Lady Gaga electrified the stage on Friday night at the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, delivering a nearly two-hour performance that had the crowd roaring. The 39-year-old pop sensation was back for her second time as a headliner at the iconic festival, and she didn’t disappoint. The night featured an exciting blend of songs from her new album, Mayhem, along with classic hits that have made her one of the most celebrated performers of her generation.
Gaga kicked off her set with an intense, high-energy rendition of “Bloody Mary,” instantly setting the tone for the evening. The track, which has become a fan favorite since its release on her Born This Way album, was just the beginning of a jam-packed show that spanned her vast catalog. Over the next 90 minutes, she delivered crowd-pleasers like “Poker Face,” “Alejandro,” and “Abracadabra,” blending her greatest hits with new material from her upcoming album Mayhem.
But it wasn’t just the music that had the audience on their feet. Gaga’s performance at Coachella was a sensory experience, filled with dramatic choreography, stunning visuals, and costume changes that kept the show dynamic and engaging. Her voice, as always, was powerful and perfectly complemented by a live band, intricate lighting, and an impressive stage setup that reflected the dark and daring aesthetic of Mayhem.
Throughout the set, Gaga made sure to connect with the audience, often pausing between songs to share personal thoughts and insights. As she introduced a new song, she explained how her latest album explores themes of self-discovery, chaos, and empowerment, which resonated deeply with the Coachella crowd.
A Curated Setlist of Hits and Artistry
Ahead of her performance, Lady Gaga spoke to Uproxx about how she carefully curated her setlist for the festival. Known for her eclectic music style, she explained how she balanced fan favorites with the new sound of Mayhem.
“I think people always want to hear your hits. That has to be a part of it,” she said. “But also, you know, I’ve never been someone that will shy away from my artistry given the venue. I think Coachella is an opportunity to do something unique and special. So yes to the hits, but also yes to high artistry.”
The setlist reflected this philosophy perfectly. Gaga gave the crowd exactly what they wanted, delivering her biggest hits, but also showcasing her artistic evolution through new tracks from Mayhem. One standout was “The Edge of Glory,” which she dedicated to the fans in the front row, sharing how grateful she was for their unwavering support. It was clear that Gaga viewed her Coachella performance as an opportunity to showcase her artistry in a way that was different from the typical pop performance.
Among the crowd favorites, “Bad Romance” closed out the show with a spectacular bang. The audience was on their feet, singing along to every word, as the iconic anthem brought the evening to a triumphant close. The electrifying energy was palpable as Gaga poured her heart into the performance, making the final moments of the night feel like an unforgettable celebration.
The Mayhem Ball Tour: A Preview of What’s to Come
As her Coachella performance came to an end, Gaga teased her upcoming Mayhem Ball tour, which kicks off in July 2025. Fans can expect to see even more high-energy performances, dramatic visuals, and a mix of old and new hits as Gaga takes her new album on the road. She’s promised an even bigger spectacle for her upcoming shows, and based on her Coachella performance, it’s clear that this tour will be a visual and musical feast.
The new album, Mayhem, is expected to dive deeper into the themes of chaos and personal transformation, with tracks that reflect her evolving sound. Gaga has been known for constantly reinventing herself, and Mayhem marks another shift in her artistic journey. The album’s release earlier this year was met with excitement, as fans eagerly anticipated what new sonic territory the pop star would explore next.
While the Mayhem era brings a fresh direction, Gaga’s Coachella setlist also showed that she has not forgotten where she started. Songs from her earlier albums, including The Fame and Born This Way, were an integral part of her performance, reminding fans of the incredible range of her career. Songs like “Poker Face” and “Alejandro” brought the audience on a nostalgic journey, with the crowd singing along passionately to every word.
A Return to Coachella: A Memorable Moment
This performance marked Gaga’s second time headlining Coachella. Her first appearance came in 2017, when she was called in as a last-minute replacement for Beyoncé, who had to cancel her set due to her pregnancy with twins. Gaga filled in seamlessly, delivering a 90-minute set that included hits like “Born This Way,” “Telephone”, and “Yoü and I”. That year, she also debuted “The Cure,” a song that became a fan favorite.
Though her 2017 Coachella performance was short and unexpected, it was clear that Gaga was born to take on the massive stage. Now, after years of building her legendary career, her 2025 set showed how far she’s come and how much her artistry has evolved. Her ability to balance both commercial appeal and high artistry is a testament to her staying power in the pop world.
This year’s Coachella performance also allowed Gaga to connect more deeply with her fans, especially as they experienced her new material live for the first time. The crowd was diverse, with longtime fans and new listeners alike all coming together to witness a pop icon in action.
A Legacy of Iconic Performances
Lady Gaga’s Coachella 2025 set will go down in history as one of her most memorable performances. With an energetic setlist that mixed Mayhem tracks with her all-time greatest hits, a visually stunning stage design, and her unparalleled stage presence, Gaga proved once again why she is one of the most influential artists of her generation.
As she prepares to kick off her Mayhem Ball tour this summer, fans around the world can look forward to even more thrilling performances from one of pop music’s brightest stars. If her Coachella performance is any indication, Lady Gaga’s journey is far from over, and her legacy continues to grow stronger with every note she sings.
