Stars Shine at Coachella as Lady Gaga Delivers Stunning Performance

This year's Coachella not only featured stellar performances from major artists but also witnessed a blend of political activism and celebrity camaraderie, all set against the colorful backdrop of the desert festival.

Pop superstars descended on Coachella this weekend, strategically blending into the audience to watch each other's performances, while Lady Gaga delivered a breathtaking set that captivated the attendees. With a dramatic opening that resembled a supernatural ceremony to her iconic hit "Bloody Mary," the 'Poker Face' singer showcased tracks from her latest album, "Mayhem."

Notably present in the crowd were members of Blackpink, particularly Lisa, who was seen enthusiastically dancing along to K-pop sensations Enhypen after her own electrifying performance. In another surprise, Benson Boone invited legendary guitarist Sir Brian May onstage to belt out Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," performing a signature front flip to the delight of the audience.

Celebrities were a common sight at the festival, with actor Timothee Chalamet and his partner Kylie Jenner mingling among festivalgoers during the event at Indio, California's famed Empire Polo Club. Blackpink's Lisa also had ample support from her co-star Patrick Schwarzenegger, who could be seen enjoying her hit track "Money." Meanwhile, Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin, alongside artists like Tate McRae and Australian rapper The Kid Laroi, were reported to have been dancing at Yeat's performance.

This year's Coachella featured top acts like Megan Thee Stallion, Post Malone, and the punk-rock band Green Day, as the festival attracted around 100,000 attendees each day. Charli XCX energized the crowd on Saturday after her wins at the 2025 Brit Awards, performing hits like "Von Dutch" and "360." The British artist also welcomed surprise guests such as Troye Sivan, Lorde, and Billie Eilish during her set.

However, the festival wasn't without its challenges. Attendees faced significant delays due to a newly implemented reservation-style system for campers, which resulted in long waits of up to 12 hours in their vehicles under harsh desert conditions.

In addition to the entertainment, political undertones resonated throughout performances, with Senator Bernie Sanders addressing the crowd before Clairo's set, delivering remarks on the importance of the younger generation's role in shaping America. The legendary band Green Day also adapted some of their lyrics, criticizing the political climate and specifically referencing tensions in Palestine during their headline show. Irish rap group Kneecap followed suit, inciting chants against former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during their performance.

As Coachella continues to face scrutiny about the influence of social media personalities on festival culture, many attendees remain eager for the unique blend of music, arts, and activism. Following incidents last year involving challenging performances, the festival aims to maintain its image as a groundbreaking music event. Coachella is set to resume next weekend, promising more unforgettable moments.