Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Mia O'Hare

CBBC Newsround host Lizo Mzimba makes unlikely onstage appearance at Coachella

In the most unlikely pairing, CBBC Newsround host Lizo Mzimba made a surprise on stage at the Californian festival Coachella.

The longest-serving presenter starred on the children's news programme from 1998 to 2008 and made his way back into the news this week.

The journalist, 54, was "honoured and grateful" to make the onstage appearance during UK artist Jai Paul's first-ever performance.

A throwback snap of Lizo on the kid's show was projected onto the huge screen behind the stage.

English singer-songwriter Jai Paul made his solo debut on the iconic stage after years of producing music for the likes of Beyonce, Ariana Grande and Drake.

Lizo Mzimba made a surprise appearance onstage at Coachella (Twitter)

Following the set, Lizo, who is now the BBC's Entertainment correspondent, shared a photo of the unexpected moment.

The BBC's Entertainment correspondent said: "Never ever imagined that a picture of me from my Newsround days would end up being projected on a huge screen at Coachella at the weekend.

"Very honoured and grateful. Thank you @Jai_Paul."

Fans were thrilled with the unlikely image, despite having no idea how it even became an idea.

One wrote: "No way! Please tell me the back story to this…"

"How? Why? Wonderful but there are BIG questions," asked another.

A third fan commented: "Has to be worth a AAA pass for next weekend?"

Lizo is Newsround's longest serving presenter (BBC)
The CBBC show presents news that is accessible to children (BBC)

Someone else simply added: "What," whilst another said: "Inspired a generation!"

Last year, Lizo joined Julie Etchingham and Krishnan Guru-Murthy as they marked 50 years of the popular programme.

Launched in 1972 with John Craven at the helm, Newsround has spent decades breaking new ground as well as huge global stories in a way that is accessible to children.

It has also launched the careers of some of the biggest names in British broadcasting, including journalists Julie Etchingham and Krishnan Guru-Murthy.

At the peak of its popularity Newsround, known as John Craven’s Newsround until his departure in 1989, drew an audience of 5.5 million as children across Britain, and their parents, tuned in.

While Newsround’s teatime slot was axed in 2020, it still reaches millions of kids a week online and on CBBC.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.