If you weren’t in Indio this year, you probably watched it unravel on TikTok at 2 a.m. in a pile of self-loathing and glitter envy. Coachella 2025 wasn’t just a festival; it was a fever dream soaked in sweat, nipple tape and absurdly expensive cowboy boots.
Don’t worry, VALLEY has all the details on what Coachella was like this year.
Chaos Has a Name and It’s Mother Monster
She’s back. After nearly a decade away from the desert, Gaga returned to Coachella and said, “Let’s make this weird.” Her five-act headline show, titled Mayhem in the Desert, had more costume changes than your ex has red flags. She featured a sandpit performance with skeletons (yes, seriously), a chess match with her mirrored self and a surprise mic fail she turned into a dramatic dance.
No rain fell during “Rain on Me,” but fans swore it felt like it.
The Ultimate Hot Girl Performance
Fans could not stop shouting “Hot Girl Summer” at the top of their lungs thanks to Megan Thee Stallion. Hip-hop royalty such as Queen Latifah, Ciara and Victoria Monét made unexpected cameos. Every moment of her set radiated energy and we couldn’t help but get caught in her infectious confidence.
Of course, the performance wasn’t without its drama. During “Mamushi,” Megan’s mic was cut off mid-song (someone’s about to get fired), but did she let that slow her down? Not at all.
Rosalía Rumors
If Charli XCX’s performance wasn’t enough to make your jaw drop, she gave us even more to talk about with a cryptic message that sparked major rumors. During her set, a message flashed on screen saying, “Quizás sea hora de dejar paso a…” followed by “Rosalía Summer.” Fans immediately flipped out. Did they secretly record something together?
Charli’s set was a perfect mix of bubblegum pop and experimental sounds.
Boone is a Genius
Benson Boone’s set was one of the most unexpected highlights of the weekend. After some lukewarm reactions to his performance during the first weekend, he returned to the stage with a cardboard cutout of Brian May, guitarist of Queen. Boone wasn’t shy about it either. He showed up wearing a Freddie Mercury cape and paraded the cutout around.
Honestly, we’re here for it.
Fireworks, Politics and a Palm Tree (Oh My)
Green Day’s Coachella debut was nothing short of chaotic. The band made their entrance with their signature punk rock anthems, and Billie Joe Armstrong used the platform to call out the usual suspects, including President Donald Trump. The crowd loved it.
But the real drama came when Green Day’s pyrotechnics set a palm tree on fire. While some fans were cool with the fiery vibes, fire officials were less than impressed. Given California’s recent wildfire, it wasn’t a great look.
Desert Dream or Hot Mess?
Coachella 2025 proved that the festival is as unpredictable as it is iconic. From Gaga’s larger-than-life return to a literal fire, this year was packed with drama.
What was your favorite moment from Coachella 2025? Let @VALLEYmag know on X!
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