The Highlights of Coachella 2025: A Day of Heat and Epic Performances
As the Coachella music festival continues to make its mark in history, the inaugural day of the 2025 edition is poised to be remembered for two standout features: the oppressive heat, soaring above 100 degrees, and the unforgettable headlining performance by Lady Gaga. This show not only captivated audiences but also represented one of the most extravagant productions seen on the iconic Indio polo field stage.
Lady Gaga’s Grand Performance
Gaga’s set, heralding her latest album titled “Mayhem,”unfolded across five visually stunning acts, each with theatrical titles like “And She Fell Into A Gothic Dream” and “The Beautiful Nightmare that Knows Her Name.” The narrative arc of the performance appeared to depict the artist’s struggle with her Mother Monster persona, culminating in its revival during the epic finale.
Right from the outset, Gaga’s ambition to create a spectacular experience was palpable. She opened with “Bloody Mary,” perched atop an elaborate multi-story set piece, surrounded by gothic aesthetics and a multitude of dancers spiraling through a dark, imaginative narrative. The striking stage was reminiscent of ancient performance venues, embellished with gargoyles, Roman columns, and a variety of musicians positioned throughout the stage, including a hidden string section and a formidable team of rock instrumentalists.
The immersive experience expanded as masked DJ Gesaffelstein joined her on stage, adding further excitement with a rendition of “Killah.” Gaga’s set seemed designed not only for the throngs clustered at the festival but also for audiences watching via livestream, with many moments clearly choreographed for maximum visual impact.
Mid-performance, Gaga exclaimed, “I decided to build you an opera house for you in the middle of the desert,” before launching into her hit “Alejandro.” The immersive nature of her show felt uniquely tailored for the Coachella crowd, positioning it among the festival’s hallmark performances delivered by iconic artists who elevate the event beyond a mere concert stop on their tour—think of Beyoncé and Prince. For the 100,000 fans in attendance, it was undeniably more than just a show; it was a hallmark moment that reinforced Coachella’s status as a top-tier festival.
Additional Notable Acts
Lady Gaga wasn’t the sole star illuminating the stage that day. Just before her performance, the legendary Missy Elliott enthralled the audience with a vibrant, space-themed set that revisited her classic hits “Work It” and “Lose Control,” demonstrating their timeless appeal. K-pop sensation LISA from Blackpink also shone brightly in the Sahara Tent, captivating fans with her live debut of “Lifestyle” and embracing her past role in “The White Lotus.”
(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Coachella)
Adding to the surprises, Brian May of Queen took the stage alongside gospel artists, supporting rising star Benson Boone in a rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and his own track “Beautiful Things.” On the slightly more intimate Outdoor Theater stage, Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong joined the reunited Go-Go’s for a lively performance of “Head over Heels,” blending the distinct eras of punk history.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Coachella
The energy continued to pulse through the festival grounds as Ireland’s Kneecap ignited a mosh pit with their dynamic Gaelic hip-hop, while newcomer Lola Young warmed up the crowd with a singalong of her hit “Messy.” Young’s performance was especially memorable as she bravely managed to perform moments after experiencing a bout of heat-induced distress—an understandable reaction on such a sweltering day.