As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, Coachella 2025 Weekend 2 erupted with an electric energy that promised an extraordinary weekend of music, surprise collaborations, and celebrity sightings. Known for its eclectic lineup and vibrant atmosphere, this year’s festival delivered on every front, captivating attendees with performances that ranged from nostalgic punk rock anthems to cutting-edge pop spectacles. With headliners like Lady Gaga, Green Day, and Charli XCX leading the charge, alongside a host of other notable acts and star-studded moments, Weekend 2 was a celebration of music and culture that left an indelible mark on all who attended.
Lady Gaga: A Theatrical Triumph
Lady Gaga took the main stage by storm, delivering a performance that was nothing short of a theatrical masterpiece. Known for her larger-than-life persona, Gaga blended tracks from her latest album, Mayhem, with timeless hits like “Poker Face” and “Judas.” Her set was a visual and auditory feast, featuring elaborate stage designs with towering LED screens and bursts of pyrotechnics that illuminated the desert night.
Multiple costume changes—each more dazzling than the last—kept the audience on edge, while her choreography was executed with precision, showcasing her unparalleled showmanship. Gaga’s vocal range shone through, effortlessly transitioning from powerful ballads to high-energy dance numbers. Her connection with the crowd was palpable, as fans sang along to every lyric, making her set a standout moment of the weekend.
Green Day: Punk Rock Legends Unleashed
Punk rock icons Green Day brought their signature raw energy to Coachella, proving why they remain a force in the music world. Frontman Billie Joe Armstrong led the band through an 80-minute set packed with classics like “American Idiot,” “Basket Case,” and “Holiday.” True to form, Armstrong infused the performance with political commentary, tweaking lyrics to address current events, including a pointed anti-MAGA twist on American Idiot.
The crowd responded with fervor, their voices echoing across the polo fields as they sang along word-for-word. The mosh pit was a whirlwind of movement, a testament to the band’s ability to ignite chaos and camaraderie in equal measure. Green Day’s set was a cathartic release, blending nostalgia with relevance, and left fans buzzing long after the final chord.
Charli XCX: A Brat Era Celebration
Charli XCX commanded one of the largest crowds of Weekend 2 with a set that was a high-octane celebration of her BRAT era. Decked out in bold, futuristic fashion, she delivered a performance that pulsed with energy, featuring tracks from her latest album alongside fan favorites like “Vroom Vroom” and “Boom Clap.” The true highlight, however, came when she surprised the audience with a trio of A-list guests: Billie Eilish, Lorde, and Troye Sivan.
Together, they performed remixes from BRAT, transforming the stage into a euphoric dance party. The chemistry between the artists was electric, with spontaneous dancing and shared vocals that felt both intimate and monumental. Charli’s fearless style and collaborative spirit made her set a defining moment of the festival, one that fans will recount for years.
More Unforgettable Performances
Beyond the headliners, Coachella 2025 Weekend 2 was packed with performances that showcased the festival’s diversity and depth.
- Missy Elliott: Hip-Hop Royalty
Missy Elliott solidified her status as a hip-hop legend with a set that was equal parts nostalgic and innovative. Hits like “Get Ur Freak On” and “Work It” had the crowd erupting, while her futuristic visuals and slick choreography elevated the experience. Missy’s commanding presence and playful energy made her performance a joyous celebration, earning praise as one of the weekend’s best. - The Prodigy: Electronic Energy
The Prodigy turned the stage into a pulsating rave with their high-octane electronic set. Known for tracks like “Firestarter” and “Breathe,” the band delivered a sensory overload of beats and visuals that had the crowd dancing relentlessly. Their unrelenting energy made them a festival highlight, captivating electronic music fans and newcomers alike. - Gustavo Dudamel & LA Phil with Dave Grohl and Cynthia Erivo: A Historic Collaboration
In a genre-defying moment, conductor Gustavo Dudamel led the Los Angeles Philharmonic in a performance that fused classical music with rock and Broadway flair. Joined by Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl and Broadway star Cynthia Erivo, the set was a breathtaking blend of orchestral swells, gritty guitar riffs, and soaring vocals. This unprecedented collaboration highlighted Coachella’s willingness to push boundaries, offering attendees a once-in-a-lifetime experience. - Ed Sheeran: A Surprise Addition
Added to the lineup at the last minute, Ed Sheeran brought his acoustic charm to the Mojave Stage on Saturday. Armed with just his guitar and loop pedal, he performed hits like “Shape of You” and “Thinking Out Loud,” drawing a massive crowd eager for his heartfelt melodies. His down-to-earth vibe and unexpected appearance added a layer of warmth to the weekend’s lineup.
Star-Studded Moments
Coachella isn’t just about the music—it’s a hotspot for celebrity sightings, and Weekend 2 was brimming with A-list glamour.
- Billie Eilish, Lorde, and Troye Sivan
After their show-stealing appearance with Charli XCX, these stars were spotted in the VIP area, mingling with fellow celebrities and soaking up the festival vibes. Their presence off-stage was as buzzworthy as their performance. - Dave Grohl and Cynthia Erivo
Following their collaboration with Gustavo Dudamel, Grohl and Erivo were seen backstage, chatting with other artists and adding to the event’s star power. Their unexpected involvement was a major talking point among attendees. - Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner
Hollywood’s Timothée Chalamet and reality TV mogul Kylie Jenner turned heads when they were spotted canoodling in the VIP area during Charli XCX’s set. Their rumored romance added a layer of intrigue to the festival’s social scene. - BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Jennie
BLACKPINK members Lisa and Jennie each delivered solo sets that drew massive crowds, showcasing their individual artistry. Lisa’s high-energy performance and Jennie’s eclectic Outdoor Theatre show were bolstered by their bandmates’ support from the audience, creating a heartfelt K-pop moment. - Patrick Schwarzenegger and Tayme Thapthimthong
Stars of White Lotus, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Tayme Thapthimthong, were seen enjoying Lisa’s set, bringing a touch of Hollywood glamour to the desert.
Why Weekend 2 Shined
Coachella 2025 Weekend 2 was a triumph of musical diversity and cultural resonance. Headliners like Lady Gaga and Green Day delivered massive productions that tapped into nostalgia while staying relevant, their performances resonating with fans old and new. Charli XCX and Missy Elliott pushed boundaries with innovative sets and surprise guests, keeping the festival fresh and forward-thinking.
The unexpected addition of Ed Sheeran and the historic LA Phil collaboration with Dave Grohl and Cynthia Erivo underscored Coachella’s commitment to variety and spectacle. Despite the desert heat and logistical challenges inherent to such a massive event, the weekend’s seamless execution and star-studded allure made it unforgettable.
The festival balanced nostalgia with innovation, offering something for everyone—punk rock anthems, pop extravaganzas, hip-hop classics, and experimental fusions. The celebrity sightings amplified the excitement, turning the VIP area into a hub of glamour and gossip. From the main stage to the smaller tents, every corner of the Empire Polo Club buzzed with energy, creativity, and connection.
A Weekend to Remember
In the end, Coachella 2025 Weekend 2 was more than a music festival—it was a cultural phenomenon. It brought together the biggest names in music, from Lady Gaga’s theatrical brilliance to Green Day’s rebellious spirit to Charli XCX’s collaborative genius. The surprise performances, star-studded moments, and sheer diversity of talent ensured that every attendee left with a story to tell. As the lights dimmed and the crowds dispersed, one thing was clear: Coachella 2025 Weekend 2 had cemented its place in festival history, a weekend of music and magic that will echo for years to come.
