From 11 to 13 April 2025, the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, transitioned into a vibrant music, art, and culture venue as Coachella put on its first weekend of performances and experiences.
Lady Gaga makes a glorious return
Headlining Friday night was Lady Gaga, who had a bold appearance at Coachella, her first since 2017. It was a gorgeous collaboration of her all-time hits, plus new music, costumes, and choreography. She brought the fan favourite “Shallow” to her Coachella fan audience, singing at all with the dedication “to the worldwide fans.”
Green Day delivers punk with a purpose
On Saturday, punk-rock legends Green Day ignited the main stage with classics like “Basket Case,” “Holiday,” and “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.” Their surprise performance alongside 80s trailblazers The Go-Go’s added a nostalgic twist to the night. Frontman Billie Joe Armstrong encouraged the youth to vote between songs, blending music with civic engagement. “We’ve got the mic, and we’ve got the numbers. Use your voice,” he urged the roaring crowd, as reported by Rolling Stone.
Tyla shines as an African artist
South Africa’s very own Tyla also took the stage, dazzling the audience with her songs “Water” and “Truth or Dare,” a blend of Afropop mixed with R&B, which heavily resonated throughout the audience and further established her growing international acclaim. The superstar brought her individuality and impact onto the Coachella stage. Now more than ever, African artists meet cultural and commercially relevant internationally, and it shows.
Post Malone closes with a country twist
Post Malone closed out the weekend on Sunday with a set that showcased his recent foray into country music. Performing tracks from his latest album, “F-1 Trillion,” he blended genres seamlessly, offering a fresh take on his musical repertoire. The performance was a testament to his versatility as an artist.
Surprise performances steal the show
The festival buzzed with excitement as surprise sets dominated social media. Charli XCX brought out Billie Eilish, Troye Sivan, and Lorde, while Benson Boone teamed up with Queen’s Brian May for a rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Additionally, Three 6 Mafia shook the Sahara tent alongside Travis Barker, Machine Gun Kelly, and Wiz Khalifa – an unexpected collaboration that thrilled fans.
Festival fashion and eco-conscious trends
Beyond the music, Coachella 2025 emphasised fashion and sustainability. Festivalgoers embraced eco-friendly attire, with many sporting outfits made from recycled materials. The festival also featured wellness zones offering activities like yoga and meditation, reflecting a holistic approach to the festival experience.
What to expect from weekend two?
As weekend two approaches, scheduled for 18 to 20 April, fans are eagerly anticipating potential guest appearances and even more viral moments. Rumours about possible surprise sets from Doja Cat and Kendrick Lamar are already circulating.
Did you attend Coachella or stream the performances online? Which moments stood out to you?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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