Global K-pop sensation and BLACKPINK member Lisa Manobal made her much-anticipated solo Coachella debut this weekend, delivering a fiery set that fans are already hailing as one of the festival’s most iconic moments. Taking centre stage under the California sky, Lisa introduced the world to her new era — Alter Ego — with a performance that was equal parts theatrical spectacle and unfiltered star power.

Opening with the electrifying track Thunder, Lisa emerged in dramatic fashion, embodying her alter ego with unmatched intensity. The 28-year-old Thai rapper, dancer and newly-minted actor (with her upcoming role in The White Lotus Season 3) commanded the stage with a presence fans described as “feral, focused, and fearlessly free.”

The set — complete with dazzling costumes, precision choreography, and a futuristic aesthetic — was a statement of solo artistry, one that saw Lisa leaning into edgier visuals and unapologetic confidence. Her BLACKPINK bandmates Rosé and Jisoo were spotted in the crowd alongside her White Lotus co-stars Patrick Schwarzenegger and Tayme Thapthimthong, a moment that sparked a mini frenzy on social media.

However, not all reactions were glowing. While Lisa trended worldwide within minutes, a section of netizens critiqued the performance as “under-rehearsed” and “too provocative,” with some fans calling for more vocal polish. “We love her, but we expect better,” one user commented. Others saw the critique as unwarranted, defending Lisa’s creative direction. “She’s evolving, not everyone is ready,” a fan tweeted.

Despite the mixed opinions, Lisa’s star shone through. Fancams of the performance dominated timelines, with users marvelling at her visuals and stage presence. “She looks like a walking Vogue spread even while dancing,” read one comment. Another declared, “She didn’t just perform — she launched a solo revolution.”

With Alter Ego now officially in motion, Lisa’s Coachella debut marks more than a milestone — it’s a reintroduction. Stripped of group dynamics and high on personal expression, her performance signalled a shift in what a solo K-pop act can be on a global stage.

As one viral post summed it up: “Lisa didn’t ask for permission, she dropped a blueprint.”