Lady Gaga brought a night of unforgettable chaos to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 11, 2025, headlining the event for the second time in her career. Known for her theatrical performances and powerful vocals, the pop icon delivered a nearly two-hour set that showcased her latest album, Mayhem, while also paying homage to her extensive catalog of hits.
The evening kicked off with a dramatic video introduction that set the tone for the night. Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, opened with the electrifying track "Bloody Mary" from her 2011 album Born This Way. Dressed in a striking red gown and performing against a baroque backdrop adorned with gargoyles and angels, she immediately captivated the audience.
As the night progressed, Gaga introduced her "dance or die" segment, a call to action that had fans on their feet. This was followed by her iconic hit "Poker Face," which was performed on a massive chessboard stage. Backing dancers, dressed as chess pieces, engaged in a choreographed dance battle that saw Gaga triumphantly declare, "Off with her head!" after defeating her opponent.
Friday night marked Gaga's return to Coachella after her initial performance in 2017, when she stepped in last minute for Beyoncé. This time, however, she had the opportunity to fully realize her vision for the festival. "If there's a time and a date where you can make the public smile, from 11 p.m. to 1 in the morning on this day, I want to make it happen," she expressed in a pre-festival interview.
Fans were treated to a visual feast throughout the night. The performance was divided into four distinct acts, each showcasing a blend of new tracks and fan favorites. Act I, titled "Of Velvet and Vice," featured songs like "Abracadabra" and "Judas," while Act II, "And She Fell Into a Gothic Dream," included "Perfect Celebrity" and a powerful rendition of "Paparazzi," where Gaga performed wearing metal armor and crutches, referencing the original music video.
Midway through the set, Gaga took a moment to express her gratitude to her fans. "I love you so much. I wanted to make a romantic gesture to you this year in these times of mayhem. I've decided to build you an opera house in the desert for all the love and all the joy and all the strength you've given me my whole life," she said, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
Collaboration was also a highlight of the evening, as French producer Gesaffelstein joined Gaga on stage for their duet "Killah." The performance was a visual spectacle, with Gaga donning a blue and sparkly black leotard, complemented by a dramatic blue ruffle coat.
Act III, "The Beautiful Nightmare that Knows Her Name," showcased Gaga's playful side, featuring her dancing with a skeleton during her performance of "Zombieboy." The night also included her Grammy-winning duet "Die with a Smile," which she performed solo while dressed in a regal blue dress and black headpiece.
The show continued with Act IV, "To Wake Her is to Lose Her," which began with the Michael Jackson-esque tune "Shadow of a Man." As fireworks lit up the night sky during "Born This Way," the energy in the audience was palpable. Gaga's performance of "Shallow," originally filmed at Coachella for A Star Is Born, was particularly poignant, as it marked a full-circle moment for the artist.
As the set drew to a close, Gaga performed "Vanish Into You," walking through the crowd and connecting with fans before the grand finale. The dramatic conclusion, titled "Eternal Aria of the Monster Heart," featured Gaga being brought back to life by Black Plague-era masked doctors before she closed the show with her iconic anthem "Bad Romance," accompanied by explosive fireworks.
Fans took to social media to praise the performance, with one user likening the experience of watching the elaborate set being built to witnessing the construction of the pyramids of Giza. Comments flooded in, celebrating Gaga's ability to blend vocals, choreography, and storytelling into a single performance. "Lady Gaga is serving vocals, choreo, visuals, and a STORY all in one performance. This deserves a Grammy in itself!" one fan tweeted.
Despite the rave reviews for Gaga's performance, attendees voiced their frustrations regarding long queues and inadequate facilities at this year's festival, comparing the experience to the infamous Fyre Festival. Nonetheless, the excitement surrounding Gaga's return to Coachella overshadowed these complaints, as fans eagerly anticipated the next performances.
As Coachella continues through the weekend, with Green Day set to headline on Saturday night, the buzz surrounding Lady Gaga's performance remains strong. Her ability to connect with fans and deliver a show-stopping performance solidifies her status as one of the festival's most memorable headliners.
For those unable to attend in person, Coachella's performances are being livestreamed on YouTube, allowing fans worldwide to experience the magic of the festival from the comfort of their homes.
