Frank Ocean Coachella Set Continues To Divide The Internet

Summary:

• Frank Ocean made a highly-anticipated return to the Coachella stage after six years, but some fans were disappointed by his tardiness.

• Reports suggest Ocean changed his set last minute, leading to mixed reactions from the audience during his emotional performance.

• Despite the criticism, Ocean hinted at a new album and fans are encouraged to be patient and supportive of the artist.

Alternative R&B singer-songwriter Frank Ocean returned to the Coachella stage to perform this past weekend. It was Ocean’s first performance in over six years, and the singer has not released new music since 2020. Ocean’s much-anticipated festival set turned heads in the massive crowd, as it was not what audiences were expecting from the singer-songwriter. He appeared over an hour late to his set, and performed for a brief 30 minutes.

@_comunityservice

Frank Ocean at Coachella 2023 #coachella #coachella2023 #live #frankocean #2023 #frankoceancoachella #frankoceancoachella2023

♬ original sound – Comunity Service | Indie Pop

Longtime fans of the artist were disappointed by Ocean’s tardiness, given his long hiatus from touring. Coachella has an expensive price tag, and some felt that they did not get their money’s worth from the headliner’s set.

@lifebymichael

What just happened #frankocean #coachella #coachella2023

♬ original sound – lifebymichael

The Notorious Performance

Some anonymous sources working at Coachella alleged that Ocean changed his set at the last minute. Originally, an elaborate set complete with skating backup dancers was supposed to serve as a backdrop to his performance, and the choice to strip down the set was allegedly spur of the moment.

@michelletok

#frankocean performance at #coachella was lackluster to say the least. all the details here! #coachella2023

♬ original sound – michelle • gossip & lifestyle

While some argue that the set felt lackluster, others point to Ocean’s explanation mid-set. The singer-songwriter lost his younger brother in a fatal car accident three years ago, and he recounted frequenting Coachella with his brother prior to his death.

Frank Ocean's speech during his Coachella set.https://t.co/GN8Ly4GaHN

— Odd Future: Fan Page (@OddFuturePage) April 17, 2023

Frank ocean’s set was profound and brilliant and I’ll die on this hill

— Kristin Robinson (@wordsbykristin) April 17, 2023

https://twitter.com/hellotefi/status/1647867524871254016?s=20

While the performance’s opening was mellow, a DJ set featuring a dancing security guard broke up the unique set. TikTok does not quite know what to make of this portion of Ocean’s performance.

https://www.tiktok.com/@jahinluv/video/7222975299959491883?_r=1&_t=8ba6T639GV4

Ocean vaguely also confirmed that a new album is finally on the way. The internet is urging Coachella goers to be kind to the singer given the circumstances of his performance, and to focus on the new album on the way.

https://www.tiktok.com/@aliyahsinterlude1/video/7223076805484367146?_r=1&_t=8ba6XtzA1DX

Frank Ocean is yet to comment on the criticisms of his performance, or confirm an official release date for new music. Coachella also did not address the complaints from festival goers over the controversial set.