Sabrina Carpenter faces backlash after mistaking Arabic zaghrouta for ‘yodelling’ at Coachella 2026

INDIO, CALIFORNIA: Sabrina Carpenter’s highly anticipated Coachella 2026 set delivered spectacle and star power, but one moment from the night has sparked backlash online.

During her Friday, April 10 performance, the singer was called out after misidentifying a fan’s Arabic zaghrouta, leaving some viewers upset.

Sabrina Carpenter called out over ‘yodelling’ comment during Coachella performance

The controversy began when a fan in the crowd performed a zaghrouta, a traditional Arabic celebratory cheer.

Carpenter, however, appeared to mistake the sound for something else and referred to it as “yodelling.” She then reportedly dismissed it, saying she “doesn’t like it.”

That brief interaction quickly made its way online, where critics labeled the moment “ignorant” and disrespectful to cultural expression.

Many pointed out that the zaghrouta holds cultural significance and is often used during celebrations, making the misidentification feel dismissive to some viewers.

While the moment was short, it stood out in an otherwise carefully crafted performance.

Backlash grows as fans debate intent vs impact

As clips and reactions circulated onlinr, social media users were divided.

One person commented on x, saying "please that was so alarming!! the audience explained that its a call for celebration and she dismissed it like that."

Another said, "It was so rude"

Another added, "we made the wrong person famous…"

Another user wrote, "This was so icky, she’s such a weirdo imagine saying this about someone’s culture"

The moment added an unexpected layer of controversy to a night that was otherwise meant to celebrate her rise as a headliner.

Singer delivers ambitious Hollywood-style Coachella set

Beyond the backlash, Carpenter’s Coachella set was one of her most elaborate performances to date.

The 26-year-old had previously hinted that this would be “the most ambitious show I’ve ever done,” and she delivered on that promise with a production that leaned heavily into a vintage Hollywood theme.

Opening just after 9 pm, the show began with a cinematic intro featuring Sam Elliott as a menacing cop in a film noir-style sequence.

Carpenter then emerged from a car and stepped onto a catwalk designed like her own walk of fame, kicking things off with ‘House Tour.’

“Welcome to Sabrinawood,” she told the crowd. “I can’t believe I’m headlining Coachella. I mean, I can a little bit, but it’s nicer to say that, right?”

The set moved through multiple elaborate scenes, from a recording studio to a dive bar and even a Broadway-style cityscape, with dancers dressed as everything from poodles to circus performers.

Celebrity cameos from Susan Sarandon, Corey Fogelmanis, Will Ferrell, and Sam Elliott added to the theatrical feel, turning the show into a full-scale production.

High-energy finale leaves crowd buzzing despite controversy

Carpenter kept the momentum going with a lineup of fan-favorite tracks, including songs from ‘Man’s Best Friend’ and ‘Short n’ Sweet.’

She also performed ‘We Almost Broke Up Last Night’ live for the first time, adding another highlight to the night.

The show closed with a powerful run of ‘Juno,’  ‘Espresso,’ and ‘Goodbye,’ before Carpenter delivered a dramatic final moment with ‘Tears,’ seated on a rising throne as water fountains erupted below.

She ended the night in true cinematic fashion, driving off in a vintage car.

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