when he struts across the stage, he receives praise for his endurance and longevity. He is even praised for having wrinkles, which are said to add character and authenticity to his face.

Meanwhile, Madonna is accused of ‘trying too hard’.

Commentators often suggest she should age gracefully — that’s code for aging anywhere other than on a stage at Coachella.

Madonna herself has occasionally spoken about the gendered ageism and sexist double standards she has faced throughout her career, and has spoken out about the fact that despite it being a form of discrimination, it is somehow still socially acceptable.

She even went so far as to say during her 2016 Billboard Woman of the Year speech that “the most controversial thing I’ve ever done is stick around.”

She was 56 at the time, but was already told that she was past her prime.

So why do I care so much about Madonna and JLo and the flak that criticizes them just for being in the public eye?

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Well, I think it’s starting to occur to me that at some point in the future I’ll ask myself if it’s okay for me to hit the dance floor when my favorite song starts playing at the local RSL.

While men seem to avoid asking these types of questions, women are still made to feel that simply living past a certain age is an insult to society.

That’s exactly why we need the JLo’s and Madonna’s of the world to keep doing what they’re doing.

That is, just showing up, on a stage in Vegas or Coachella, and just getting older. Not even gracefully, but whatever the hell they want.

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