Day 2 at Coachella 2025 proved that the desert can hold more than heat—it can hold cultural moments that define an era. From euphoric pop takeovers to urgent political statements, the evening felt like a fast-forward through the past, present, and future of music.
Charli XCX Took the Crown (and Gave It Away)
Charli XCX’s main stage set was a high-gloss, high-stamina showcase of her Brat era, with rapid-fire hits like “Von Dutch,” “360,” and the new fan-favorite “365.” She turned the stage into a rave runway—neon lights, pulsing beats, and a who’s-who of surprise guests. Troye Sivan joined for “1999,” Billie Eilish lent her voice to “Girl, so confusing,” and Lorde stunned with an unexpected appearance that fans quickly dubbed the official start of “Lorde Summer 2025.” It was pure pop maximalism, and Charli was the undeniable ringleader.
Clairo and the Call for Change
In one of the night’s most moving moments, Clairo’s set opened with an introduction from Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Maxwell Frost. Their rallying cry for youth activism set the tone for Clairo’s intimate, emotionally raw performance. Songs like “Blouse” and “Amoeba” resonated deeply in the open air, as Clairo’s understated presence contrasted beautifully with the night’s more flamboyant acts. It was a reminder that quiet vulnerability can roar just as loudly.
Green Day Brought the Fire—And the Fury
Making their Coachella debut, Green Day didn’t just play—they made a statement. Billie Joe Armstrong delivered a searing, politically charged set, reworking lyrics in “American Idiot” and “Jesus of Suburbia” to take aim at world leaders and highlight global injustice. It wasn’t just nostalgic punk—it was a call to arms disguised as a rock show.
Travis Scott Defied Gravity and Expectations
Despite a late start, Travis Scott pulled off a set that felt more like a sci-fi spectacle than a hip-hop concert. Drones, flame towers, and a floating platform added to the chaos. Joined by Playboi Carti and Don Toliver, Scott unleashed fan favorites from Utopia and older bangers like “Goosebumps,” igniting the crowd into a frenzy.
Orchestral Euphoria with Gustavo Dudamel
A surprise highlight, Gustavo Dudamel led the LA Philharmonic through a genre-defying set that reimagined classical music for the festival crowd. Blending Wagner with Argentine electronic artists and cinematic interludes, it felt like a masterclass in breaking tradition—and it brought the Mojave Tent to its feet.
T-Pain Delivered the Singalong of the Night
Wielding his iconic auto-tune, T-Pain served nostalgia with a twist. While backing tracks dominated his set, the crowd didn’t care—they were too busy belting out “Buy U a Drank” and his cover of “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
K-Pop Goes Western with ENHYPEN
K-pop sensations ENHYPEN made a sleek and stylish debut, performing in custom Prada cowboy fits that were part runway, part rodeo. Their choreography was razor sharp, and their fanbase showed up in full force.
Coachella Day 2 Verdict:
A night of contradictions and collisions—where punk met orchestras, where politicians introduced indie ballads, and where Lorde made pop feel like a divine intervention. The stage is set for a wild Day 3.
