Lady Gaga has recently clarified her stance on live performances, stating emphatically that she would never lip sync as long as fans are paying to see her perform live. This statement comes at a time when BLACKPINK members Lisa and Jennie are facing scrutiny over their performances at the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, where online critics alleged that they were lip syncing.
The video of Lady Gaga discussing lip syncing has gone viral, sparking speculation that her remarks were aimed at BLACKPINK. However, it's essential to note that the clip originates from her Monster Ball world tour concert in New York back in February 2011. During that concert, she declared, "I never lip sync, I never have lip synced and I never will. And as long as you’re paying money to buy a ticket to see my show, I’m not gonna waste your time watching a b*tch lip sync her way through an HBO special." This statement, made long before BLACKPINK was even formed, has been misinterpreted by some as a dig at the K-pop group.
At Coachella 2025, BLACKPINK's Lisa and Jennie made their solo debuts, performing on April 13 and 15, respectively. Lisa electrified the crowd with her hit track "MONEY" from her debut solo album, Alter Ego, showcasing her unique artistry and commanding stage presence. Dressed in a striking red outfit, she captivated fans with her hip-hop style and intricate dance moves. The performance was a testament to her growing stature in the global music scene.
Alter Ego, released in 2025, is a blend of hip-hop, electropop, and trap, featuring collaborations with renowned artists like Raye, Doja Cat, Tyla, Rosalía, Future, and Megan Thee Stallion. This diverse sound highlights Lisa's versatility and cements her place as a significant figure in contemporary music. In addition to her music career, Lisa is also pursuing acting, having made her debut in the Max television series The White Lotus.
Jennie, for her part, continued to build her solo music career with performances from her 2023 album Ruby. Her set included a surprise guest appearance by Kali Uchis, adding an unexpected twist that thrilled the audience. Like Lisa, Jennie has successfully carved out her own identity while remaining a vital part of BLACKPINK, and she is also venturing into acting with a key role in the Max series The Idol.
The Coachella festival has long symbolized the globalization of music, and the presence of Lisa and Jennie as solo acts underscores the increasing mainstream success of K-pop in the United States. BLACKPINK has made history at Coachella, first performing in 2019 as the first female-led K-pop group and then headlining in 2023 as the first-ever K-pop act.
In 2025, Lisa and Jennie's performances further solidified their status as cultural icons, demonstrating the expanding reach of K-pop beyond Asia. Other K-pop groups, such as ENHYPEN and XG, also graced the Coachella stage, highlighting the growing interest in Korean music in the U.S.
As the social media conversation around BLACKPINK's performances continues, fans have taken to platforms like X to debate the viewership statistics of their Coachella shows. A recent post claimed that Beyoncé's performance at Coachella remains the most viewed, which sparked disagreement among BLACKPINK's fans, known as Blinks. One user pointed out that while Beyoncé had 458,000 viewers for her performance in 2018, BLACKPINK garnered 290,000 concurrent viewers in 2023 and a total of 2.9 million views throughout the day.
Blinks have been vocal in defending their group's achievements, stating that the numbers reported by various sources often reflect both the live concert and the official Coachella YouTube broadcasts. One user emphasized that any claim suggesting otherwise is misinformation, while others expressed confidence in BLACKPINK's significant viewership.
As the debate rages on, it's clear that BLACKPINK's recent performances have left fans eager for more. Lisa performed a medley of hits, including "Elastigirl," "Born Again," "Money," "Moonlight," and "New Woman," while Jennie's set featured songs like "Filter," "FTS," "Mantra," "Handlebars," "Seoul City," "ExtraL," "Starlight," and "Like Jennie." Both performances showcased their artistic growth and individual styles, which continue to resonate with fans around the world.
Looking ahead, BLACKPINK is set to embark on a multi-city concert tour, officially announced by their agency YG Entertainment. The tour will kick off in Goyang, South Korea, on July 5, 2025, and will take the group to major cities across Asia, Europe, and North America throughout 2026.
As the K-pop phenomenon continues to evolve, Lisa and Jennie's solo debuts at Coachella mark a significant milestone in their careers, highlighting their individuality while reinforcing their roots in BLACKPINK. With a growing global fanbase and increasing recognition, both artists are poised to define their musical legacies in the years to come.
