Grimes has 'major technical error' during 2024 Coachella set, screams into the mic in frustration
Published on December 13, 2025 EDT "Don’t judge me for being bad at calculating things," the singer implored her audience.

Grimes had a tough time during her 2024 Coachella set and she was forced to cut short her performance thanks to a "major technical error."

On Day 2 of the first week of the annual festival, Grimes experienced one of the greatest horrors a body can go through: having to do math in public.

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

The singer's trouble started about halfway through her set when her backing music was played at twice the speed. Visibly frustrated, Elon Musk's baby mama restarted her song "Music 4 Machines" multiple times.

"This is a difficult thing to explain but we’re having a major technical error," Grimes told the audience. "Don’t judge me for being bad at calculating things."

Following further difficulties, the 36-year-old Canadian artist screamed into her microphone, while trying to mentally do the math to keep up with the track.

"I’m trying to think. I’m not good enough at math for this s---," she explained.

Clearly disappointed, Grimes apologized for the issue, saying that it wasn't her fault, and then ended the set early.

Reps for Grimes did not immediately respond to EW's request for comment.

Weekend one of Coachella included performances from a reunited No Doubt featuring Olivia Rodrigo, as well as headlining gigs from Lana Del Rey, Tyler, the Creator, and Doja Cat. The second weekend kicks off next week, hopefully giving Grimes another chance to at least brush up on her math skills.

Additional reporting by Sydney Bucksbaum.

Not attending the fest in person? Catch all the 2024 Coachella acts you’ll want to see in real time on its official livestream.

Related content:

Related articles
2024 MTV VMAs winners: See the full list
Music
2024 MTV VMAs winners: See the full list
Published on December 13, 2025 EDT
Britney Spears confused by Sabrina Carpenter's VMA performance: 'Love her to death... why didn't she kiss a girl?'
Music
Britney Spears confused by Sabrina Carpenter's VMA performance: 'Love her to death... why didn't she kiss a girl?'
Published on December 13, 2025 EDT
Chappell Roan dedicates VMAs win to 'drag artists who inspire me,' 'queer and trans people that fuel pop,' and fans
Music
Chappell Roan dedicates VMAs win to 'drag artists who inspire me,' 'queer and trans people that fuel pop,' and fans
Published on December 13, 2025 EDT
Chappell Roan claps back at VMAs photographer who yelled 'shut the f--- up': 'Not me, bitch'
Music
Chappell Roan claps back at VMAs photographer who yelled 'shut the f--- up': 'Not me, bitch'
Published on December 13, 2025 EDT
All the references to Britney Spears at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards
Music
All the references to Britney Spears at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards
Published on December 13, 2025 EDT
Flavor Flav couldn't contain his excitement to present an award to Taylor Swift at the VMAs
Music
Flavor Flav couldn't contain his excitement to present an award to Taylor Swift at the VMAs
Published on December 13, 2025 EDT
Sabrina Carpenter, a Lifetime movie trilogy, and Woody Harrelson's new L.A. hotspot top this week's Must List
Music
Sabrina Carpenter, a Lifetime movie trilogy, and Woody Harrelson's new L.A. hotspot top this week's Must List
Published on December 13, 2025 EDT
Macklemore unknowingly brings wanted woman on stage, leading to her arrest
Music
Macklemore unknowingly brings wanted woman on stage, leading to her arrest
Published on December 13, 2025 EDT
Kesha says prop blade was switched for 'real butcher knife' without her knowledge during Lollapalooza performance
Music
Kesha says prop blade was switched for 'real butcher knife' without her knowledge during Lollapalooza performance
Published on December 13, 2025 EDT