Lady Gaga lit up the stage at the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, on Friday, April 11, delivering a nearly two-hour performance that seamlessly blended tracks from her new album, "Mayhem," with her greatest hits. This marked her first time headlining the festival since her unforgettable 2017 appearance, where she famously stepped in for a pregnant Beyoncé.
The pop superstar kicked off her high-energy set with the electrifying "Bloody Mary," leading into a medley of fan favorites including "Abracadabra," "Poker Face," and "Alejandro," before closing with the iconic "Bad Romance." Gaga's setlist featured a total of 20 tracks, with notable inclusions such as "Born This Way" and other beloved hits, showcasing her impressive range and artistry.
At 39 years old, Gaga is gearing up for her sold-out "Mayhem Ball" tour, which is set to commence in July 2025. Ahead of her Coachella performance, she reflected on her setlist choices, emphasizing the importance of balancing her hits with artistic expression. "I think people always want to hear your hits. That has to be a part of it," she stated in an interview with Uproxx. "But also, you know, I’ve actually never been someone that will shy away from my artistry given the venue. I think Coachella is an opportunity to do something unique and special. … So yes to the hits, but also yes to high artistry."
The excitement surrounding Coachella 2025 extends beyond Gaga's performance. The festival, running from April 11 to April 13, features a star-studded lineup including Travis Scott, Post Malone, and Green Day, among many others. This year, Coachella is also introducing a new stage called the Quasar, which will be livestreamed alongside the main stage, allowing fans to catch all the action from home.
As thousands of music lovers flock to the Southern California desert, many are tuning into the festival's livestream, accessible via YouTube. The livestream kicked off on Friday at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, allowing fans to experience the magic of Coachella from wherever they are.
In addition to Gaga's set, the festival has already seen some remarkable collaborations. The Go-Go's brought out Billie Joe Armstrong during their Friday evening set, performing "Head Over Heels." Meanwhile, Benson Boone delighted the crowd with a special rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" alongside Queen's legendary guitarist, Brian May. Three 6 Mafia also hosted a star-studded set, featuring appearances by Project Pat, Travis Barker, Machine Gun Kelly, and Wiz Khalifa.
Looking ahead, fans can expect even more exciting performances and surprise guests throughout the weekend. Troye Sivan is rumored to join Charli XCX during her Saturday night set, while Maren Morris is expected to make an appearance during Zedd's performance.
Adding to the festival's diverse lineup, Lisa and Jennie of Blackpink are also performing as solo artists this year, following their groundbreaking headlining performance in 2023, which marked the first time a K-pop act headlined Coachella. Lisa's recent debut album, "Alter Ego," showcases her evolution as an artist, and her performance is anticipated to be a highlight of the festival.
As the festival continues, fans are treated to a mix of new music and nostalgic hits, with artists like Post Malone, Megan Thee Stallion, and Zedd set to take the stage. The festival not only serves as a platform for established artists but also highlights emerging talents across various genres.
Coachella is known for its vibrant atmosphere and unforgettable performances, and 2025 is no exception. With its blend of iconic headliners, surprise collaborations, and a diverse range of musical styles, this year's festival promises to be a memorable kickoff to the festival season.
As the weekend unfolds, fans can look forward to more thrilling performances, collaborations, and the unique experience that only Coachella can provide. Whether attending in person or watching from home, the festival continues to capture the hearts of music lovers around the world.
