We can’t stop living vicariously through this year’s iconic festival
BY LORENA CRISTEA, IMAGE VIA INSTAGRAM (@CHARLI_XCX)
As cowboy boots girlies are gearing up and releasing mayhem over the Californian sunlight, some of our favourite queer artists are putting together the most intriguing sets – from political activism to gothic scenery.
Coachella is so back, and we couldn’t wait to share with you some of the queer highlights of this year’s edition. From Charli XCX’s brat phenomenon that took everyone by storm last year to Lady Gaga’s 2010s era comeback, we curated a top list of queer moments from Coachella 2025.
Lady Gaga brings fan to tears after sharing a priceless moment
Lady Gaga headlined Coachella this year with an opera-themed set. The show was subject to controversy, as some fans reported feeling left “unsettled” by the satanic-resembling rituals.
One wholesome moment stood out, with one of her fans handing her a black bouquet of fake flowers. Serena Foster later took everything on TikTok, where she explained she initially planned to “give her both [bouquets] but handed her one”, so the two now have matching flowers.
The video caught the attention of Gaga herself, with the 39-year-old pop artist leaving a moving comment. “Now we are connected forever,” Gaga said, “and I said to Michael [fiancé] – can you believe a fan handed me a bouquet of black flowers – as if you knew the whole show before we even did it.”
@officialserenafoster @ladygaga took my flowers at #coachellaweekend1 and I am forever grateful. She finished out “Vanish Into You” with them and I am STILL IN SHOCK.😭 I love you Gaga, thank you for changing our lives forever. #Mayhem #ladygaga #coachella #ladygagavideos #ladygagacoachella #mayhemladygaga #littlemonster #littlemonsters #gagachella #coachella2025 #ladygagacoachella ♬ original sound – SERENA FOSTER
Charli XCX left the audience ecstatic with rave theme and A-list guests
Charli XCX is the icon, the legend, and the moment! The British singer rocked a BRAT-themed outfit with a sexy black lace two-piece and unleashed a performance that will be long discussed.
Hinting at a downfall of the Brat era, her energetic set included iconic guest performances from A-listers such as Troye Sivan, Billie Eilish, and Lorde. Troye Sivan was the first to appear on stage during the Talk, talk performance. The singer wore a “Protect the Dolls” t-shirt as a reaction to the current political stance on trans people in the US. Lorde dramatically appeared from the centre of the stage for the duet of Girl, so Confusing. Billie put the cherry on the rainbow top as she made an appearance for the Guess remix.
The set gathered a plethora of reactions online, with some fans expressing their disappointment that Charli wasn’t that day’s headliner.
Clairo gets introduced by Bernie Sanders
The US senator Bernie Sanders introduced the indie-pop singer-songwriter in a touching speech where he addressed the women’s right to choose, healthcare, and climate change, denouncing President Donald Trump’s controversial media statements. “This country faces some very difficult challenges, and the future of what happens to America is dependent on your generation. You can turn away and ignore what goes on, but you do so at your own peril. We need you to stand up for justice,” said the democratic senator.
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