Elyanna is going global with Coldplay

The Palestinian-Chilean singer checks in and shares photos from her stint opening on Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour.

In 2024, the Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna put out her debut project Woledto, one of The FADER’s favorite records of the year. It’s a gorgeous, tactile, and energizing piece of work, blending traditional Arabic instruments with elements of modern rock, EDM, R&B and jazz and filled with urgent-sounding songs devoted to her homeland, her people, and her family. It became her breakthrough moment, sending her on her first world tour, and eventually on the road with one of the biggest bands of all time: Coldplay.

Since January, Elyanna has been opening for the pop-rock legends as part of their long-running Music of the Spheres World Tour, jet-setting to Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong and Seoul, South Korea. Most recently they wrapped up four nights in Toronto, Canada, where she dazzled the crowd in an all-white look and her signature charmed hip scarf. Like Coldplay’s generation-defining discography, for Elyanna, her songs of home and resilience have gained a charge of meaning in the current moment — “I feel like I’m preaching every night,” she writes in an email to The FADER. “Spreading love and awareness.”

Ahead, we checked in with the star about the most memorable shows she’s played, the songs on her current music playlist, the best thing she bought herself recently, and more. See some exclusive photos of her on tour, too, below.

Where did you grow up and what was it like?

I grew up in Nazareth and we would go to Chile to Vina Del Mar every Christmas. It was so beautiful to be exposed to two amazing cultures that are somehow similar. I feel like I lived in such a pure and genuine place. Like living in a song.

What’s something that’s always on your rider?

Banana chips, a nice scented candle, a chai latte, throat coat tea and silver sugar (my grandpa used to eat it when he sang).

Name the last three songs you played/streamed.

1. “In My Place” – Coldplay
2. “Catalina” – Rosalía
3. Some unreleased Yanna music

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

“Let’s not be afraid to fail.”

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received?

To rush making music and release it.

What’s your favorite song to play live right now and why?

“Olive Branch” and “We Pray” are my favorite songs to perform live. I feel like I’m preaching every time I sing them in different cities; spreading love and awareness.

What’s a song that you’d want to cover and why?

I want to cover a Julio Iglesias song in Spanish. Me and my family would always listen to him when we were living in Chile.

Describe the best show you’ve played this year so far.

I’d say India was the best show so far. There was a certain spark in India. I enjoyed the culture and the music so much! The people were so genuine and accepting of different sounds and languages.

What’s the best thing you’ve bought yourself recently and why?

My henna traveling kit from Hollywood Henna!

What was the last creative idea you had that made you ask, ‘Can we do that’?

I can’t say, because I might do it soon!

What would you cook to impress a date?

I think I would keep it simple and make Arabic coffee.