Green Day was one of the many performers who brought politics to the stage at Coachella 2025. Photo curtesy of @jesus_of_who via Instagram.
Coachella 2025 was a record-breaking celebration of culture, music, and surprise that continued to reinforce itself as a top music festival. For two weekends in April at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, the festival presented a wide array of artists, surprise performers, and new creative collaborations.
This year’s installment reaffirmed why Coachella remains one of the most sought-after and talked-about events in the global music scene. The atmosphere was charged, the production flawless, and the performances unforgettable for both live viewers and streaming viewers.
Lady Gaga’s headlining performance was one of the most eagerly awaited acts. Titled “Mayhem Ball,” the concert was not so much a setlist, it was a theatrical experience. Choreographed by multiple award-winning director Parris Goebel, the show featured cutting-edge fashion, dramatic narrative breaks, and an unconventional five-act structure. The show paid homage to Gaga’s Fame Monster roots while debuting new tracks believed to be from her upcoming album. Her raw energy and presence on stage created an electrifying showpiece that her unforgettable fans hailed as one of the best festival performances to date.
Green Day also made a massive impact, closing out Coachella for the first time in their career. Their set was politically charged, reflecting the band’s history of protest-driven punk rock. The declaration invoked thunderous applause and reminded one of the band’s determination to use music as a means of activism and protest. Along with Green Day, artists like Clairo, and Irish group Kneecap, had made political statements while performing.
Post Malone did a comprehensive set of his whole catalog, showcasing his range and growth as an artist. His set transitioned seamlessly from ballads that pulled at the heartstrings to high-energy rock-infused tracks, emphasizing his genre-bending style. With charismatic stage presence and heartfelt delivery, Post Malone’s set proved why he continues to be one of the most captivating performers of his generation.
Another artist who played is Beabadoobee. She performed some of her hit songs and had a cherry blossom set.
One of the most talked about performances was Travis Scott’s highly anticipated return with his groundbreaking “Travis Scott Designs the Desert.” The stage was transformed into an immersive, interactive environment with stunning visuals, abstract desert-scapes, and synchronized lighting that complemented the high energy of his performance. His unique sound and forward-thinking vision created his performance as a state-of-the-art, record-breaking one that drew in one of the largest crowds of the festival.
Surprise one-offs also left everyone in suspense. Maybe the most anticipated moment was during Charli XCX’s set, when she brought Billie Eilish on stage for their duet, “Guess,” and a surprise performance from Lorde, for an unplanned duet of “Girl, So Confusing.” The surprise appearance thrilled the audience and immediately generated rumors of upcoming musical collaborations between the two genre-defying pop stars.
One of the most moving moments was when up-and-coming star Benson Boone paid tribute to Freddie Mercury. With Queen’s guitarist Brian May, he performed “Bohemian Rhapsody” in a moving cross-generational performance that combined old-school rock with modern vocal technique, a powerful tribute that lingered.
The festival was not without controversy, with some performances that included political commentary and sparked massive debates. But, Coachella 2025 was ultimately a celebration of change, innovation, and cultural relevance justifying its reputation as an event not to be missed that taps the pulse of the music world.