Stagecoach 2022: Jon Pardi, Ashton Kutcher make surprise appearances at the fest

After back to back weekends of major surprise performances at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, the Stagecoach Country Music Festival has taken over the Empire Polo Club in Indio and has its own roster of special guests.

Friday night at the fest mostly kept to the pre-established lineup of country music stars, including Maren Morris and Breland, but there were a few fun moments for fans returning in person after Stagecoach’s two-year pandemic hiatus.

Friday night saw Jon Pardi taking the stage with Midland and Thomas Rhett.

It was a long time comin’ and it was worth the wait. Thank y’all @Stagecoach for bringing the heat last night. And thanks to our pal @JonPardi for comin’ in hot on ‘Longneck Way To Go’. Until next time. Cheers ???????????? pic.twitter.com/4OA1xe4CzE

— Midland (@MidlandOfficial) April 30, 2022

Pardi posted this photo with Rhett ahead of the performance, prompting fans to wonder if they might see him at the festival.

???? @Stagecoach flashback! Look at them youngsters… Wishing @ThomasRhett and @MidlandOfficial and all the artists great sets tonight… Wish I was there… pic.twitter.com/LWlOkfVG5j

— Jon Pardi (@JonPardi) April 30, 2022

Rhett also brought actor Ashton Kutcher to the stage to sing Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places.”

So @ThomasRhett brought out @aplusk at @Stagecoach last night and I lost it ???? pic.twitter.com/mM7p7B7JmQ

— n a t a l i e e (@_naataaliee) April 30, 2022

Some “surprise” moments were more to be expected, including wife and husband Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd, joining each other on stage during each of their solo sets.

Orville Peck, who is slated to perform Saturday night, joined Tanya Tucker for a final chorus of “Delta Dawn” on Friday night.

We’ll update this story as Stagecoach continues.