On April 12, 2025, the much-anticipated Coachella 2025 festival kicked off in Indio, California, featuring a star-studded lineup that included Lady Gaga, Lisa from Blackpink, and Marina Diamandis. The festival, which spans two weekends from April 11 to April 13 and April 18 to April 20, has been a focal point for music lovers worldwide.
As the sun set on the first day, Lady Gaga took center stage as the headliner, marking her return to the festival since 2017 when she famously replaced a pregnant Beyoncé. During her performance, Gaga expressed her desire to create an opera theater atmosphere in the desert, blending songs from her debut album Fame with tracks from her latest release, Mayhem. The performance was a theatrical spectacle, featuring a four-act structure that captivated the audience.
Among the notable moments was the appearance of French DJ Gesaffelstein, who electrified the crowd with a remix of "Abracadabra" and a collaborative track titled "Killah." The evening concluded with the iconic "Bad Romance" as a bonus track, leaving fans buzzing with excitement.
Marina Diamandis also made waves on stage, premiering her new single "Cuntissimo," which she described as inspired by legendary artists such as Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Madonna, and Rihanna. Her performance resonated with fans, showcasing her artistic evolution.
For Lisa, this was her Coachella debut, where she dazzled the audience with multiple alter-ego personas. The performance featured hits from her new album Alter Ego and highlighted her role in the popular series "The White Lotus," where she plays a key character named Mook.
Newcomer Benson Boone also graced the stage, performing Queen's classic "Bohemian Rhapsody" alongside legendary guitarist Sir Brian May, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
However, the festival was not without its challenges. Attendees reported extensive 12-hour waits to enter the festival grounds, leading to frustrations reminiscent of the infamous Fyre Festival. Many fans arrived early, hoping to avoid the crowds, only to find themselves stuck in long lines.
Social media was abuzz with complaints about the organization of the event, with one user on X/Twitter sharing a photo of a field filled with cars queued up, captioning it: "Coachella is plunging into chaos, and the festival hasn't even started yet." The lack of portable toilets and extreme heat exacerbated the situation, causing discomfort among festival-goers.
Festival attendee Adam Roberts expressed his discontent, stating, "I joked that tickets to Fyre Festival were included in the cost of the ticket this year, and I honestly think so. I feel scammed." This sentiment echoed among many who felt let down by the festival's logistical shortcomings.
Kaila Standring, another attendee, shared her experience with Business Insider, saying, "It's just desert out here; there's no bushes to hide behind. I had to open both doors of the car to block myself, and then the girls in the car behind saw us and started doing it. I started a revolution for women." This humorous yet poignant comment highlighted the extreme conditions attendees faced.
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is renowned as the most important American music festival of the year, attracting thousands of fans willing to pay no less than $649 for a ticket. This year, the lineup also included performances from Green Day, Travis Scott, Post Malone, Missy Elliott, and many more, promising a diverse array of musical experiences.
Despite the initial chaos, the festival's organizers are hopeful that the subsequent weekends will run more smoothly. Fans who could not attend in person can catch the performances via the Coachella Livestream application or on the Coachella channel on YouTube, ensuring that the music continues to reach audiences worldwide.
As the festival unfolds, the blend of musical talent, artistic expression, and the challenges of large-scale event management will continue to shape the narrative of Coachella 2025. With a lineup that promises to deliver unforgettable performances, attendees and viewers alike are eager to see how the festival evolves over the coming weekends.
