On April 14, 2025, Travis Scott made a triumphant return to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, captivating audiences with a high-energy performance that not only showcased his musical prowess but also included a heartfelt moment dedicated to his daughter, Stormi. During his set, Scott paused to call out, "Stormi, let’s rock!" a touching gesture that quickly went viral across social media platforms.
Performing on the main stage at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, Scott's set was a highlight of the festival, which spanned two weekends from April 11-13 and April 18-20. The rapper shares his children, 7-year-old Stormi and 3-year-old Aire, with ex-partner Kylie Jenner, who was also in attendance at the festival alongside her current boyfriend, Timothée Chalamet.
Leading up to his performance, Scott had promised fans an immersive experience, stating, "I’m curating a fully immersive and experiential world within the desert." This promise was fulfilled as he transformed the Coachella stage into a vibrant and dynamic space. The set opened with a brass band of around 60 musicians, setting the tone for an unforgettable hour-long performance.
Scott’s set featured a mix of his classic hits and new material, including a teaser of his upcoming album, JACKBOYS 2, the follow-up to his 2019 collaborative project. He kicked off the show with the songs "Aye" and "Crush," before debuting two previously unheard tracks that resonated with the lively crowd. His innovative approach saw him perform from a moving circular stage positioned in the midst of the audience, rather than solely from the main stage.
Throughout the performance, Scott kept the energy high, performing fan favorites like "SICKO MODE," which featured a horn intro, and "FE!N," which he played twice. He also included collaborations such as "Skeletons" alongside The Weeknd and creatively mashed up his song "Modern Jam" with Drake’s "Nokia." This unique staging and energetic delivery showcased Scott’s commitment to creating a communal atmosphere, as he described to Complex, stating that his performance was about more than just himself; it was about the audience and the experience.
Interestingly, Scott's return to Coachella was particularly significant as he was originally slated to headline the 2020 festival, which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "With Coachella, that’s something I’ve always wanted to headline. I was supposed to do it and unfortunately, it didn’t happen. So it’s cool to be able to come back and do it," he expressed.
In addition to his musical performance, Scott engaged fans with a unique activation that matched the aesthetic of his set. This included new merchandise specifically designed for the festival, alongside items from brands like Erewhon and Vetements. A standout feature was a giant teddy bear with Scott's name etched on its foot, where fans could pose for photos, further enhancing the festival experience.
Among the notable moments was the collaboration with the Sonic Boom of the South, the marching band from Jackson State University, which opened the concert with an orchestra-style rendition of Scott's single "4x4". The band’s presence added a unique flair to the performance, and Scott referred to them as the "greatest band," as they performed alongside him during hits like "Sicko Mode" and "FE!N." This collaboration was made possible after Scott invited HBCU bands to showcase their skills on social media.
As Scott wrapped up his set, he brought the band on stage, culminating in a visually stunning performance that included elements like fire, lasers, and smoke, creating an electrifying atmosphere that left fans in awe.
Despite the excitement, some critics noted that the highly anticipated theme of "designing the desert"—a phrase that appeared on the Coachella lineup poster—did not fully materialize in the way fans might have expected. While the performance was undoubtedly energetic and engaging, questions arose regarding what exactly Scott meant by "designing the desert." Some speculated that it referred to a marketing installation at the festival called The Village by Cactus Jack, rather than a specific artistic vision for the performance itself.
Regardless of these debates, Scott’s Coachella set stood out as a major event of the weekend. His ability to blend personal moments, like his shout-out to Stormi, with a high-octane performance demonstrated his versatility as an artist. The festival also marked a pivotal moment in his ongoing Circus Maximus Tour, which supports his fourth studio album, Utopia, released in 2023.
With performances scheduled in various countries, including a highly anticipated show in Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on October 18, 2025, Scott's influence in the music industry continues to grow. He is set to conclude his tour in Tokyo, Japan, on November 8, 2025, further solidifying his status as one of the leading figures in contemporary hip-hop.
As Coachella 2025 progresses into its second weekend, fans eagerly await the next installment of "Boomchella," where Travis Scott and the Sonic Boom of the South are expected to deliver another unforgettable performance. The combination of Scott's artistic vision and the vibrant atmosphere of Coachella promises to keep fans engaged and excited for what’s to come.
