Madonna headlines at 'edgy' Californian music festival

Madonna thrilled thousands of fans at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, bringing a mainstream feel to the traditionally edgy event.

A swollen outdoor crowd erupted in cheers after the Material Girl made her entrance inside a glittering disco ball that split in two and launched into “Hung Up” for her opening number. She performed an abbreviated set of five songs in less than a half hour.

Not everyone was excited to see the pop star at the musical extravaganza best known for its lineup of indie-rock bands and dance-oriented DJs.

“I’m here for anything but Madonna,” said Alessandra Ambrosio, a Brazilian model. “Maonna is too pop to be here.”

More than 100,000 people came to the inland desert for two sold-out days of sun and sound, with 47 acts on Sunday’s bill alone.

British chart favourite James Blunt drew a large crowds, playing to a wedged-in audience in the Mojave Tent. Near the tent openings, the crowd stood 20 deep to catch a glimpse of the singer as he crooned mellifluous tunes, capping his performance with the hit “You’re Beautiful” from his album “Back to Bedlam.”