The first weekend of Coachella 2025 proved to be an electrifying mix of music, celebrity sightings, and unexpected surprises. From Lady Gaga's theatrical main-stage performance to Senator Bernie Sanders’ impassioned cameo, the festival delivered everything its global audience has come to expect—and more.
A Gothic Garden Party Under the Desert Sky
Lady Gaga headlined Friday night, treating festivalgoers to what could only be described as a "gothic garden party." Dressed in all-black and surrounded by eerie skull motifs, she opened her set with a haunting rendition of Bloody Mary , setting the tone for a visually arresting show. The star wove through hits from her latest album Mayhem alongside classic tracks like Bad Romance . One standout moment came when Gaga walked offstage mid-song to accept a bouquet of black flowers from a fan. She kept them throughout the performance, later gushing online about the connection it created: “Now we are connected forever.”
Fans also spotted South Korean sensation Blackpink’s Lisa dancing along to K-pop boy band Enhypen after delivering her own high-energy set. Her presence drew cheers not just for her artistry but also because of her recent role as Mook in HBO’s The White Lotus . Co-stars Patrick Schwarzenegger and Tayme Thapthimthong were seen supporting her from the crowd, adding another layer of Hollywood glamour to the event.
Benson Boone Flips Over Brian May
Saturday brought another jaw-dropping moment courtesy of rising star Benson Boone. Known for his acrobatics as much as his vocals, Boone leapt into the air and executed a front flip over none other than Queen guitarist Brian May during a cover of Bohemian Rhapsody . Wearing his signature blue bodysuit, Boone captivated the audience while May provided iconic riffs on guitar. It was a collision of generations and genres that left fans speechless.
Political Cameos Amid Musical Acts
Politics found its way onto the Coachella stage this year, most notably with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders taking the mic before indie-pop artist Clairo’s set. Addressing the youthful crowd, Sanders urged them to take action against inequality and injustice. “This country faces some very difficult challenges,” he said. “The future of America depends on your generation.” His words resonated deeply in a space where activism often intersects with art.
Green Day later echoed these sentiments during their headline slot, tweaking lyrics to address current events, including the war in Gaza and criticism of the MAGA agenda. Frontman Billie Joe Armstrong didn’t shy away from using the platform to voice dissent, keeping alive the tradition of punk rock as protest music.
Charli XCX Delivers Brat Energy
Charli XCX turned Saturday evening into a celebration of her Grammy-winning album Brat , bringing out star-studded guests like Billie Eilish, Lorde, and Troye Sivan. Fans clad in lime green held up homemade signs reading “BRAT,” creating a sea of neon energy. When Eilish joined Charli for their hit collaboration Guess , the crowd erupted, proving that the spirit of camaraderie among artists remains alive and well at Coachella.
Challenges Beyond the Music
Despite the magic on stage, getting into the festival wasn’t without hurdles. This year’s new reservation-style camping system led to long waits in scorching heat, testing even the most patient attendees. Yet, once inside, the shared experience of live music seemed to outweigh the frustrations.
As Weekend One wrapped up with Post Malone closing things out Sunday night, anticipation is already building for next weekend’s encore. If history repeats itself, Coachella will continue to blend musical innovation with cultural relevance—and maybe throw in a few more surprises along the way.
Lady Gaga held a bouquet of black flowers handed to her by a fan during her dramatic set—a moment that left fans buzzing on social media