The 25 Most Memorable Moments We Saw at Coachella 2025

Coachella 2025 was a dazzling spectacle of music, culture, and surprise, living up to its reputation as the world’s most talked-about festival. From genre-defying performances to unexpected political cameos, the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, became a melting pot of pop culture, artistry, and activism. Here are the 25 moments that defined this year’s festival, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

1. Lady Gaga’s Campy Coachella Rock Opera

Lady Gaga’s Friday night headlining set was a theatrical tour de force. Built around her new album Mayhem, the show unfolded in four acts and a finale, featuring 20 songs and as many costume changes as the livestream could handle. The narrative was abstract—a battle of two selves for control of a soul—but the spectacle was pure Gaga: high-concept pop, dazzling visuals, and a reminder of her status as music’s greatest showwoman.

2. Missy Elliott’s Futuristic Victory Lap

Missy Elliott’s main-stage set was a time machine and a glimpse into the future. She tore through classics like “Work It” and “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly),” her inventive rhymes and beats as fresh as ever. Her costumes—one resembling a wind-tunnel inner tube—were as bold as her music, and she owned the stage despite the desert heat.

3. Lisa’s Solo Star Turn in the Sahara Tent

Blackpink’s Lisa returned to Coachella, this time as a solo act. Emerging atop a monolithic pillar in a bodysuit adorned with metal claws, she delivered virtuosic vocals and rapid-fire rapping, especially on the trap-heavy “FXCK Up the World.” Her performance was a declaration: Lisa is a pop powerhouse in her own right.

4. The Marías Make It Snow in the Desert

During the Marías’ set, María Zardoya stood in a white gown as faux snow fell on the Outdoor stage—a surreal sight in the sweltering desert. The band’s melancholic Spanish ballads, including “Lejos De Ti,” were matched by the wintry visuals, creating a magical, immersive experience.

5. Benson Boone’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ with Brian May

Benson Boone’s Coachella debut was electrifying, but the real surprise was Queen’s Brian May joining him for a faithful rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Backed by a gospel choir, Boone channeled Freddie Mercury’s theatricality, making the performance a festival highlight.

6. Nobu x Red Bull Mirage Pyramid: The Ultimate Festival Dining

The most extravagant culinary experience came from Nobu’s pop-up in the Red Bull Mirage pyramid. With an omakase counter and open-air booths, festival-goers could enjoy high-end Japanese cuisine and bottle service while overlooking the Quasar stage—a true VIP experience.

7. Three 6 Mafia’s Star-Studded Sahara Set

Three 6 Mafia’s set was a celebration of ‘90s rap, but the guest appearances made it legendary. Machine Gun Kelly, Travis Barker, and Wiz Khalifa joined the duo, turning the Sahara Tent into a hip-hop hall of fame for one unforgettable night.

8. Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong Joins the Go-Go’s

The Go-Go’s leaned into nostalgia with hits from their debut album, but the surprise appearance of Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong for a song from their third album “Talk Show” was a cross-generational treat for fans.

9. Travis Scott’s Gravity-Defying Return

Travis Scott’s Saturday night set was a masterclass in stagecraft. Dancers dangled from cables, Scott walked vertically down a wall 50 feet high, and a brass band played on a riser that vaulted him above the crowd. It was a triumphant return, reasserting his command of the stage after the Astroworld tragedy.

10. Green Day’s Pop-Punk Powerhouse Headline

Green Day proved their enduring appeal with a set spanning decades of hits. Billie Joe Armstrong tweaked lyrics to address current events, including a protest against the “MAGA agenda” and a nod to “the kids from Palestine,” blending music with timely commentary.

11. Bernie Sanders’ Surprise Political Rally

In the most unexpected cameo, Senator Bernie Sanders took the stage before Clairo’s set, urging the crowd to stay politically engaged: “You can turn away and ignore what goes on but if you do, you do it at your own peril.” His presence underscored Coachella’s role as a platform for cultural and political discourse.

12. Charli XCX’s Genre-Bending Main Stage Set

Charli XCX’s performance was a reminder of her versatility beyond high-profile collaborations and party anthems. Dressed in all black, she commanded the main stage, subverting expectations and delivering a set that was both edgy and introspective.

13. Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic’s Pop-Classic Fusion

The LA Philharmonic, led by Gustavo Dudamel, brought classical music to the festival, running through crowd-pleasers like Beethoven’s Fifth and Strauss’ “Also sprach Zarathustra.” The set featured pop guests including Zedd, Maren Morris, Becky G, and Laufey, but the highlight was Dudamel and LL Cool J blending “The Imperial March” with “Rock the Bells”—a genre mashup for the ages.

14. ‘Yo Gabba Gabba!’ Unleashes Coachella’s Inner Child

The Mojave Tent became a playground as characters from “Yo Gabba Gabba!” led the crowd in singalongs and games. Flavor Flav, Thundercat, Portugal the Man, Paul Williams, and “Weird Al” Yankovic joined the fun, making it a nostalgic, all-ages celebration.

15. T-Pain’s Steampunk Hit Parade

T-Pain’s long-awaited Coachella debut was a hit-filled journey through his career, including covers of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Tennessee Whiskey.” His steampunk stage set and energetic performance made it clear he was savoring every moment.

16. Weezer’s Triumphant Return Amid Personal Turmoil

Weezer’s set in the Mojave Tent was charged with emotion, following a week of personal drama for bassist Scott Shriner. The band’s performance was a testament to resilience, drawing a massive crowd and delivering their signature blend of power pop and rock.

17. Post Malone’s Country Transformation

Post Malone closed the festival’s first weekend with a 90-minute set that reimagined his pop-rap hits as country jams. With songs like “Texas Tea” and “Wow” given a Nashville twist, Malone’s performance blurred genre lines and capped off the festival with a down-home vibe.

18. Ty Dolla Sign’s Prison Yard Spectacle

Ty Dolla Sign transformed the Sahara Tent into the “Tycoon Correctional Facility,” complete with barbed wire and bunk beds. Joined by YG, Tyga, Wiz Khalifa, and others, his set was a theatrical, star-studded celebration of hip-hop camaraderie.

19. Megan Thee Stallion’s Multigenerational Rap Summit

Megan Thee Stallion’s set was a high-energy marathon, but the highlight was Queen Latifah’s surprise appearance. Together, they performed Latifah’s 1993 hit “U.N.I.T.Y.,” bridging generations of influential female rappers. Ciara also joined, but the set was cut short by festival organizers, leaving the crowd wanting more.

20. Jennie from Blackpink’s Eclectic Solo Showcase

Jennie’s solo set on the Outdoor Theater was a genre-hopping journey, from club bangers to regal ballads. Without the boost of a hit TV show, she packed the venue and proved her solo artistry could stand on its own.

21. Junior H and Peso Pluma’s Música Mexicana Main Stage Moment

Junior H became the first música Mexicana act to headline the main stage, joined by Peso Pluma for a heartfelt performance of “Luna.” Their collaboration was a milestone for Latin music at Coachella, drawing a massive, enthusiastic crowd.

22. The Tiki Bar: Coachella’s Coolest Oasis

With temperatures soaring into the 90s, festival-goers sought refuge at the hidden tiki bar in the 12 Peaks VIP area. Next to the Menotti coffee stand, it became the go-to spot for icy drinks and shade—a necessary respite in the relentless desert sun.

23. Soft Play’s Punk Chaos in the Sonora Tent

British punk duo Soft Play delivered a chaotic, high-energy set in the air-conditioned Sonora Tent. Drummer Isaac Holman and guitarist Laurie Vincent jumped into the crowd, losing track of time and revamping their set on the fly—a raw, spontaneous punk experience.

24. Shaboozey’s Country Hour with Noah Cyrus

Shaboozey brought country music to Coachella, dressed in a Nudie-style suit despite the heat. His set, dubbed “Coachella’s Country Hour,” featured a duet with Noah Cyrus on “My Fault,” previewing his upcoming appearance at Stagecoach and highlighting the festival’s genre diversity.

25. The Festival’s Unmatched Energy and Community

Beyond the headline moments, Coachella 2025 was defined by its sense of community, resilience, and joy. Whether it was fans braving the heat, artists pushing creative boundaries, or surprise guests igniting the crowd, the festival once again proved why it remains the epicenter of live music and pop culture.

Conclusion

Coachella 2025 was a kaleidoscope of unforgettable moments—musical, visual, and cultural. From Lady Gaga’s operatic spectacle to Bernie Sanders’ political rally, from genre-bending collaborations to nostalgic reunions, the festival captured the spirit of a generation in flux. As the sun set over the Empire Polo Club, it was clear: Coachella’s magic lies not just in its headliners, but in the unexpected, the communal, and the moments that linger long after the music fades.

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