Coachella 2025: An Enchanting Escape with Lady Gaga and Surprising Collaborations

This year’s Coachella festival in California featured noteworthy performances from Lady Gaga, who wowed attendees with a dramatic opening, alongside surprise appearances from artists like Sir Brian May and political statements from figures like Bernie Sanders. The festival attracted a myriad of celebrities but faced logistical chaos as well, leaving some attendees waiting in line for hours.

As the sun set over the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, Coachella 2025 unfolded with a kaleidoscope of star-studded performances and unexpected collaborations. Among the highlights was Lady Gaga, whose main stage set captivated fans as she delivered songs from her latest album, "Mayhem." Opening her performance with a theatrical rendition of "Bloody Mary," the pop diva set the tone for a weekend filled with musical magic.

Not just a playground for music lovers, Coachella also attracted a plethora of celebrity spectators. South Korean sensation Blackpink made waves as member Lisa was spotted grooving along to the K-pop boy band Enhypen's set. The audience was further electrified when Benson Boone brought out legendary guitarist Sir Brian May for a spirited rendition of Queen’s "Bohemian Rhapsody," showcasing his dynamic stage presence through a flamboyant front flip.

Among the festival-goers were Hollywood couple Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner, enjoying the eclectic atmosphere during an event that saw headliners such as Megan Thee Stallion and Post Malone light up the stage. Blackpink's Lisa, riding high on her recent acclaim from HBO's The White Lotus, had the crowd cheering as co-star Patrick Schwarzenegger filmed supportive clips of her performance.

The iconic Charli XCX reignited nostalgia on Saturday with hits like "Von Dutch" and "360,” aided by surprise guest appearances from Troye Sivan, Lorde, and Billie Eilish, who joined her on the chart-topping track "Guess." However, excitement was marred by chaotic entry woes, as festival-goers faced long delays due to a new reservation-based camping system, leaving many stranded in the sweltering heat.

Coachella is known not only for its music but also for its vibrant political activism. This year, attendees witnessed leftist Senator Bernie Sanders take the stage, urging the younger generation to engage politically during Clairo's set. Green Day also joined the dialogue, adjusting their lyrics to tackle pressing social issues during their headline act, condemning the "Maga agenda” as frontman Billie Joe Armstrong passionately spoke to the crowd.

Celebrated Irish rap group Kneecap took the stage to raucous applause after their Bafta win, leading a chant that referenced former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher—though their politically charged remarks led to an abrupt end of their livestream.

Despite the festival's glitz, questions loom over its influence. A 2024 survey indicated that a significant portion of attendees felt overshadowed by influencers rather than enjoying the music. After a year riddled with talent mishaps, including Blur frontman Damon Albarn's scathing rebuke of the crowd's energy and Grimes' technical difficulties, Coachella continues to evolve and adapt. As the three-day fest progresses, excitement remains high for what the final day and next weekend promise.