Memorable Surprise Guests Light Up Coachella 2025 Weekend

INDIO, California — The 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival kicked off with a bang this weekend as music enthusiasts flocked to the desert for three days of electrifying performances and surprise guest appearances.

From April 11 to April 13, the festival featured unexpected collaborations that kept fans on the edge of their seats. On the first day alone, hip-hop legends Three 6 Mafia surprised the audience with a lineup of special guests, including Project Pat, Travis Barker, Machine Gun Kelly, and Wiz Khalifa, creating an exciting atmosphere.

Many attendees were thrilled by punk rock icon Billie Joe Armstrong joining The Go-Go's for a nostalgic rendition of “Head Over Heels.” Rising star Benson Boone captivated the crowd with a powerful performance of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” accompanied by the legendary Brian May on guitar, further showcasing Boone’s impressive vocal range.

As the festival progressed, the surprises continued. The second night featured a politically charged performance by Clairo, who welcomed Senator Bernie Sanders onstage to address the crowd about youth activism and societal issues. Sanders used his time to encourage younger generations to engage in addressing problems like climate change and women’s rights.

On day three, Addison Rae took the spotlight during her collaboration with Arca, where she made a surprise announcement regarding her upcoming debut album, set to release on June 6. Rae’s performance was enhanced by girl-power vibes as Megan Thee Stallion brought out Queen Latifah, Ciara, and Victoria Monét during her set, embodying collaboration and empowerment.

Festival-goers embraced all the unexpected collaborations, as the lists of surprise performances grew. Notable appearances also included Noah Cyrus during Shaboozey’s Sunday set and Jessie Murph welcoming Koe Wetzel and Polo G to the stage, adding to the excitement surrounding the third-day performances.

“This is a reminder of why Coachella is so special — the surprise appearances really create unforgettable moments,” said festival-goer Sarah Jensen, reflecting on the weekend’s events.

While many artists left fans eagerly awaiting more surprises in the following weekend, the 2025 edition of Coachella solidified its reputation for unexpected performances and cherished collaborations that create lasting memories.