Coachella 2025: A Festival of Music, Moments, and Modern Icons

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival returned in April 2025 with its signature blend of world-class performances, cultural spectacle, and headline-grabbing celebrity moments. As always, the festival offered more than just music—it reflected the moods, trends, and tensions of the moment. Here’s what defined the first weekend of this year’s event.

Kylie Jenner & Timothée Chalamet: The Festival's Power Couple

While many came for the music, one of the most buzzed-about moments came from the audience. Kylie Jenner and actor Timothée Chalamet were spotted front and center during Charli XCX’s electrifying set, sharing a kiss that instantly went viral. Their affectionate display—Chalamet at one point carrying Jenner’s purse—was widely seen as the latest chapter in their high-profile relationship, which continues to fascinate fans and tabloids alike.

BLACKPINK Members Reunite on a Historic Night

Jennie’s much-anticipated solo performance in support of her debut album Ruby was a standout of the weekend. Taking the stage with confidence and edge, she surprised fans with a guest appearance from Kali Uchis. Meanwhile, fellow BLACKPINK members Lisa and Rosé were seen cheering her on from the crowd. Though Jisoo was absent due to solo tour commitments, the reunion of three members created waves within the K-pop world and beyond.

Charli XCX Makes a Statement

British pop innovator Charli XCX turned heads both onstage and off. Her high-energy set featured surprise guest appearances from Billie Eilish, Lorde, and Troye Sivan—an unofficial pop summit under the desert sky. But it was her outfit at an afterparty that made headlines: a sash reading “Miss Should Be Headliner” in what many interpreted as a pointed critique of this year’s lineup. Fans widely agreed—her performance had the electricity of a headliner.

LGBTQ+ Artists Lead with Pride and Power

Diversity and inclusion were front and center this year. Troye Sivan performed in a shirt emblazoned with “PROTECT THE DOLLS,” a message of solidarity with transgender communities. Megan Thee Stallion shared the stage with Victoria Monét and Queen Latifah, forming one of the most dynamic and unapologetically feminine sets of the festival. Meanwhile, Lady Gaga’s return to Coachella included a bold rock-opera presentation that underscored her status as a creative force—and LGBTQ+ icon.

Unexpected Moments, Historic Pairings

Political and artistic worlds collided when Senator Bernie Sanders took to the stage to introduce singer-songwriter Clairo. LL Cool J delivered a nostalgic yet inventive set, performing “Mama Said Knock You Out” backed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel. T-Pain’s steampunk-themed performance added theatrical flair, and Post Malone—performing as a Coachella headliner for the first time—closed out the weekend with an emotional, crowd-pleasing set.

Looking Ahead

As the second weekend (April 18–20) approaches, speculation is mounting over further surprises. With high-profile guests, political statements, and cultural conversations taking shape both onstage and in the crowd, Coachella 2025 has already secured its place in the festival’s storied history.