This year's Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has been a whirlwind of performances and surprises, with the second weekend kicking off on April 19, 2025, under perfect 80-degree weather with a gentle breeze. The festival, held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, has drawn thousands of attendees eager to experience a variety of musical acts, art installations, and celebrity appearances.
One of the standout moments came from singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, who made his Coachella debut to a packed Mojave tent. Announced as a last-minute addition, Sheeran's performance included hits like "Shivers," "Photographs," and "Don't," with a surprise blend of Blackstreet's "No Diggity" that had fans singing along. The atmosphere was electric as thousands gathered to witness the British artist's first set at the iconic festival.
Meanwhile, Tyla paid homage to pop icon Britney Spears with her outfit choice, mirroring Spears' unforgettable look from the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards. Tyla's ensemble featured a green and purple bra top paired with bedazzled low-rise jean shorts. Instead of the snake accessory that Spears famously donned, Tyla opted for zebra-print booties, later swapping them for knee-high crocodile-style boots. This nod to the past resonated with many festival-goers, showcasing the influence of past pop culture on today's artists.
Travis Scott, who has been a controversial figure in the music scene, also made waves at Coachella with his ambitious installation named Cactus Village. This mini-city on the festival grounds featured giant statues, a Vetements tattoo station, and a Nike soccer arena, alongside surprise celebrity appearances. However, Scott's installation has drawn mixed reviews, with some criticizing it as an eyesore, comparing it to a post-apocalyptic theme that lacked immersive features.
Adding to the festival's highlight reel, the LA Phil orchestra returned for Weekend 2, bringing with them a lineup of special guests. Among them were Natasha Bedingfield, who performed her hit "Unwritten," and Dave Grohl, who rocked the stage with songs like "The Sky is a Neighborhood" and "Everlong." The grand finale was delivered by Academy Award nominee Cynthia Erivo, who captivated the audience with her powerful rendition of "Brick by Brick" and a stunning cover of Prince's "Purple Rain." The performance ran a few minutes over schedule, but the crowd was more than willing to stay and soak in the unforgettable experience.
Charli XCX also delivered an impressive set, energizing the crowd with her dynamic performance. Although she had Addison Rae as a special guest, it was Charli's solo energy that truly held the audience's attention. Comedian Bowen Yang and his creative partner Matt Rogers were spotted in the front row, appearing on the video screen during one of Charli's songs, adding an extra layer of excitement to her performance.
However, not everything at Coachella was perfect. Reports surfaced of dwindling special guests compared to the previous weekend, with some performances lacking the star power that many had anticipated. Notably, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders did not return to introduce Clairo, leaving some fans disappointed.
As the festival progressed, concerns about the festival grounds also emerged. The grass at the Empire Polo Club was reportedly starting to wither, with many areas already dead. Allergens were becoming more prevalent, prompting festival-goers to don masks more frequently than in the first weekend. With Stagecoach set to follow next weekend, attendees are advised to prepare for potential allergy-related discomfort.
In the midst of all the music and festivities, Travis Scott's presence loomed large, especially given his past controversies. Having previously performed at Coachella on April 12, 2025, Scott returned to the stage on April 20, 2025, amidst a backdrop of scrutiny stemming from the tragic Astroworld festival in 2021, where 10 lives were lost due to a crowd surge. Despite the backlash, Scott remains a prominent figure in the music industry, boasting five number one hits on the US Billboard chart and 10 Grammy nominations.
Scott's history of controversy includes an arrest at the 2015 Lollapalooza festival for allegedly inciting chaos among fans. He faced charges of disorderly conduct and was sentenced to one year of court supervision after pleading guilty to reckless conduct charges. In 2017, he was accused of inciting a riot during a concert in Arkansas, which resulted in multiple injuries and further legal troubles.
More recently, Scott has been embroiled in a lawsuit involving an incident where a fan alleges he was assaulted by one of Scott's security guards outside a concert in Manhattan. The lawsuit claims that the assault occurred without cause or justification, leaving the victim with serious injuries. This incident adds another layer of complexity to Scott's public image as he continues to perform and engage with fans.
As the festival continues, the blend of music, fashion, and celebrity culture at Coachella 2025 highlights the evolving landscape of the music industry, where past legends influence current artists and new controversies shape the narratives surrounding performers. With each performance, attendees are reminded of the rich tapestry of experiences that Coachella offers, making it a must-attend event for music lovers around the world.
