Coachella 2023 saw a dazzling display of star power as Lady Gaga took to the main stage, thrilling an audience of festivalgoers with a stunning set centered on her latest album, Mayhem. Fans were captivated from the outset, with Lady Gaga opening her performance with a theatrical rendition of her 2011 hit, Bloody Mary, that some described as a visually striking "satanic ritual."
Among the audience were members of the South Korean pop sensation Blackpink, with Lisa seen enjoying the rhythms of boy band Enhypen following her own performance. Over in a different corner, Benson Boone delighted the crowd by inviting Queen's Sir Brian May onto the stage for an electrifying rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody, showcasing his flair with a signature front flip.
Celebrity couples were also spotted enjoying the music. Actor Timothee Chalamet and influencer Kylie Jenner were seen mingling with festival-goers on the second day of the event held at Indio, California's Empire Polo Club. Blackpink's Lisa, recently featured in the HBO hit series The White Lotus, had cheerleader Patrick Schwarzenegger beside her, who filmed himself singing along to her chart-topper, Money. Justin and Hailey Bieber, along with rising artists like Tate McRae and The Kid Laroi, were also spotted dancing at Yeat's performance on Friday.
On this year's lineup were prominent acts like Megan Thee Stallion, Post Malone, and Green Day, drawing in an audience of around 100,000 per day.
Charli XCX had fans reminiscing about their "brat summer" with performances of hits like Von Dutch and 360, also bringing surprise guests like Troye Sivan, Lorde, and Billie Eilish on stage to thrill the crowd.
However, the festival wasn't without its challenges, with attendees facing chaos at the gates as they waited in traffic due to a new reservation system aimed at streamlining camping arrangements. Many were left waiting for hours in the unforgiving desert heat, with limited access to facilities.
As is often the case with music festivals, Coachella saw its share of political activism. Senator Bernie Sanders took to the stage before Clairo’s Saturday performance, speaking out against the Trump administration and urging the younger generation to shape America's future. Green Day utilized their performance to critique socio-political issues, with frontman Billy Joe Armstrong rewriting lyrics to reflect current events, including the ongoing conflict in Palestine.
Irish rap group Kneecap followed suit, thrilling audiences with chants recalling former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, only to face a mysterious cut in their livestream just as political statements were made.
In recent years, Coachella has faced scrutiny, particularly from a survey that indicated a majority felt the festival had been overshadowed by social media influencers. It has also experienced talent-related mishaps, recalling an incident with Blur's Damon Albarn who criticized audience participation in 2024, alongside Grimes's frustrating technical problems during her DJ set.
As the festival rolls on into next weekend, anticipation remains high for what else may unfold at Coachella, a haven for music lovers and influencers alike.
Among the audience were members of the South Korean pop sensation Blackpink, with Lisa seen enjoying the rhythms of boy band Enhypen following her own performance. Over in a different corner, Benson Boone delighted the crowd by inviting Queen's Sir Brian May onto the stage for an electrifying rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody, showcasing his flair with a signature front flip.
Celebrity couples were also spotted enjoying the music. Actor Timothee Chalamet and influencer Kylie Jenner were seen mingling with festival-goers on the second day of the event held at Indio, California's Empire Polo Club. Blackpink's Lisa, recently featured in the HBO hit series The White Lotus, had cheerleader Patrick Schwarzenegger beside her, who filmed himself singing along to her chart-topper, Money. Justin and Hailey Bieber, along with rising artists like Tate McRae and The Kid Laroi, were also spotted dancing at Yeat's performance on Friday.
On this year's lineup were prominent acts like Megan Thee Stallion, Post Malone, and Green Day, drawing in an audience of around 100,000 per day.
Charli XCX had fans reminiscing about their "brat summer" with performances of hits like Von Dutch and 360, also bringing surprise guests like Troye Sivan, Lorde, and Billie Eilish on stage to thrill the crowd.
However, the festival wasn't without its challenges, with attendees facing chaos at the gates as they waited in traffic due to a new reservation system aimed at streamlining camping arrangements. Many were left waiting for hours in the unforgiving desert heat, with limited access to facilities.
As is often the case with music festivals, Coachella saw its share of political activism. Senator Bernie Sanders took to the stage before Clairo’s Saturday performance, speaking out against the Trump administration and urging the younger generation to shape America's future. Green Day utilized their performance to critique socio-political issues, with frontman Billy Joe Armstrong rewriting lyrics to reflect current events, including the ongoing conflict in Palestine.
Irish rap group Kneecap followed suit, thrilling audiences with chants recalling former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, only to face a mysterious cut in their livestream just as political statements were made.
In recent years, Coachella has faced scrutiny, particularly from a survey that indicated a majority felt the festival had been overshadowed by social media influencers. It has also experienced talent-related mishaps, recalling an incident with Blur's Damon Albarn who criticized audience participation in 2024, alongside Grimes's frustrating technical problems during her DJ set.
As the festival rolls on into next weekend, anticipation remains high for what else may unfold at Coachella, a haven for music lovers and influencers alike.
