In the pop culture world, Coachella 2025 was once again a symphony of innovation and cultural diversity. This year, the festival spotlighted a shift in artist trends and groundbreaking performances that entranced people around the world.
One of the most captivating trends of Coachella was the increase of international artists. ENHYPEN and XG brought K-pop to the stage with amazing choreography and stage presence. This trend reflects the influence of non-Western music on the global stage, a trend that I believe is long overdue. Coachella’s inclusion of these artists not only broadens their horizons but also pushes against the West-centric norms in the music industry.
This year’s lineup took genre fusion to a whole new level. Lady Gaga incorporated pop, opera, and electronic music into her performance. She included a chess-themed dance battle in her performance of “Poker Face” and an opera twist on “Bad Romance.” This showcased her ability to incorporate theatrical elements in her mainstream hits.
Post Malone combined hip-hop, rock and acoustic elements in his performance. From his debut track, “White Iverson” – which draws from hip-hop and R&B stylings – to his latest country-pop hit “I Had Some Help” featuring Morgan Wallen, Post Malone’s performance highlighted how the combination of different genres can create new experiences for listeners and keep the music industry going.
Charli XCX brought hyper-pop energy to the stage, blending electronic beats with pop melodies. She started off with “365” with glitchy visuals in the background to accompany the song’s fusion between bedroom-pop and hyper-pop sound. Her stage design consisted of neon lighting and fast-paced digital projections. The lighting and visuals matched Charli XCX’s vibe and music, making for a truly immersive experience for her audience.
One standout moment was when she featured Troye Sivan for her remix of “Talk Talk.” His smooth vocals blended well with her hyper-pop style. Lorde then appeared on stage for a collaborative rendition of “Girl, So Confusing,” a track that had been remixed specifically for Coachella 2025. Billie Eilish then made an entrance for “Guess,” a song that earned a Grammy nomination in 2024. This duet had visuals flashing the word “GUESS” behind them, which added to the song’s provocative nature.
Chase & Status, an electronic duo, brought adrenaline to their performance with their mix of drum and bass, along with reggae influences. They started with “BACKBONE,” setting the tone with the song’s deep basslines. The duo then transitioned into “Gunfinger,” a track that infuses the classic reggae sound with their signature drum and bass rhythms. I was impressed with their ability to mix genres, keeping the energy levels high in the audience.
This year, newcomers like Benson Boone and Keshi brought raw talent to Coachella. I think this is important as it reminds people that the festival is also a launchpad for rising stars. Their performances also serve as a reminder that Coachella is a place for discovery.
While fresh talent was a highlight, this year’s festival was committed to innovation that extended beyond music. Coachella has historically been known for its successful stage productions, but in 2025, I believe there was more emphasis on stage production than in previous festivals.
Particularly, Travis Scott’s opening act featured over 80 crew members, creating a performance that was as much about visual storytelling as it was about music. The emphasis on stagecraft at Coachella highlights how the festival has become a cultural phenomenon. It has shaped trends in live entertainment, fashion, and immersive experiences that go beyond just a music festival. These trends push artists to think beyond their music and also consider the visual experience they create for their audiences.
Coachella 2025 was a celebration of artistic evolution and cultural fusion. It is not only keeping up with the music industry, but also setting the standards for what is to come.
