As the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival continues to captivate fans in 2025, two major performances have taken center stage: Lady Gaga and Travis Scott. Both artists, with their unique styles and extensive catalogs, have drawn massive crowds and generated significant buzz.
Lady Gaga's performance on April 19, 2025, during Weekend 2 of Coachella was a striking echo of her Weekend 1 show, presenting the same setlist that was themed as an "opera in the desert" centered around her latest album, Mayhem. Fans were treated to a theatrical experience that showcased her artistry and vocal prowess. The setlist was divided into four acts, each offering a different thematic and musical journey.
Act I, titled "Of Velvet and Vice," opened with the haunting "Bloody Mary," followed by the energetic "Abracadabra," the provocative "Scheiße," the ethereal "Garden Of Eden," and concluding with her iconic hit "Poker Face." This act set the tone for the evening, blending dramatic visuals with Gaga's powerful voice.
Act II, "And She Fell Into a Gothic Dream," continued the narrative with tracks like "Perfect Celebrity," "Disease," and the fan-favorite "Paparazzi." The act also featured "Alejandro" and "The Beast," further immersing the audience in the dark, dreamlike atmosphere that Gaga is known for.
Moving into Act III, titled "The Beautiful Nightmare That Knows Her Name," the energy ramped up with songs like "Killah," "Zombieboy," and the reflective "Die With a Smile." It culminated in the provocative "How Bad Do U Want Me?" which had the crowd on their feet.
Act IV, "To Wake Her Is to Lose Her," closed the show with powerful anthems including "Shadow Of A Man," the ever-empowering "Born This Way," the heartfelt "Shallow," and the poignant "Vanish Into You." The encore featured the electrifying "Bad Romance," leaving fans exhilarated as they celebrated Gaga's artistry.
Meanwhile, Travis Scott's return to Coachella has been highly anticipated, especially after he was originally slated to headline the 2020 festival, which was ultimately canceled. His performance on April 19, 2025, marks a significant moment in his career, as he returns to the festival after missing out on the 2022 lineup due to the fallout from the tragic events at his Astroworld Festival.
Scott took the stage at 11:40 PM, following Green Day's earlier performance. While Green Day was billed as the headliner for the night, Scott's set was designed to be the grand finale, embodying the festival's spirit of celebration and creativity. His performance was described as a “designs the desert” event, showcasing not just his music but also a unique production that included the Village by Cactus Jack, a sculpture park featuring interactive installations and activities.
During his first weekend performance on April 12, 2025, Scott delivered a nearly 30-song setlist that included a mix of tracks from his latest album, Utopia, as well as hits from his previous works, such as Astroworld. Notable songs included "Butterfly Effect," "No Bystanders," and the crowd favorite "Sicko Mode." Additionally, Scott introduced two unreleased tracks, tentatively titled "Oh Jacques" and "She Going Dumb," hinting at future projects.
Despite the speculation around special guests, Scott opted to keep the focus on his own performance, a decision that mirrored the trend among this year's headliners. This choice allowed him to curate a unique experience for the audience, emphasizing his artistic vision and the immersive elements of his show.
As the festival progresses, the excitement continues to build, with Lady Gaga and Travis Scott leading the charge. Their performances not only highlight their individual talents but also reflect the evolving landscape of live music in a post-pandemic world. Fans are eager to experience the magic of Coachella, with each artist bringing their distinct flair to the iconic festival.
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival remains a cultural touchstone, showcasing a diverse lineup that includes other notable acts such as Charli XCX and Post Malone. As the event unfolds, attendees are reminded of the power of music to unite and inspire, creating lasting memories amid the desert backdrop.
