As the sun set over the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, the highly anticipated Coachella 2025 Weekend 1 came to a close, leaving behind a trail of unforgettable performances that will be etched in the memories of music enthusiasts for a long time. The first weekend of the iconic festival saw a star-studded lineup, with none other than Lady Gaga taking center stage to give a show-stopping performance that left the crowd gasping for air. Alongside her, a host of talented artists including Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and Lizzo brought their A-game to the Coachella grounds, serving up a sonic feast that reflected the diversity and creativity of the music scene today. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the highlights of Coachella 2025 Weekend 1, and relive the magic of a weekend that will be remembered for years to come.
Festival Frenzy
Coachella 2025 got off to a scorching hot start on Friday, April 11, with daytime temperatures in the desert hitting 100-degrees and a cavalcade of stars gracing the festival’s many stages. Among them were hip-hop legend Missy Elliott, South African star Tyla, pop queen LISA, rapper GloRilla, and many others, including Lady Gaga, who brought her new album Mayhem to Coachella with a headlining set that featured big hits, many dancers, and opulent costumes on a stage designed to look like an opera house.
Lady Gaga first headlined Coachella almost a decade ago, in 2017, but not on purpose. The superstar stepped in to replace Beyoncé, who had then just revealed her pregnancy to the public. Beyoncé returned to headline the festival in 2018, but tonight, on the first night of Coachella 2025, it was Gaga’s turn. And this time, everything was intentional.
Lady Gaga’s Headlining Set
“The Art of Personal Chaos”: A Spellbinding Performance
On Friday, Gaga celebrated “Mayhem In the Desert” — as her own on-site merchandise pop-up teased – with a spellbinding and ominous set. Titled “The Art Of Personal Chaos,” the two-hour show may have been disguised as a concert, but what took place was nothing short of a carefully crafted commentary on fame and performance — and the cost of keeping both up.
Or, as Gaga’s two selves said on screens bookending the stage, staring at one another but speaking to the masses: “This is the manifesto of mayhem.”
Here’s a full recap of Gaga’s two-hour set. And this was just the first of Coachella’s three days, which continue Saturday with performances by Travis Scott, Charli XCX, and many more.
Coachella 2025 Weekend 1 Recap: Lady Gaga & More Bring Hot Performances – Billboard
Coachella 2025 got off to both a literal and figurative hot start on Friday (April 11), with daytime temperatures in the desert hitting 100-degrees and a cavalcade of stars gracing the festival’s many stages. Among them were hip-hop legend Missy Elliott, South African star Tyla, pop queen LISA, rapper GloRilla and many others including Lady Gaga, who brought her new album Mayhem to Coachella with a headlining set that featured big hits, many dancers and opulent costumes on a stage designed to look like an opera house.
Lady Gaga first headlined Coachella almost a decade ago, in 2017, but not on purpose. The superstar stepped in to replace Beyoncé, who had then just revealed her pregnancy to the public. Beyoncé returned to headline the festival in 2018 but tonight, on the first night of Coachella 2025, it was Gaga’s turn. And this time, everything was intentional.
On Friday, Gaga celebrated “Mayhem In the Desert” — as her own on-site merchandise pop-up teased – with a spellbinding and ominous set. Titled “The Art Of Personal Chaos,” the two-hour show may have been disguised as a concert, but what took place was nothing short of a carefully crafted commentary on fame and performance — and the cost of keeping both up. Or, as Gaga’s two selves said on screens bookending the stage, staring at one another but speaking to the masses: “This is the manifesto of mayhem. Here’s a full recap of Gaga’s two-hour set.
More Highlights from Coachella Day One
Missy Elliott, Tyla, and LISA Shine on Stage
GloRilla and Other Rising Stars Make Their Mark
The Festival Continues with Travis Scott and Charli XCX
The Festival Circuit Heats Up
A Busy Season Ahead: SXSW, Jazz in the Gardens, and More
33 of the Best and Biggest Festivals Happening in 2025
From Hip-Hop to Heavy Metal: Something for Everyone
- Rolling Loud
- Glastonbury
- Essence Fest
- Lollapalooza
Conclusion
As the dust settles on Coachella 2025’s Weekend 1, it’s clear that this year’s edition will be remembered for its trailblazing performances and unbridled energy. Lady Gaga’s show-stopping set, complete with aerial stunts and a surprise appearance by her dog, Asia, set the tone for a weekend that was all about pushing boundaries and defying expectations. Other standout performances from the likes of Billie Eilish, The Weeknd, and Doja Cat further solidified Coachella’s reputation as a hotbed for innovation and creativity.
The significance of Coachella 2025’s Weekend 1 extends far beyond the confines of the Empire Polo Club. As the festival continues to grow in size and influence, it’s clear that it’s become a cultural touchstone, reflecting and shaping the musical tastes of a generation. The performances this weekend served as a testament to the power of music to bring people together, challenge social norms, and inspire change. As the festival looks to the future, it’s exciting to think about the ways in which it will continue to evolve and adapt, providing a platform for emerging artists and established acts alike to push the limits of what’s possible.
