In 2017, Lady Gaga stepped in to fill Beyoncé’s headlining slot at Coachella due to pregnancy. She delivered a captivating performance that showcased her remarkable live stage presence and set the bar high for future artists. However, she felt she had unfinished business and returned to Coachella this spring with a mission to go back and do it right.
Gaga’s 2-hour performance was a masterclass in transmogrification, blending pop with elements of dance, opera, and theater. Her 22-song setlist, featuring tracks from her catalog, was a testament to her experience and skill as a performer. The show was a fully realized vision of a pop master, complete with elaborate production and delivery that left the crowd in awe.
At 38, Gaga reigns supreme in pop music, wielding her status to electrifying effect. Her performance was a fantasy world of witches and queens, told through five acts, each one expertly woven into a cohesive narrative. The show seamlessly integrated her foundational texts with her latest work, creating an all-encompassing experience that felt both comprehensive and refreshing.
Gaga’s music has always been a form of self-expression and possession. Her dance style is infectious and primal, drawing the crowd in with its raw energy. The performance was as much about acting as singing, with Gaga embodying various personas and emotions throughout.
However, she also broke character to connect with her fans, fiance, and spiritual beliefs, revealing a more vulnerable side. The show culminated in a transcendent finale of Bad Romance, complete with a Frankenstein-esque revivification and an emotional conclusion that left the crowd on their feet.
With its unforgettable performances, stunning production, and Gaga’s undeniable talent, Gagachella joins Beyoncé’s Homecoming in the pantheon of groundbreaking Coachella headliner sets.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/apr/12/lady-gaga-coachella