Coachella 2025: Highs and Lows of a Beloved Festival

INDIO, California — Coachella 2025 kicked off this weekend under the desert sun, marking a vibrant return after a two-year hiatus. The annual music festival is known for its eclectic mix of headliners, established artists, and emerging talents. This year’s performances set the stage for memorable moments, even amidst some technical challenges.

Dallas rapper BigX opened Saturday’s festivities amid a less-than-ideal sound setup, yet still managed to energize the crowd with his distinctive style. As attendees spilled out from the Gobi tent, BigX introduced his collaborators, showcasing a vibe reminiscent of Dallas nightclubs. His performance epitomized Coachella’s ability to highlight emerging artists, despite lingering questions about the festival’s alignment with evolving music trends.

Despite some discrepancies in ticket sales since the pandemic, signs of rejuvenation were visible as the festival saw thicker crowds compared to previous years. Reports indicated fuller stages and busier grounds, suggesting renewed enthusiasm for the event. However, the headlining lineup included mixed reactions. Travis Scott‘s much-anticipated set drew some criticism; critics described him as a “vacuous star” reliant on collaborations rather than showcasing unique artistry.

Variation colored the performances throughout the festival, with some acts receiving significant praise. Lady Gaga‘s extravagant concert on Friday delivered high-energy theatrics, drawing positive reviews from fans and critics alike. Her performance not only spotlighted newer tracks but also featured beloved classics, turning the main stage into an opera house-worthy spectacle.

Megan Thee Stallion‘s set was a highlight, as she shared the stage with icons like Queen Latifah and Victoria Monét. Reflecting the strength of women in hip-hop, Megan’s performance was celebrated despite minor technical glitches. “You can’t question our power as female rappers,” she told the crowd, reinforcing the genre’s diversity and resilience.

Missy Elliott‘s set also captured the audience’s attention, as she kicked off her performance dressed in a Transformational outfit, presenting hits from her expansive catalog. Fans expressed their excitement on social media, with one noting, “Missy delivered a show unlike any other.”

However, not all performances landed favorably. Rema, a promising act at the festival, encountered several issues during his set, reported as being late and leaving an underwhelming impression according to audience members. D4vd made headlines for an overtly ambitious backflip attempt, which resulted in an unplanned faceplant but later resulted in good humor on social media.

Completing the weekend’s eclectic vibe, acts like Kraftwerk and Nicolas Jaar turned inward, with sets that combined artistry and technological innovation. Their appeal and unique takes on music offered an intriguing contrast to the festival’s more mainstream acts.

Despite a few hiccups, Coachella continues to stand as an emblem of artistic exploration and community engagement in the music world. As festival-goers reflect on this year’s high-energy performances, excitement grows for the second weekend that promises to carry the momentum forward.