Coachella 2025 Sees Record Heat Amid Star-Studded Lineup

INDIO, California — The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival kicked off its 2025 edition on April 11, featuring major headliners including Lady Gaga, Post Malone, and Green Day, amid soaring temperatures that could reach record highs of 104°F (40°C). With approximately 100,000 attendees expected, the festival’s organizers are optimistic despite challenges posed by unusually hot weather and visa issues affecting several artists.

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Empire Polo Club, this year’s festival is a significant return for many artists. Lady Gaga, who last performed at Coachella in 2017, is set to unveil tracks from her newly anticipated album, *Mayhem*, along with timeless favorites. ‘I’ve had a vision I’ve never been able to fully realize at Coachella for reasons beyond our control,’ Gaga said in a statement prior to the festival. ‘I have been wanting to go back and do it right, and I am.’ Her fans are eagerly awaiting what she describes as a fully immersive experience.

Joining Gaga on stage will be fellow performers Missy Elliott and rising star Benson Boone, both expected to deliver standout sets. Boone, who has already amassed over 2 billion streams on Spotify, made headlines this week for his chart-topping hits.

On Saturday, legendary punk rock band Green Day will headline, accompanied by Charli XCX, T-Pain, and other notable acts. Of particular interest is the Los Angeles Philharmonic, under conductor Gustavo Dudamel, marking a unique first in the festival’s history. Meanwhile, Sunday night will see Post Malone close out the event with performances that include collaborations spanning multiple genres.

However, not all headlines are positive. FKA twigs and Anitta have canceled their appearances due to ongoing visa complications, with Twigs expressing her devastation over the matter. ‘It pains me to say this,’ she noted in an emotional Instagram post. ‘I am so excited to bring you a creation that I have poured my soul into.’

The festival has also faced logistical challenges, with rising costs for visa processing affecting many artists. Reports indicate that some applications can now take up to nine months, with fees reaching as high as $8,000. ‘It’s becoming a huge financial hurdle,’ a booking agency executive stated. This situation has reportedly made it increasingly harder for international artists to participate in U.S.-based events.

Despite these barriers, Coachella continues to represent a blend of established stars and emerging talents, showcasing a diverse range of musical genres and styles. Attendees are not only there for the music; fashion plays a significant role in the festival culture, with celebrities donning vibrant and daring outfits.

As the sun sets each evening over Indio, the excitement builds for performances that have become synonymous with the festival’s reputation as a hallmark of creativity and community. Livestream coverage of the festival is also available on Coachella’s YouTube channel, ensuring that fans unable to attend do not miss out on the exhilarating performances.

This year’s Coachella promises a weekend full of unforgettable moments, from exhilarating concerts to vibrant multi-genre displays, reflecting its status as a premier destination for music lovers around the world.