2025 Coachella Highlights: Lady Gaga, Charli XCX, and Post Malone Shine as Top Performers

Liam James1 day agoLast Updated: 14 April 2025

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Who Won Coachella? Lady Gaga, Charli XCX, Post Malone Top the Best of 2025 List

With the first weekend of Coachella 2025 now in the history books, standout performances have emerged among the many acts, showcasing both legendary headliners and promising newcomers.

Best Overall Set: Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga’s headlining performance on Friday night was an unforgettable experience. The Mother Monster transformed the desert into an opera house filled with her inner demons and stunning choreography that utilized not just the main stage but seemingly every inch of the catwalk and B-stage. It was a performance for the ages, effectively overshadowing her decent but not extraordinary show from 2017.

Best Non-Main Stage Set: Gustavo Dudamel

When Gustavo Dudamel, conductor of the LA Phil, was added to the lineup, those familiar with orchestral moments at Coachella anticipated something special. Following in the footsteps of Danny Elfman and Hans Zimmer’s incredible sunset performances at the Outdoor Theater, Dudamel not only met but exceeded expectations. His evident joy in blending orchestral music with pop elements alongside Maren Morris, Zedd, and especially LL Cool was both palpable and spectacular. This is definitely a set to watch next weekend, with rumors of entirely different guests, including Dave Grohl and Cynthia Erivo.

Best Surprise: Lorde, Billie Eilish, and Troye Sivan with Charli XCX

Charli XCX’s main stage set was one of the most attended performances of the weekend, yet she opted for a minimal production style. With just glaring white lights and a mid-stage lift, the focus was on her star power. She kicked things off by welcoming Troye Sivan for “Talk Talk,” followed by Lorde (“Girl, Ao Confusing”) and Billie Eilish (“Guess”), resulting in a late-set display of camaraderie and musical synergy.

Best Country Moment: Post Malone

Post Malone’s headlining set was a delightful surprise, showcasing the multi-genre artist reimagining his catalog with a country twist. He infused pop hits like “Sunflower” and “Better Now” with a lively eight-piece band amid pyro effects that would impress even Rammstein fans. While some arrangements leaned more towards Bon Jovi than Waylon Jennings, they all had a place on country radio, especially his collaboration with Morgan Wallen, “I Had Some Help.” Other country highlights included Shaboozey, who performed early in the day alongside Noah Cyrus for a sweet duet on “My Fault.”

Best Genre: Rock

Punk legends Green Day were the first true rock headliners to grace the Coachella stage since the pandemic, delivering a pyro-filled show that thrilled fans. Weezer surprised the audience with a singalong to Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” while Jimmy Eat World led the crowd through “The Middle.” The Go-Go’s reunited to introduce a new generation to the roots of pop-punk, joined by Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, and the Misfits inspired a late-night circle pit with their horror-core set, matched by the long-standing LA punks, The Circle Jerks.

Best Breakouts: Lola Young and Kneecap

British newcomer Lola Young was the highlight of day one. Despite battling nerves and heat, she experienced a breakthrough moment by returning to lead the crowd in a singalong of her hit “Messy,” delivering a powerful message for outcasts amidst a sea of beautiful people. Meanwhile, Irish rappers Kneecap brought the energy of Odd Future with their fierce Sonora set, fulfilling the promise made by their Oscar-nominated film. Viagra Boys also energized the crowd with a high-octane performance in the Gobi tent.

Best Band Member to Perform Solo: Blackpink’s Lisa

Two years after Blackpink made history as the first K-Pop group to headline at Coachella, two of its stars, Lisa and Jennie, offered solo sets vying for breakout status. Both performances radiated fun and positivity, but Lisa edged ahead with her Friday Sahara set, boosted by her recent rise to fame from her role in this season’s The White Lotus. Lisa and fellow Blackpink member Rosé were seen in the VIP section supporting Jennie during her Sunday performance.

Best Food: Outstanding In The Field

The decade-old dinner series Outstanding In The Field may be a pricey addition to a Coachella ticket, exceeding $350, but it consistently provides a delicious and welcome respite. This year’s Sunday dinner, crafted by chef Tara Monsod, featured a refreshing salad of fresh veggies, sweet-and-sour pork tenderloin, and a delightful grapefruit cocktail made with Gray Whale Gin. For those seeking less extravagant options, paella was a popular choice, alongside burritos from chef Eric Greenspan and sandwiches from Florence’s All’Antico Vinaio.

Best New Attraction: Red Bull Mirage

Coachella traditionally unveils new structures, and this year, the Red Bull Mirage stood out with its pyramid-meets-après-ski design facing the DJ-heavy Quazar stage. Although its $350 omakase dinners at the pop-up Nobu may deter some, its impact on the festival, particularly in the dance-adjacent areas, was notable.

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