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As I reflect on the unforgettable moments from the inaugural weekend of Coachella 2025, it’s evident that certain artists truly stole the show. From legendary headliners making history to emerging talents who broke through with their captivating performances, the lineup delivered an incredible experience for fans like me.

Standout Performance: Lady Gaga’s Set
On Friday night, Lady Gaga delivered an unforgettable performance that instantly joined the ranks of all-time greats. Transforming the desert into a grand opera house, she showcased her inner struggles and breathtaking choreography that extended beyond the main stage to every corner, including the catwalk and B-stage. This was more than just a concert; it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that overshadowed her decent performance from 2017 completely.

Outstanding Performance on a Secondary Stage: Gustavo Dudamel
When it was announced that LA Phil conductor, Gustavo Dudamel, would be performing at Coachella, music enthusiasts knew they were in for something exceptional. Previous performers like Danny Elfman and Hans Zimmer have delivered unforgettable sunset sets on the Outdoor Theater, so it came as no surprise that Dudamel would follow suit. However, he managed to surpass expectations, which is typical of someone who truly loves music. His enthusiasm for blending orchestral music with pop tunes, especially his collaborations with Maren Morris, Zedd, and particularly LL Cool J, was evident and electrifying. Be sure to catch his performance next weekend – there are whispers that the guest artists will be entirely new, with Dave Grohl and Cynthia Erivo rumored to make an appearance.

Among all the highlights of that weekend concert, Charli XCX’s main stage performance stood out as one of my most cherished surprises! Despite keeping the stage setup relatively simple, with just her onstage bathed in bright white lights and a mid-level lift, she managed to capture everyone’s attention through sheer star power.

The real magic happened when she invited Troye Sivan to join her for “Talk Talk”, and later brought Lorde (“Girl, Ao Confusing”) and Billie Eilish (“Guess”) on stage towards the end of the set. The camaraderie between these incredible artists was palpable, making for a late-night celebration of friendship and some truly unforgettable singing!

Standout Country Performance: Post Malone

Post Malone’s headlining act was an unexpected treat, as he creatively reworked his diverse collection of songs. He infused pop favorites like “Sunflower” and “Better Now” with a lively country twist, performing them with an impressive eight-piece band that added a touch of pyrotechnics reminiscent of Rammstein. While some of the arrangements had a Bon Jovi flair rather than Waylon Jennings, they all seemed tailored for country radio, particularly his collaboration with Morgan Wallen, “I Had Some Help.” This performance marked the culmination of Post Malone’s transformation from hip-hop sensation to red dirt songwriter. Other notable performances in the country genre included Shaboozey, who graced the outdoor stage early in the day, and Noah Cyrus who teamed up with him for a charming duet on “My Fault.

Standout Genre: Rock
Iconic rock band Green Day marked the return of genuine rock headliners at Coachella since the pandemic, with their explosive show, filled with pyrotechnics and hits, being one of many significant rock performances. Other notable moments included Weezer’s unexpected rendition of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman”, Jimmy Eat World leading the crowd in a collective sing-along of “The Middle”, The Go-Go’s reuniting to introduce a new generation to pop-punk’s origins (with a guest appearance by Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong), and The Misfits delivering a chilling horror-core set that ignited a circle pit, as did the long-standing LA punk group, The Circle Jerks.

Standout Performances: Lola Young and Kneecap
Day one saw breakthrough performances by newcomer Lola Young, who despite battling nerves and heatstroke, gave a remarkable show that culminated in a singalong of her hit song “Messy”. It felt like a powerful declaration for outcasts amidst the sea of beautiful people. Meanwhile, Irish rap group Kneecap brought an Odd Future-like vibe to their aggressive, barrel-keg Sonora set, living up to the promise shown in their self-titled, Oscar-nominated film. Similarly, Viagra Boys delivered a high-energy performance to enthusiastic crowds in the Gobi tent.

In the past two years, Blackpink became the first K-Pop group to headline a day at Coachella. This year, two of the band’s rising stars showcased their solo performances, each aiming for stardom. Both Lisa and Jennie presented energetic pop tunes, making it more about camaraderie than competition (Lisa and fellow Blackpink member Rosé were seen enjoying Jennie’s Sunday set from the VIP area). Despite this friendly atmosphere, given Lisa’s current popularity as a breakout star on the latest season of “The White Lotus”, her Friday Sahara set seems to have an advantage.

Top Culinary Experience: Outstanding In The Field
The ten-year-old dinner series Outstanding In The Field, priced at over $350 as an additional purchase with a Coachella ticket, offers a delightful and savory break for a few hours, and this year was no exception. On Sunday, chef Tara Monsod served a salad brimming with fresh vegetables, a sweet-and-sour pork tenderloin, and a stunning grapefruit cocktail made with Gray Whale Gin. Naturally, there are numerous less expensive choices available on the field: this year’s favorite seemed to be paella, but burritos from chef Eric Greenspan and sandwiches from Florence’s All’Antico Vinaio were among the most popular picks.

Notable Novelty: Red Bull Mirage
At Coachella this year, a striking new feature graced the festival grounds – the Red Bull Mirage, a fusion of pyramid and après-ski design, standing tall near the bustling Quazar stage. Although the cost is steep for some, with a pop-up Nobu restaurant offering $350 omakase dinners, its impact on the field, particularly in dance-centric areas, was indisputable.

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2025-04-15 02:55