Imagine a festival where musical legends collide, where the boundary between genres dissolves into a mixture of beats and emotions that resonate with thousands of attendees. This was the scene at Coachella 2025, where on April 13, fans experienced an exhilarating conclusion to the first weekend, headlined by none other than mercurial star Post Malone. The day spanned various performances with significant moments that not only showcased the artists but also celebrated the journeys they have undertaken. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the artists buoyantly captivated the crowd, making Day 3 a culmination of talent, nostalgia, and vibrant artistry.
Post Malone took the main stage, infusing his vibrant personality and musical evolution into an unforgettable experience for thousands. This monumental performance was more than just a concert; it felt like a birthday party and a tribute rolled into one. Incorporating a Formula 1 racetrack theme, Malone's aesthetic bridged the gap between his latest country influences and signature hip-hop vibes.
"This will always be a celebration—after almost ten years of releases, I'm only getting started," Malone expressed to the crowd, showcasing a new wave of songs he teased during the set.
His performance revved up with pyrotechnics, turning the stage into a fiery spectacle that matched his energetic delivery. As fans enjoyed hits from his discography, the anticipation for his forthcoming album lingered in the air, with Malone hinting at a considerable number of new tracks ready for release.
Another major moment came when Jennie of BLACKPINK made her solo Coachella debut. Renowned for her captivating stage presence, she expressed gratitude to the audience with heartfelt remarks, "It feels great to be back here in the desert." Performing tracks from her freshly debuted album, "Ruby," Jennie injected a beautiful combination of powerful choreography and emotional ballads into her set.
Her collaboration with Kali Uchis, which surprised the crowd, generated a buzz and indicated her rising trajectory as a solo artist.
"You can feel it in the air—this is a defining moment for me," Jennie told her audience, evoking cheers from fans eager for both nostalgia and new beginnings.
Megan Thee Stallion ignited the crowd with her dominatrix cowgirl aesthetic, delivering a set filled with fan favorites such as "Savage" and "Body." However, what was shaping up to be one of the most memorable performances of the weekend was unexpectedly cut short when her microphones were deemed over the time limit, bringing her set to an abrupt close just past the 9 PM mark.
This unfortunate incident overshadowed several exciting moments, including unexpected guest appearances from icons like Queen Latifah and Ciara, who added timeless performances to the mix.
“Megan never lost momentum, and she was vibing with the audience despite the hiccup,” one attendee noted, illustrating the resilience of artists and fans in moments of uncertainty.
As it coincided with his birthday, Ty Dolla $ign's performance was a tribute not just to his artistry but also to his family. He creatively integrated a powerful narrative into his set regarding his brother’s case through stage dynamics that featured a prison yard aesthetic. This poignant display allowed him to shine a light on personal issues while still keeping the energy high with his popular tracks.
“Even on a celebratory day, I want to advocate for my brother’s situation, and I appreciate the support from fans,” he said after his emotionally resonant set.
Among the dazzling performances, XG, the Japanese girl group, made a noteworthy Coachella debut, resonating with fans through their spirited, energetic stage presence. Their performance of tracks like “Woke Up” and "GRL GVNG" earned them applause, and it was evident this was only the beginning for them at such a prominent festival. They captivated attendees with visually striking costumes paired with a lively performance that felt effortlessly seamless.
On a smaller stage, BigXthaplug grabbed attention by reinforcing his burgeoning reputation within the hip-hop scene. His commanding performance filled the Gobi Stage, illustrating the hope for greater opportunities in his future as he proclaimed, "This is now 6Chella," alluding to the growth of his brand.
The pulsating beats continued with Zedd lighting up the Outdoor Stage, performing both classic hits and pieces from his newest album, "Telos." His impressive collaborations during the set, featuring artists like Maren Morris and John Mayer, drew in a massive crowd that reflected Coachella's diversity in genre appreciation.
“The energy here today was electric—massive,” Zedd remarked, smiling as he transitioned from the decks to drums and vocals seamlessly.
Closing the Mojave Tent with a sense of historical significance, Kraftwerk took the audience on a nostalgia trip with their foundational electronic tracks. Their minimalist yet visually engaging performance was a reminder of the origins of a genre that has influenced many artists performing at the festival today.
Coachella 2025 Day 3 provided a powerful and eclectic showcase of talent, innovation, and potential that echoed through the California desert. From the heartfelt and personal tributes to collaborative moments that blurred the lines between genre, the festival reinforced the unity among artists and fans alike.
As fans rallied together to soak in the performances that ranged from monumental experiences to poignant memories, the weekend wrapped up with more than just music—it cultivated connections and fostered a sense of community among both performers and attendees. With one more weekend left of Coachella, the echoes of laughter, chills from screaming fans, and heartfelt tributes foreshadow even greater moments yet to come.
What artists headlined on Day 3 of Coachella 2025? Post Malone, Megan Thee Stallion, Jennie from BLACKPINK, and Zedd were among the notable artists who headlined Day 3.
Was this Jennie’s first solo performance at Coachella? Yes, Jennie made her solo Coachella debut this year, performing tracks from her new album "Ruby."
Did any unexpected collaborations occur during the performances? Yes, notable guest appearances included Queen Latifah and Ciara during Megan Thee Stallion's set, showcasing the level of collaboration among artists.
What was the significance of Ty Dolla $ign’s performance? Ty Dolla $ign focused on advocating for his brother, who is incarcerated, while also celebrating his birthday during his performance.
How did Coachella 2025 celebrate electronic music? Kraftwerk performed at the Mojave Tent, delivering iconic tracks and celebrating the foundation of electronic music, influencing many artists at the festival.