Lady Gaga’s headlining performance at Coachella 2025 was nothing short of a spectacle—a masterclass in theatricality, musicality, and sheer star power. Returning to the desert for the first time since 2017, she delivered a two-hour set that not only showcased her latest album, Mayhem, but also reaffirmed her status as one of pop music’s most dynamic and captivating performers.
The Manifesto of Mistress Mayhem
The evening began with a dramatic prelude, “The Manifesto of Mistress Mayhem,” setting the tone for what was to come. This introduction, delivered through a cinematic video, introduced the night’s overarching narrative and themes, immersing the audience into Gaga’s world of chaos and creativity.
Act I: Of Velvet and Vice
The first act opened with the haunting “Bloody Mary,” a song that has become a fan favorite over the years. Gaga’s commanding presence and powerful vocals immediately captivated the audience. The performance transitioned seamlessly into “Abracadabra,” a track from her latest album, which was met with an electrifying response from the crowd.
“Judas” followed, its provocative lyrics and infectious rhythm energizing the audience. The intensity continued with “Scheiße,” a song that showcased Gaga’s versatility and ability to blend various musical genres. “Garden of Eden” brought a touch of rock to the set, with Gaga playing guitar and delivering a raw, emotional performance. The act concluded with “Poker Face,” a nod to her earlier work that had the crowd singing along in unison.
Act II: And She Fell into a Gothic Dream
The second act delved deeper into the darker themes of the night. “Perfect Celebrity” was performed with a minimalist stage setup, allowing Gaga’s vocals to take center stage. “Disease” followed, its introspective lyrics resonating with many in the audience. “Paparazzi” brought a touch of glam to the proceedings, with Gaga delivering a performance that was both theatrical and heartfelt.
“Alejandro” was a standout moment, with its Latin-inspired rhythms and provocative imagery captivating the audience. The act concluded with “The Beast,” a track that showcased Gaga’s ability to blend electronic and rock elements seamlessly.
Act III: The Beautiful Nightmare That Knows Her Name
The third act introduced new material from Mayhem. “Killah” was performed with Gesaffelstein, who joined Gaga on stage, adding an extra layer of intensity to the performance. “Zombieboy” followed, its eerie visuals and haunting melody creating a surreal atmosphere. “Die with a Smile” was a poignant moment, with Gaga delivering an emotionally charged performance that left the audience in awe.
“How Bad Do U Want Me” brought the tempo back up, its upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus energizing the crowd. The act concluded with “Vanish into You,” a song that showcased Gaga’s vocal range and ability to connect with her audience on a deep emotional level.
Act IV: To Wake Her Is to Lose Her
The fourth act featured some of Gaga’s most iconic songs. “Shadow of a Man,” a new track, was performed with elements of “Kill for Love,” creating a hauntingly beautiful medley. “Born This Way” followed, its empowering message resonating with the audience, many of whom sang along with passion.
“Shallow,” a song that has become synonymous with Gaga’s versatility as an artist, was performed solo at the piano. The emotional rendition brought the audience to their feet, many moved to tears. The act concluded with “Vanish into You,” a song that showcased Gaga’s ability to blend glam rock and disco influences seamlessly.
Finale: Eternal Aria of the Monster Heart
The night culminated with “Bad Romance,” a song that has become a staple of Gaga’s live performances. The stage transformed into a dramatic set, with dancers and elaborate visuals enhancing the performance. Gaga’s powerful vocals and commanding presence brought the evening to a thrilling conclusion.
Setlist:
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The Art of Personal Chaos
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Bloody Mary
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Abracadabra
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Judas
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Scheiße
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Garden of Eden
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Poker Face
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Perfect Celebrity
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Disease
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Paparazzi
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Alejandro
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The Beast
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Killah
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Zombieboy
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Die with a Smile
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How Bad Do U Want Me
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Shadow of a Man / Kill for Love
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Born This Way
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Shallow
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Vanish into You
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Bad Romance
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
Lady Gaga’s Coachella 2025 performance was a testament to her artistry, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her craft. The seamless blend of new material and classic hits, combined with the theatrical elements and emotional depth, made for an unforgettable experience. As the night came to a close, it was clear that Gaga had once again solidified her place as a true icon in the world of music and performance.