Coachella 2025: Stars, Surprises, and a Political Stage Takeover

This year's Coachella festival dazzled with unexpected performances and political statements, keeping fans entertained while tackling pressing issues.

Stars flooded Coachella's audience this weekend, drawing attention as surprise performances took center stage. Headlining was Lady Gaga, who captivated festivalgoers with a dramatic set that included a sensational opening reminiscent of a dark ritual for her 2011 hit "Bloody Mary." Not to be outshone, South Korean pop sensation Blackpink made appearances, with Lisa seen dancing to fellow performers Enhypen after delivering her own set.

In a thrilling moment, singer Benson Boone surprised attendees by teaming up with the legendary Sir Brian May to perform the iconic "Bohemian Rhapsody," all while showcasing his signature front flip. The atmosphere buzzed with familiarity as noted actor Timothee Chalamet and partner Kylie Jenner were spotted enjoying the festivities.

Adding to the dynamic crowd, Justin and Hailey Bieber, along with notable artists like Tate McRae and The Kid Laroi, were seen dancing at Yeat's electrifying performance on Friday night.

This year's festival, featuring an impressive lineup including Megan Thee Stallion, Post Malone, and punk-rock giants Green Day, gathered over 100,000 eager attendees daily, as excitement reached palpable heights. The powerful presence of Charli XCX brought fans back to their "brat summer," performing hits like "Von Dutch" while accompanied by surprise guests including Troye Sivan and Billie Eilish.

Yet, it wasn't all about heartfelt performances; Coachella faced challenges, especially at the gates where ticket holders endured heavy traffic and lengthy waiting times due to a new reservation system. Attendees braved the heat for hours, highlighting issues with festival planning.

As always, music festivals serve as platforms for activism, and Coachella was no exception. Left-wing Senator Bernie Sanders engaged the crowd before Clairo's performance, advocating for the younger generation to shape the future in the wake of political challenges posed by President Donald Trump. Green Day also made headlines, revising their lyrics to protest the ongoing conflict in Palestine and criticize "the Maga agenda."

Adding to the day’s political engagement, the Irish rap group Kneecap had attendees chanting against former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. However, their bold political message was abruptly cut from the livestream, showcasing the complexities of merging art with activism.

Following recent scrutiny over influencer dominance and talent-related incidents from previous festivals, Coachella continues to navigate both praise and criticism. The festival remains poised to close out with a strong lineup next weekend, promising more surprises in the making.