The second weekend of Coachella 2025 brought its own unique energy, with standout performances from Travis Scott and Post Malone capping off two unforgettable nights. As the festival wrapped up in Indio, California, attendees were treated to thrilling spectacles, surprise guests, and plenty of pyrotechnics.
Travis Scott: A High-Energy Redemption
Closing out Saturday night, Travis Scott finally took center stage at Coachella after years of anticipation. Originally slated to headline in 2020 (canceled due to COVID-19) and then removed from the 2022 lineup following the Astroworld tragedy, Scott wasted no time making his presence felt. Despite starting 10 minutes late with fireworks and a startling sound blast, he immediately launched into Playboi Carti's "Crush"—a choice some might consider questionable given his past controversies. However, the crowd didn’t seem to mind, erupting in cheers as soon as he appeared on a rising platform surrounded by flashing lights.
Dubbed “Travis Scott Designs the Desert” on the lineup poster, Scott kept the stage design relatively simple but impactful, focusing instead on electrifying visuals and heart-pounding beats. He was joined by the JACKBOYS for three high-octane tracks, further energizing the audience. One of the most memorable moments came during Skyfall , when Scott literally defied gravity by walking down an angled wall—a move straight out of an action movie.
Adding to the spectacle, a 60-piece marching band accompanied him for hits like FE!N and Sicko Mode , their hoodie-clad figures blending seamlessly with the monochrome aesthetic while adding depth to the performance. Ending his set 12 minutes before curfew, Scott demonstrated masterful control over both his production and the crowd, leaving fans exhilarated and satisfied.
Post Malone: A Southern-Inspired Finale
Sunday night belonged to Post Malone , who closed the festival with a laid-back yet heartfelt performance. Performing against a backdrop resembling a Southern truck stop, Post leaned heavily into his recent country-inspired style—even reimagining older pop and hip-hop hits with twangy guitar riffs. While this approach delighted longtime fans, it may not have won over those unfamiliar with or disinterested in country music.
Still, there were undeniable highlights. For Weekend 2, Post welcomed two special guests: Ed Sheeran , who joined him for Sunflower , and Jelly Roll , who made a rousing appearance during Losers . These collaborations injected fresh energy into the set, particularly Ed’s rendition of the chart-topping hit, which visibly thrilled the weary Sunday-night crowd.
Post’s genuine gratitude shone through as he repeatedly thanked the audience, pausing mid-performance of Better Now to ensure a fan received medical attention. His charm and charisma kept fans engaged, even if his stage presence couldn’t quite match Lady Gaga’s choreographed precision or Green Day’s raw rock power.
Pyrotechnics lit up the sky during closing numbers, providing a fittingly explosive end to the festival. Though Post’s set lacked the theatricality of other headliners, his emotional delivery of songs like I Fall Apart showcased his vocal talent and resonated deeply with many.
A Weekend of Reflection and Celebration
Coachella 2025’s second weekend proved once again why the festival remains a cultural touchstone. Whether it was Travis Scott’s gravity-defying stunts or Post Malone’s Southern charm, each act contributed to a diverse tapestry of music and artistry. While comparisons between headliners are inevitable, both artists succeeded in creating moments that will linger long in the memories of festivalgoers.
As the dust settles on another year, one thing is clear: Coachella continues to be a space where music transcends boundaries, uniting people under the desert sky.
"Travis Scott walked down an angled wall during 'Skyfall,' pulling off a jaw-dropping stunt that left fans cheering."