Bebe Rexha reveals David Guetta’s advice for playing Tomorrowland 2026: “Go hammer it”

Bebe Rexha marked a significant milestone in her career by performing at Tomorrowland for the first time during the festival’s 2026 edition. Taking to the renowned Freedom stage, the American pop singer embraced a distinctive approach tailored specifically for the iconic Belgian electronic music event.

Ahead of her set, Rexha sought out advice from David Guetta, a veteran of Tomorrowland who has performed there multiple times. Known for their previous collaborations, including the global dance hit "I’m Good (Blue)" and more recent tracks like "Sad Girls," Rexha trusted Guetta’s experience to help shape her live performance. According to djmag.com, Guetta emphasized the importance of delivering an intense and energetic atmosphere, urging her to maintain a relentless pace throughout the show.

Rejecting the idea of a conventional pop concert, Rexha crafted a hybrid performance that merged elements of DJ culture with her pop sensibilities. She envisioned a set that felt like a fusion between a DJ’s energy and a pop star’s stage presence, aiming for an experience that was both dynamic and dancefloor-focused.

Her 30-minute setlist reflected this vision with a carefully curated selection of high-tempo tracks. The performance included her 2015 collaboration with G-Eazy, "Me, Myself & I," alongside the aforementioned "I’m Good (Blue)," and classic dance anthems such as Benny Benassi’s "Satisfaction"—notably remixed by Guetta in 2022—and Darude’s "Sandstorm." Rexha deliberately kept the beats per minute (BPM) above 135, creating a fast-paced and intense soundscape that underscored the festival’s energetic vibe.

When considering whether to introduce slower songs or bring down the tempo for variety, Rexha recounted Guetta’s firm advice to maintain the momentum and avoid diluting the set’s intensity. This decision reinforced the performance’s focus on high energy, aiming to captivate the crowd with continuous upbeat rhythms.

Earlier in 2026, Rexha also released "New Religion," a track that reinterprets Faithless’ seminal dance hit "Insomnia." This release further demonstrated her engagement with electronic music culture and her willingness to blend pop with classic dance influences, a theme that carried into her Tomorrowland performance.

The 2026 edition of Tomorrowland has been marked by some adjustments due to environmental concerns. The Belgian government issued wildfire risk warnings, leading the festival organizers to limit pyrotechnic displays and cancel large-scale fireworks. Despite these restrictions, the event has maintained its reputation for top-tier electronic music showcases, with Weekend Two underway and featuring a diverse lineup.

Details about audience reactions or specific crowd moments during Rexha’s set remain limited. However, her collaboration with Guetta and her deliberate choice to emphasize energy and tempo highlight a strategic effort to align her artistry with the festival’s electric atmosphere.

As Tomorrowland continues to evolve, artists like Bebe Rexha are exploring new ways to bridge genres and performance styles, reflecting the dynamic nature of contemporary music festivals. Her debut serves as a notable example of how pop artists can successfully integrate into predominantly electronic music spaces by respecting their unique demands and heritage.