Coachella 2025 Weekend Two Recap
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Coachella, a Palm Desert staple and one of the most well-known music festivals, closed out its 2025 events on Sunday, April 20. From iconic music performances and unforgettable events, the festival’s weekend two closed with a bang.
There’s an adage that weekend one of the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival is for the hype, and weekend two is for the music. Whether that’s true or not is up for debate. We’ll cover both just to be safe — and you can see it all here. The second leg of the festival kicked off Friday, April 18, bringing back headliners Lady Gaga, Green Day and Post Malone for a weekend packed with music, food, art and people-watching galore.
Weekend Two - Day 1 - Friday, April 18, 2025.
We’re calling Friday rarechella — it was in the seventies nearly all day. That meant the energy was high, even by first-day-of-Coachella standards. The same was true in the campgrounds, where we started the day off.
Lola Young
Lola Young opened the day with a magnetic mix of raw soul and fierce storytelling that immediately set the tone. Her voice? Pure fire—gritty, bluesy, and emotionally untouchable. On the Mojave Stage, surrounded by palm tree shadows and mid-afternoon golden light, she had the crowd swaying and snapping with every soulful lyric.
Tracks like “You Noticied” and “Don’t Hate Me” hit hard, with stripped-down arrangements that let her vocals steal the spotlight. She spoke to us like we were old friends, joking between songs and sharing personal moments that made her set feel intimate, even in a sea of thousands. There was something effortlessly cool about her. It was a reminder that artistry doesn’t always need fireworks; sometimes it just needs truth, talent, and a mic. Lola made sure no one forgot where the heart of music lives.
Her set was filled with some of her early songs, to new singles such as “Good Books,“Walk On By,” and of course “Messy,” which made the whole crowd erupt in cheers and screams.
The Go-Go’s
Talk about a blast of punky nostalgia! The Go-Go’s took the Outdoor Stage and transformed it into a time machine. Decked out in glam-punk ensembles and glitter, the all-female legends launched into an incredible set with more energy than bands half their age. The crowd, ranging from Gen Zers in crop tops to OG fans in vintage tees and dresses, all screamed every word.
Belinda Carlisle’s vocals were as crisp and lively as ever, and Jane Wiedlin’s guitar riffs felt timeless. They played all the hits, “Head Over Heels,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” and “This Town.” But the most beautiful part of their performance? How much fun they were having. You could feel their sisterhood on stage, and it made every chord sparkle a little brighter. They paid tribute to their early LA punk roots, it was full-circle feminist rock glory. By the time they were finishing their set with “We Got The Beat,” the whole field danced like they were teenagers again. Their legacy didn’t just echo through the crowd, it ripped through it with joy, rebellion, and a little glitter eyeliner. Long live the queens.
Djo
Djo, the musical alias of actor Joe Keery, (known for his role as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things), transformed the Mojave Stage into a nostalgic haven with his 1980s-inspired soft rock melodies. Performing tracks from his recently released album, The Crux, and also from his previous albums Twenty Twenty and Decide, he captivated the audience.Songs like “Gap Tooth Smile,” “Potion,” “Roddy,” and “Flash Mountain” were just some of the great tracks he selected for his Coachella performance.
His performance at Coachella not only highlighted his musical versatility but also solidified his place as a formidable artist in the indie rock scene. Djo’s seamless fusion of past and present musical elements offered a refreshing experience that left the crowd yearning for more.
The Marías
The Marías had spectacular performances for both weekends of Coachella that included a stage production that fit the artsy vibe of the Los Angeles pop band. There were picture-perfect moments of navy blue skies; and gold sunrise encompassed what The Marías’ music would look like if it manifested itself into material form. If anyone is going to showcase an art gallery, it’d be them, whose albums and music videos are a well-thought-out curated color palette that is an art form in its own right.
Benson Boone
Benson Boone hit the Coachella Stage like a comet, bright, passionate, and impossible to ignore. From the moment he sang the first haunting notes of “Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else,” the crowd was locked in. His voice, with its heart-wrenching vulnerability and powerhouse range, echoed across the open air like a cinematic soundtrack to the desert sunset. Dressed in a simple white jeans and shirt with red belts, Benson let the music speak, and wow—did it ever. Fans screamed and sang along to “Drunk In My Mind,” and “There She Goes” but when the first notes of “Beautiful Things” started to sound, the cheers resonated through the whole Empire Polo Field.
He was visibly emotional, thanking the audience for giving his songs a home in their hearts. It was the kind of performance that made you feel seen, raw, romantic, and real. Maybe we didn’t get to see Queen’s guitarist Brian May on stage this weekend playing Bohemian Rhapsody, just a cardboard cutout, but the show Benson delivered was fantastic! Boone didn’t just sing, he connected, and in doing so, proved he’s not just a TikTok sensation. He’s the real deal.
Tyla
Tyla gave us main pop girl energy with a global twist, and the crowd ate it up. Stepping onto the Outdoor Stage, she radiated confidence and cool. Her blend of amapiano, Afrobeats, and R&B was a refreshing vibe shift after Sara Landry’s dark world.Her setlist was filled with some of her classic songs and more recent ones such as “Truth Or Dare,” “On And On,” and “Art,” but finishing her performance with “Water” was surreal! She had the entire field dancing in sync, and when she did the viral dance, fans lost it. Her live band added even more rhythm and bounce, and her dancers were in perfect formation, giving full-on choreography moments without missing a note.
Tyla knows how to command a stage, playful, polished, and powerfully in control. She shared stories of growing up in Johannesburg and thanked her fans for bringing her music global. It was bright, bold, and felt like a global dancefloor in the middle of the desert. Her Coachella debut? Certified star-making.
LISA
BLACKPINK’s Lisa made her highly anticipated Coachella solo debut feel like a coronation. As the sun began to set, she took the Sahara Stage and brought the house down with a dazzling, high-concept performance. Backed by a full dance crew and cinematic visuals, she delivered a slick, K-pop-meets-global-pop spectacle that felt larger than life. Opening with her smash single “Thunder,” she immediately had the crowd in the palm of her hand, every move crisp, every vocal perfectly placed. She introduced her material that leaned into dancehall, and trap, showing off her versatility beyond BLACKPINK.
Her stage presence was untouchable: playful, fierce, and deeply magnetic. She shouted out her fans, drawing loud cheers from the Blinks in the crowd. It wasn’t just a performance, it was a moment. Lisa didn’t just live up to the hype, she exceeded it with a perfect fusion of fashion, choreography, and charisma. If there was any doubt about her star power outside the group, it ended right there. A solo queen was crowned.
The Prodigy
When The Prodigy hit the Mojave Stage, the temperature spiked. These UK legends turned Coachella into a thunderous rave, dragging us into the fire from the first distorted riff of their powerful setlist.
“Breathe” was intense, loud, and absolutely out of control. Lights strobed in epileptic rhythm, and the mosh pits opened instantly. “Firestarter” was a battle cry, and the crowd responded with primal chaos. Not the mention they started their performance with “Smack My Bitch Up“, pure energy!
Though Keith Flint’s absence loomed, Maxim honored him with raw passion, and the entire set felt like a tribute soaked in sweat, bass, and rebellion.At one point of their performance, Maxim jumped down from the stage and delivered his vocals straight from the barricade, face-to-face with the fans. The crowd went absolutely ballistic! Their punk-electronic fusion still felt futuristic, even in 2025. Maxim’s vocals shredded through the speakers with power! The visual backdrop and lighting were gritty and aggressive. This wasn’t for the casual fan. It was for those who needed to feel the music. And feel it we did, down to our bones.
GloRilla
GloRilla brought straight Memphis fire to the desert with a set that was loud, bold, and unapologetically her! Stepping onto the Sahara Stage like a queen, she wasted no time launching into “Tomorrow,” and the crowd erupted. Her southern drawl, heavy bass, and confident delivery had us hyped from the jump. Every line was a punch, every beat a warning. She brought a full crew with her, dancers that had fans absolutely losing it. It was a visual delight!
Glo’s charisma was off the charts, laughing between songs and reminding everyone that “this is my moment.” She talked about her rise from the streets to Coachella and got emotional when thanking fans for riding with her. Her setlist included songs such as “Blessed,” “Bad Bih 4 Ya,” and “Lick Or Sum.” But then she dropped “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” and the whole field bounced like a riot. It was raw, it was real, it was Glo-time.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga brings MAYHEM to the desert for the second weekend in a row at Coachella. Gaga took to the stage again on Friday, April 18, headlining the iconic desert music festival for the second time in her career. The 'gothic opera house' sound and stage hosted Gage's most prolific songs, including "Abracadabra" off of her seventh studio album and mega-hits such as "Bad Romance" and "Poker Face". Her 22-song set was accompanied by an orchestra and choreography from collaborator Parris Goebel.
Despite a momentary microphone failure, the singer kept composed and managed to switch microphones twice on-stage without it interrupting the elaborate performance. The setlist followed the story of Gaga and the Mistress of Mayhem battling for control of the dance floor. Gaga announced her return to the music festival back in November 2024, where she explains that this time around her presence at Coachella had been thoroughly thought out and her dreams could finally be completely realized.
Weekend Two - Day 2 - Saturday, April 19, 2025.
Coachella was right back to it on day two of its second weekend, promising a day jam-packed with musical acts like Ed Sheeran, Charli XCX, Green Day, The Misfits and Travis Scott. Sheeran, a last minute addition to this year’s lineup, delivered a 3 p.m. performance to a massive crowd.
Beth Gibbons
Beth Gibbons stepped onto the Gobi Stage for her debut solo performance at Coachella, the festival that holds a special place in her history. Her last appearance with Portishead at Coachella was in 2008, a time when the band was riding high on the success of their critically acclaimed third album, "Third." The absence of new music and performances from Portishead has left a void that Gibbons’s solo career has gradually filled.
Throughout her artistic path, Gibbons has been recognized for her haunting vocal delivery and profound lyrical themes. "Lives Outgrown," her debut solo album, reflects her introspective side. Reviews have celebrated her use of experience and emotion as a vehicle for storytelling, a testament to the growth she has achieved away from the band.
Jimmy Eat World
At music festivals, there are always sing-alongs during performances, but few have ever matched the epic sing-along that happened during Jimmy Eat World’s closing song, “The Middle,” at the main stage Saturday afternoon. Once singer-guitarist Jim Adkins started singing the song’s hook, which goes, “Everything, everything’ll be just fine, everything’ll be alright, alright,” the whole crowd began singing along and jumping up and down.
The energy was contagious because pretty soon, people who weren’t even watching the band began to sing it. The sing-along spread halfway across the grounds all the way to the Sonora tent, where festivalgoers just walking along sang it too. And yeah, everything was alright.
Clairo
Clairo returned to Coachella, caught the crowd in her spell, taking them on a trip to a mellow and soothing time, performing songs from her Grammy-nominated third album Charm. The “Sexy to Someone” singer wore a vintage ’60s look that complemented the overall vibe and atmosphere of her set. With her type of music best listened to in your bedroom to chill and feel all the emotions, Clairo is no stranger to owning the stage with her vocals.
Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil
As promised, Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil had surprise guests in store for the second of their two Coachella 2025 performances. Instead of the LL Cool J medley that closed out the symphony’s set on weekend 1, Saturday night’s show climaxed with Dave Grohl fronting the symphony for two Foo Fighters songs, followed by actor-singer Cynthia Erivo serenading the desert masses.
Grohl did not tone anything down for the orchestral setting, belting “The World Is a Neighborhood” at the top of his lungs, followed by the more familiar Foos classic “Everlong.” In closing the set, Erivo did not get too wicked, singing a ballad that was unknown to the audience — apparently from her forthcoming solo album — followed by Prince’s “Purple Rain.”
Another performer who joined the Phil only for the second weekend was Natasha Bedingfield, singing her 2004 international hit “Unwritten” with the help of a choir as well as the full complement of strings.
Jazz-pop star Laufey, who again sang her biggest hit, the bossa nova single “From the Start,” followed by her brand new song, “Silver Lining.” Laufey has a strong track record with Dudamel and the Phil; a show she did with the orchestra last summer was released as a feature film in December and came out as a live double-album for Record Store Day.
Japanese Breakfast
Coachella brought a weekend of unforgettable moments, but none quite as captivating as Japanese Breakfast’s performance. From the moment she stepped onto the stage, it was clear that this would be a show unlike any other. The energy was through the roof, and the crowd was completely enraptured from start to finish.
With a set that blended high-octane energy with moments of breathtaking stillness, Japanese Breakfast delivered a spectacle that was as much an auditory experience as a visual one. The crowd showed up in full force, eager to witness a masterclass in modern pop and indie artistry. Her set, which included a slew of new tracks from her latest album For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women), showcased her growth as an artist, offering an introspective yet bold new direction for her music. Her voice, as angelic as ever, soared above the instrumentation, effortlessly capturing the hearts of everyone in the crowd. It was impossible not to be swept away by the raw emotion and beauty of her performance, as she seamlessly blended moments of melancholy with bursts of euphoric energy. Each note felt like a deep expression of her soul, pulling the audience deeper into the experience with every passing second.
Green Day
Green Day was back for a second helping of their power-punk bombast Saturday, and when frontman Billie Joe Armstrong told the Weekend 2 Coachella crowd early in the show that "The second night is always better than the first," he wasn't lying. The band with a Northern California origin rocked Southern California just as hard, if not harder, than during Weekend 1, mixing in a few quirky surprises and slight alterations of the setlist.
Green Day did exactly what they did in Week 1, not giving the crowd a chance to settle in before rattling off bangers such as "American Idiot," "Holiday," "Know Your Enemy," and "Boulevard of Broken Dreams." There were subtle differences for Weekend 2, but the band didn't deviate from their successful Week 1 formula. The pyrotechnics were well-timed and prevalent. The bass guitar play of Mike Dirnt had the crowd turnt. And Tre Cool has to be one of the most incredible drummers around. As a former auxiliary percussionist in my high school band, I have no idea how he seems to drum in double-time so effortlessly. In another twist, they played "Knowledge," a cover of a song by Operation Ivy, a rocker they did not play last week. They also played John Mellencamp's "Jack and Diane" as a lead-in to their heartstring-tugging hit "Wake Me Up When September Ends."
Ed Sheeran
In a weekend stacked with headliners, reunions, and surprise cameos, the biggest shock of Coachella 2025 belonged to none other than Ed Sheeran, who dropped in for an unannounced set at the Mojave stage — and absolutely tore the place down. Known globally for his stadium-packing singalongs and heartfelt ballads, Sheeran reminded the desert crowd why he’s one of the most electrifying live performers on the planet. But this wasn’t a polished, arena-style set. This was raw, intimate, and completely Ed: one man, a loop pedal, and a guitar. It was a masterclass in musicianship, with Sheeran live-looping all of his instrumentation on the fly, layering beats, riffs, harmonies, and percussive guitar slaps into a seamless wall of sound that built and broke like waves over the crowd.
And what a crowd it was — word spread fast around the Empire Polo Grounds that Sheeran was hitting the Mojave stage, and by the time he walked out, the tent was packed to capacity and swelling with energy. Phones were up, voices were loud, and the collective anticipation turned to full-blown euphoria as the first loops kicked in. The energy was relentless. Sheeran didn’t let up for a second, turning his solo setup into a kinetic, multi-dimensional spectacle. The performance felt part jam session, part heartfelt confession, and part rave, with the audience hanging on every beat drop and looping layer. The Mojave tent shook as the crowd threw themselves into every moment, singing, dancing, and shouting back the lyrics like it was a headlining set.
Weekend Two - Day 3 - Sunday, April 20, 2025.
Easter Sunday, 4/20 and the last day of Coachella — oh my! The triage of occasions made for a stellar final day of the festival and the crowd was alive and well with little signs of exhaustion.
XG
The Sahara Stagewas ablaze at night as Japanese hip-hop/R&B girl group XG delivered a show-stopping performance during Weekend 2, cementing their status as a global force in music. The electrifying set of XG Coachella was a historic moment, marking them as the only Japanese act at this year’s festival and the second headliner on their stage—a groundbreaking achievement for Japanese female artists.
XG, known for their bold sound and fierce choreography, took the desert stage by storm with a setlist that showcased their signature tracks, including “Woke Up,” “TGIF,” “Hesonoo/Xgene,” “Something Ain’t Right,” “Is This Love,” and “GRL GVNG.” Backed by a live band and relying solely on live vocals, the group dispelled any doubts about their performance prowess, delivering raw energy and precision that left the crowd roaring.
Their performance not only showcased their talent but also paved the way for more Japanese artists on global stages. With fans chanting “XGCHELLA” and the group trending on X, it’s clear that XG’s Coachella story is just the beginning of their extraordinary journey.
The Beaches
The Beaches took the stage at the Gobi tent with an eccentric set that makes the indie dance music that you play with your friends on a road trip. They performed “Cigarette,” “Jocelyn,” and “Everything is Boring” to swaying and dancing fans. The Canadian bandmates are each rock stars in their own right, adding a layer of chemistry to the music and their live presentation.
Shaboozey
One of the most emotional performances of weekend two came from country rocker and rapper Shaboozey, who choked up as he took in the sight of all the fans that had come to see his afternoon main stage set. The crowd roared in approval as he continued with a country-heavy set with his backing band, who, like Shaboozey, were all dressed in matching maroon-colored western gear.
The 45-minute sets included songs like “Last of My Kind,” “Annabelle,” and new music from his upcoming deluxe album. The show ended with his biggest hit, “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which, like Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” and Toby Keith’s “I Love This Bar,” has become a classic sing-along bar song. His fans sang along with the rising star, who smiled from ear to ear as he danced, sang, and closed his milestone show.
Muni Long
Muni Long delivered an intimate and sensual set evoking imagery of Roman-like fashion. She, her backup singers, and dancers were dressed in all gold togas with a giant hand fixture sporting acrylic nails.
The R&B singer, who has spoken about the challenges of being a Black woman in show business, made sure to represent her proud identity with all Black supporting dancers, singers and bandmates. Long also welcomed onstage Amerie for a cover of “1 Thing,” and performed other hits such as “Slow Grind,” “Hrs & Hrs” and “Ruined Me.”
JENNIE
Coachella 2025 Week 2 marked a powerful redemption for Jennie, who turned the tide after a controversial Week 1 performance that had sparked debates over her live vocals and stage investment. Returning with her full 13-track RUBY setlist, Jennie stepped onto the Outdoor Theatre stage reenergized, delivering a show that reasserted her status as a world-class soloist.
Channeling a fierce Western cowgirl aesthetic, Jennie maintained her image as Korea’s top it girl. Rather than completely changing outfits, she cleverly adjusted small styling details throughout each song, aligning the visuals with each stage’s unique mood. The result? A seamless and chic performance that was both effortless and trendsetting. But what truly captivated audiences in Week 2 was Jennie’s electrifying energy.
Her vocals, dance moves, and expressions were all on point, showing she had regained top form. Songs like “Filter,” “F.T.S,” and “Handlebars” noted for their vocal challenges—were performed flawlessly. However, it was “ZEN” that stole the spotlight: Jennie, surrounded by a powerful dance crew, created a cinematic spectacle that felt like a music video brought to life.
Post Malone
In his headlining performance at Coachella 2025, Post Malone captivated the audience with a blend of country charm and heartfelt sincerity. Taking the stage on Sunday night, he delivered a 19-song set that showcased tracks from his latest album, F-1 Trillion, alongside earlier hits like “Psycho,” “Circles,” and “I Had Some Help.”
Malone's stage presence was marked by a relaxed, country-inspired demeanor, complete with a blue-and-white striped shirt, denim jeans, and a cowboy hat. The stage design complemented this aesthetic, featuring lights on the runway that mimicked traffic lines, enhancing the country road ambiance. Throughout the 90-minute performance, he engaged directly with the audience, expressing genuine gratitude and ensuring the well-being of fans by pausing the show three times to assist those in need of medical attention.
The set was further enriched by guest appearances from Jelly Roll and Ed Sheeran. Jelly Roll joined Malone for the song “Losers,” adding a layer of camaraderie and mutual respect, while Sheeran's collaboration brought additional energy to the performance. Malone's raspy vocals shone during emotional renditions of songs like “I Fall Apart,” and his interactions with the crowd underscored his commitment to creating a memorable and sincere experience.
Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion returned to close out day three for a packed crowd on the main stage, with fans nearly stretching to the periphery of the Outdoor Stage. It was well-deserved: the female rapper brought a classic Coachella performance to Sunday night, complete with tight choreography, incredible light work and so much energy. The performance was just plain fun. She was joined by a massive snake prop during “HISS;” the crowd became electrified during “Mamushi;” not a soul wasn’t rapping along during the oh-so-classic “Savage.”
Last weekend, Megan Thee Stallion wowed the audience by bringing out three big surprise guests: Queen Latifah, Ciara and Victoria Monét. Anyone expecting another round of star power walked away disappointed Weekend 2. The Texas rapper skipped all guest appearances. Still, the performance went more smoothly than it did Weekend 1, when Megan complained of a wardrobe malfunction and appeared late during one of her entrances.
She appeared to be having a good time on Sunday. At one point she told the audience they were making her feel good up on stage. That might be some solace to those who hoped for a surprise. But the "real hot girls" know that Megan was always the star.
As we drifted away from the glowing stages and into the desert night, our hearts were pounding, our feet aching, and our souls, absolutely full. Coachella 2025 Weekend Two had delivered more than a festival. It gave us a universe of moments we’ll never forget.
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