Fool Coverage with Manny MUA and Laura Lee: "Is Coachella the New Fire Festival... What Really Happened.."
Published on April 18, 2025 by PodcastOne
Introduction
In this episode of Fool Coverage, beauty gurus and social media influencers Manny MUA and Laura Lee delve deep into their recent experiences at Coachella, comparing it to the infamous Fyre Festival. The hosts navigate through a whirlwind of festival mishaps, star-studded performances, and behind-the-scenes chaos, offering listeners an unfiltered look into what it truly takes to survive and thrive at one of the world's premier music festivals.
Coachella Overview
Manny and Laura Lee set the stage by detailing their anticipation and excitement for Coachella, highlighting their status as seasoned attendees. Having attended multiple times, they position themselves as festival veterans, confident in their ability to handle the rigors of the event. However, this year presents unexpected challenges that test their resilience and camaraderie.
Initial Challenges and Experiences
Flight and Arrival
The duo begins their journey with a smooth, influencer-filled JSX flight to Coachella. "It really was a bunch and it was there. Like the JSX, like jets, like every seat was full. But it was all influencers," Manny shares ([07:46]). Their arrival, however, is marred by logistical issues, including delayed hotel check-ins and exorbitant Uber fares. Laura laments, "Tell me why it cost $400 to go one hour. It was like 50 minutes" ([09:22]).
Issues with Camping and Security
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Coachella's revamped security measures. Manny criticizes the new system, describing it as "diabolical" and a complete "flop" ([03:54]). Long waits, overheating cars, and inadequate facilities leave attendees frustrated. Laura emphasizes the unfairness, suggesting, "Coachella should have to give them their camping money back" ([05:05]).
Hotel Experience and Room Issues
Their boutique hotel stay introduces another layer of chaos. A mysterious bug infestation forces Manny and Laura to fend off persistent insects threatening their living space. "It was a bug I've actually never seen before... you got to tell us," Manny exclaims ([16:32]). Additionally, their spacious yet exposed hotel room leads to unwanted attention from other guests, disrupting their preparation for festival content creation. Laura shares her frustrations, "Like, they would walk in the way" ([47:39]).
First Day at Coachella – Friday
Arrival and Headliner Performance (Gaga)
Friday night kicks off with a highly-anticipated performance by Lady Gaga. While the production is lauded for its extravagance and artistry, Manny and Laura note a subdued crowd reaction. "She put on such an expensive, huge production that it almost became like her show to me, kind of felt like a Broadway performance art," Laura observes ([28:10]). Despite the lackluster initial response, Gaga's vocal prowess eventually captivates the audience.
After Party and Bus Issues
Post-concert, Sally Hansen's exclusive after-party presents logistical nightmares. "They trapped our bus in y'all... we were sitting there for probably an hour and a half," Manny recounts ([41:01]). The crowded conditions, combined with exhaustion, lead to a late-night scramble to access the party, culminating in a delayed and rushed entry. Sally Hansen mitigates some stress by providing a dedicated bus, but the overall experience remains taxing.
Travel Back and Exhaustion
Returning to their hotel is no respite. Laura describes the morning aftermath: "We were sitting in the bus for an extra, like, two hours," ([42:08]). Exhausted and deprived of adequate rest, the hosts endure minimal sleep, setting the tone for a grueling festival weekend.
Second Day – Saturday
Revolve Fest and Line Issues
Saturday's focus shifts to Revolve Fest, where the duo encounters inefficient check-in processes. "They took too long to check people in," Laura complains ([52:20]). Despite holding valid wristbands and QR codes, slow processing diminishes the exclusivity of the event, frustrating attendees like Manny who note, "So why there's so many people here" ([53:02]).
Performances: Charlie XCX, Missy Elliott, Billie Eilish, and More
The standout performance of the day is by Charlie XCX, who energizes the crowd with hits like "Girl." Laura gushes, "It's a euphoric experience... energy is unmatched" ([60:31]). In contrast, Missy Elliott's set sadly draws a lackluster response, described as "dead in the water" ([27:23]). Billie Eilish's appearance further electrifies the atmosphere, though the hosts remain puzzled by the varying crowd reactions to different artists.
Differences with Previous Years
Comparing to past Coachellas, Manny and Laura highlight enhancements in artist line-ups and production quality, though they express confusion over certain logistical decisions, such as the early scheduling of Charlie XCX's performance. "Charlie should have been the headliner," Laura insists ([65:09]).
Third Day – Sunday
Final Performances and Reflections
Sunday brings Megan Thee Stallion to the stage, delivering a powerful performance that meets Laura's high expectations. Manny reflects, "We are Charlie, Stan... You have to go deep" ([61:13]). The contrast between Jennifer Lopez-run shows and more intimate, artist-focused sets underscores the evolving nature of festival performances.
Earthquake Experience
The episode takes a dramatic turn when an earthquake strikes during their departure on Monday. Laura narrates the harrowing experience of receiving an Amber Alert and grappling with aftershocks while preparing to leave: "About 20 seconds after the Amber Alert... it struck and holy. It was a big one" ([83:07]). Despite the chaos, they manage to board their JSX flight home, albeit with mishaps like a laptop falling from an SUV.
Departure
Mishaps and Final Thoughts
The return journey is punctuated by additional challenges, including a botched ride that results in Laura's expensive laptop falling from the vehicle. "It just happened to be my carry-on tote that fell out and the laptop slid right out... I was like, oh, that's not funny," Laura recounts ([85:40]). Despite these setbacks, the hosts express gratitude towards sponsors like JSX for ensuring their safe return.
Reflections and Final Thoughts
Manny and Laura conclude the episode by reflecting on the duality of Coachella as both an exhilarating and exhausting experience. While they acknowledge the festival's enhancements and stellar performances, they candidly discuss the physical and logistical toll it takes. Laura emphasizes their intention to continue attending despite public backlash, humorously noting, "But nothing is going to stop us from living our best lives" ([71:56]).
The episode closes with Manny and Laura expressing their fatigue but also their appreciation for the unforgettable moments shared at Coachella, reaffirming their commitment to their audiences and the unrelenting pursuit of glamour and success in the face of adversity.
Notable Quotes
- Manny MUA ([03:54]): "The new security system... diabolical. Flop. Firefest."
- Laura Lee ([05:05]): "Coachella should have to give them their camping money back."
- Manny MUA ([07:46]): "It was a bunch and it was there. Like the JSX, like jets, like every seat was full."
- Laura Lee ([28:10]): "She put on such an expensive, huge production that it almost became like her show to me, kind of felt like a Broadway performance art."
- Manny MUA ([52:20]): "They took too long to check people in."
- Laura Lee ([60:31]): "It's a euphoric experience... energy is unmatched."
- Laura Lee ([65:09]): "Charlie should have been the headliner."
- Laura Lee ([71:56]): "But nothing is going to stop us from living our best lives."
- Laura Lee ([83:07]): "It was a big one. I stayed on the call."
- Laura Lee ([85:40]): "I was like, oh, that's not funny."
Conclusion
This episode of Fool Coverage offers an enthralling and candid recount of Manny MUA and Laura Lee's Coachella experience, blending humor, frustration, and admiration. From security flops and exhausting mishaps to awe-inspiring performances and unexpected natural disasters, the hosts present a comprehensive and entertaining narrative. Whether you're a festival veteran or a curious listener, their insights provide a valuable glimpse into the highs and lows of navigating Coachella's vibrant but challenging landscape.