In a stunning surprise for country music fans, Garth Brooks made a surprise appearance alongside Luke Combs at the Stagecoach Festival on April 28, 2025. This marked Brooks’ return to the festival seven years after he first headlined the event, which has become a staple for country music lovers in Indio, California.
Stagecoach, now in its 18th year, is renowned not just for its impressive lineup of emerging artists and established stars but also for its unexpected collaborations that keep audiences buzzing. The three-day festival has become the largest country music festival in the world, drawing fans from across the globe.
The excitement surrounding surprise collaborations has grown in recent years. Last year, for instance, Miranda Lambert brought out Reba McEntire to perform “Mama’s Broken Heart” and “Fancy,” while Post Malone surprised attendees with guests like Brad Paisley and Sara Evans during his set. Even Axl Rose of Guns ‘n Roses graced the stage in 2022, performing with Carrie Underwood.
On the night of Brooks’ surprise entrance, the anticipation was palpable. Late Sunday evening, he teased his appearance with a video posted on social media, showing him driving to a private airport in a white farm truck. He stepped out, declaring, “Stagecoach never broke my heart,” a clever nod to Luke Combs’ hit “Beer Never Broke My Heart.” This comment sparked speculation that he would join Combs during his Sunday night performance.
Luke Combs, who is a vocal admirer of Brooks, has often covered his songs throughout his career. The two artists have shared a mutual respect, highlighted by an interview they conducted for the “Artist on Artist” series last year. In a heartfelt moment, Brooks once remarked that he hadn’t felt like a songwriter until he heard Combs sing his music.
Combs closed his Stagecoach set with a cover of Brooks’ iconic 1990 hit “Friends In Low Places.” As he began to sing the first verse and chorus, the crowd erupted with enthusiasm, only to be further electrified when Brooks himself joined him on stage to lead a massive sing-along.
The performance was part of a star-studded lineup for Combs, who was the final headliner of the festival. He kicked off his set with a flurry of hits, bringing out surprise guests along the way. Combs first welcomed Bailey Zimmerman to perform their collaboration, “Back Up Plan,” which is currently being filmed for a music video during the festival. He then introduced Good Charlotte, whose members Benji and Joel Madden joined him for performances of their hits “The Anthem” and “Where the Wild Things Are.”
Combs’ setlist was a testament to his status in the country music scene, featuring fan favorites like “1, 2 Many,” “When It Rains It Pours,” and “Beautiful Crazy.” His performance of “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” further showcased his vocal prowess before he transitioned to the unforgettable sing-along moment with Brooks.
As the festival wrapped up, Combs didn’t stop there. After his main set at the T-Mobile Mane Stage, he made his way to the Palomino stage, where he joined the Backstreet Boys for a rendition of their classic hit “I Want It That Way.” This final surprise capped off an unforgettable night for fans, who were treated to a whirlwind of performances and unexpected collaborations.
Stagecoach 2025 will undoubtedly be remembered for Garth Brooks’ surprise cameo, a moment that highlighted the festival’s commitment to delivering memorable experiences for its attendees. As fans left the venue, they were left buzzing with excitement, eagerly discussing the performances they had just witnessed and looking forward to what surprises the next festival might hold.
For many, Stagecoach is more than just a music festival; it’s a celebration of country music culture and community. With its diverse lineup and the promise of surprise performances, it continues to attract fans from all walks of life, ensuring that the spirit of country music remains alive and well.
As the sun set on another successful Stagecoach, one thing was clear: the festival has solidified its place as a pivotal event in the country music calendar, and with surprise appearances like Brooks’, it’s no wonder fans keep coming back for more.
