After many years staying mostly out of the spotlight, Lady Gaga is arguably making one of the most impactful comebacks the music industry has seen in a while. The release of her newest album, "Mayhem," which features tracks like “Abracadabra” and “Zombieboy,” culminated in a loud and controversial performance this year, wowing concert-goers and sparking discourse throughout the internet. The groundbreaking spectacle was featured at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, referred to colloquially as just "Coachella," held across two consecutive weekends in April (April 11-13 and 18-20).
Lady Gaga's performance unfolded in four distinct acts, all centered around an opera theme and incorporating gothic-era imagery. Her set opened with a dramatic rendition of "Bloody Mary" and closed with fan-favorite "Bad Romance." Paired with complex scenography, multiple outfit changes and intricate choreographies, Gaga's performance was cited as one of the most memorable at the festival by attendees.
Her "Mayhem"-themed set featured towering structures, a full band and more than two dozen dancers, creating what she described as an "opera house in the desert." The gothic backdrop complete with gargoyles and angels, along with her showstopping red dress during "Bloody Mary," created visuals so intense that some viewers compared it to a "satanic ritual."
“Lady Gaga performed a satanic ritual during Coachella. She's wearing a blood-red dress while singing "Bloody Mary" & chanting "Like Jesus said, I'm gonna dance, dance, dance." This whole performance is filled with dark & disturbing symbolism,” one user on X, formerly Twitter, said.
However, dismissing the performance as merely shocking or controversial misses the artistic depth Gaga brought to the desert. Critics have noted that "Mayhem" plays more like shadow work on a grand scale, channeling themes reminiscent of classic operas like Faust or Salome. Some are already comparing the artistic significance of Gaga's "Mayhem" performance to Beyoncé's landmark "Homecoming" set in 2018, establishing it as potentially one of the greatest Coachella performances of all time.
"Lady Gaga just gave a masterclass in pop performance at Coachella. Mic failure and all. Very few people can touch this level of artistry," commented one user on the Bluesky platform.
"I really hope Gaga does a special that preserves this show. Like Beyoncé did with Homecoming. This is something that begs to be watched again and again. #Coachella" said another.
Gaga wasn't the only memorable performer of the festival. The lineup featured a wide range of acclaimed artists, including brat-summer-sensation Charli XCX, Megan Thee Stallion and Missy Elliott. Lady Gaga, Green Day and Post Malone headlined Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Up-and-coming indie artists such as The Marías and Clairo also had spots on the star-studded stages. South Korean icons JENNIE and LISA, both members of the group BLACKPINK, were also given the opportunity to showcase their respective solo careers.
A notable act of the nights was breakthrough artist Benson Boone, best-known for his TikTok-famous track "Beautiful Things." He electrified the stage with his trademark backflips and powerful vocals while dressed in an eye-catching ensemble. The pinnacle of the performance featured Boone covering Queen's iconic "Bohemian Rhapsody," with the legendary Brian May—the band's guitarist—joining the 22-year-old singer on stage for a nostalgic and bone-chilling rendition of the song.
In the second weekend of the festival, though May could not physically accompany Boone's show, a cardboard replica took his spot on stage, serving as a humorous and heartwarming way of commemorating May's presence the previous week.
"This show is by far and easily the biggest production I have ever been a part of… I am so proud to have been a part of this show. @brianmayforreal I have no words. You are easily one of the most legendary musicians of all time and I cannot thank you enough for coming out," Boone wrote on Instagram.
The festival also became a platform for political expression. Acclaimed punk-rock veterans Green Day delivered a much-awaited and applauded performance during both weekends, weaving political commentary throughout their energetic set. The band, known for their anti-establishment anthems since the 1990s, made a statement by altering lyrics in "Jesus of Suburbia" to draw parallels between suburban pain and the suffering of children in Gaza. This subtle yet impactful change resonated with many attendees who appreciated the band taking a stand.
"Nice to hear Green Day speaking out against fascism. This Coachella crop has been rather timid about making statements about the current political winds," one user on Bluesky said.
Various other performances stood out among the plethora of artists showcased on both weekends. Clairo began her weekend-one set with a speech from Senator Bernie Sanders encouraging Gen Z political engagement. The Marías showcased their acclaimed album "Submarine," with singer Maria Zardoya demonstrating remarkable stage presence. Missy Elliott also delivered a star-studded performance alongside guests like Queen Latifah, while Ed Sheeran surprised weekend two attendees by drawing a massive crowd with just his loop pedal and guitar before joining Post Malone on stage.
As the two-weekend musical extravaganza came to a close, Coachella 2025 has once again proven why it remains arguably one of the biggest music festivals in the world. This year's edition successfully balanced commercially successful mainstream acts with emerging artists and political statements, showcasing the artistry and diversity that can be achieved within the musical landscape. From extravagant performances to heartfelt commemorations, it is undeniable that both performers and attendees will remember the night of Coachella 2025 for years to come.
Photo courtesy of Alexandra Castillo.