Coachella Spotlight: Karol G’s glow masks a growing risk for foreign acts touring the U.S.
Karol G headlined Coachella with a message of pride for her fans, but the piece notes a broader trend: many international acts are reconsidering U.S. tours amid tighter visa rules, higher costs, and fears of ICE enforcement. Pollstar data show a drop in U.S. concerts and reports of fewer foreign acts at SXSW, with anecdotal losses of tens of thousands due to visa issues and delays. While the U.S. market remains lucrative, promoters expect acts to shift more toward Mexico/Latin America or other regions if the barriers persist.
