October 7th 2024.
The much-anticipated Coachella 2025 is set to take place in April, and music lovers around the world are buzzing with excitement. But, as always, the burning question is: who will be performing? Even though Coachella is known for attracting some of the biggest names in the industry, rumors have been circulating that two huge performers have turned down the chance to headline the festival next year.
Earlier this year, there were concerns about the annual bash due to reports of lackluster ticket sales and disappointment over the star-studded line-up. Artists such as Doja Cat, Lana Del Rey, and Tyler, The Creator took the stage, but some fans felt that the line-up didn't live up to their expectations. All eyes have been on who will be headlining Coachella 2025 in Indio, California, with sources speculating that Rihanna may make a surprise comeback and Kendrick Lamar may also take the stage. There are also rumors that Fred Again will be headlining, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
However, according to Bloomberg, both Rihanna and Kendrick declined the opportunity to headline. Kendrick, who wowed us with his Super Bowl Halftime show performance last February, is reportedly planning a massive tour and wants to focus on that. As for Rihanna, who headlined last year's NFL showdown, she is busy with her ever-growing beauty and fashion empire and isn't too concerned about the exposure or the money.
Even though neither artist has addressed these reports, Coachella co-founder Paul Tollett is allegedly scrambling to secure similarly big performers for the main slots next April. Many believe that the festival has become a victim of its own success, as the music industry continues to evolve. It has been reported that headliners can make between $8 million and $12 million for the two weekends, a substantial amount for most artists. However, some of the biggest names in the industry are able to earn more by organizing their own shows, which may explain why Coachella is struggling to attract A-listers.
The first official Coachella festival took place in 1999, with performances from Beck, Tool, and Rage Against the Machine. Over the years, the festival has grown massively, with a crowd of 125,000 and headliners such as Ariana Grande, Harry Styles, Snoop Dogg, Drake, Billie Eilish, and Eminem. Beyoncé's unforgettable Beychella set in 2018 will always be remembered, as she took over the festival stage and gave us an unforgettable concert experience.
However, last year didn't have the same vibe, as Coachella-goers were disappointed when Frank Ocean suffered an ankle injury, leading to a last-minute change in the first weekend's line-up. To make matters worse, the live stream was also shut off, leaving those who couldn't get tickets unable to watch the performances from home. Frank then ended his set after just over an hour and pulled out of the second weekend, with Blink-182 filling in at the last minute.
According to the LA Times, 2023 marked the first year in over a decade that both weekends didn't sell out, and 2024 sales were the slowest in a decade. Some have speculated that the flashy and trendy line-ups may be to blame for the festival's recent struggles. Fans on Reddit have suggested that Coachella should go back to its roots and focus on booking bands and artists from the early 2000s, rather than trying to attract the biggest names in the industry.
It's clear that Coachella has come a long way since its humble beginnings, and some fans believe that the festival has lost its magic. As one fan put it, "It's no longer the same as those early days." However, there are still many who are eagerly anticipating the festival and are excited to see who will be headlining in 2025. We'll just have to wait and see who ultimately takes the stage next year. As always, The Agency has reached out to reps for Rihanna, Kendrick, and Coachella for a comment, and we'll keep you updated on any developments.
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