AceShowbiz - This year's Coachella is likely to be remembered for two things: the scorching 100-plus degree heat that tested the mettle of even the most ardent festival-goers, and Lady Gaga's headlining performance, which was nothing short of a grandiose spectacular.

"I decided to build you an opera house for you in the middle of the desert," Gaga said mid-set, just before playing her hit "Alejandro."

Her set, just in time for her latest album "Mayhem", was a dramatic five-act opera-like production. Emerging on top of a multi-story dress on a gothic stage setup, she began with "Bloody Mary" as dancers and musicians filled the venue with an electric energy.

Highlights included a zombie-themed revival, a chessboard duel to "Poker Face," and a brutal war march during "Born This Way." With a masked DJ Gesaffelstein adding to the theatrical flair, the show was a feast for both live attendees and those watching the livestream.

A nostalgic moment came when Gaga performed "Shallow" from "A Star Is Born". She reminisced about how it changed her life, "You know, since the last time I played Coachella, I've had some songs come out."

"But one of them, I think back to being here and remember how special it was that I got to perform here. And we filmed a movie, a movie that changed my life, helped me say something I hadn't said before," she recalled working on her Oscar-winning movie.

"I'm so excited to sing this for you here tonight, I couldn't wait. I hope you sing it as loud as you can. There ain't nothing like you. Come on, let's get far from the shallow," she urged the crowd.

Other artists didn't fail to impress. Missy Elliott delivered a space-themed spectacle, and Blackpink's LISA made her solo debut with "Lifestyle." Brian May of Queen surprised everyone by joining rising star Benson Boone for a stirring rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody."

From the epic performances to spontaneous collaborations, the first day of Coachella 2025 set an incredibly high bar, reaffirming the festival's premier status. As the desert sun set and the temperatures finally dipped, over 100,000 fans left the Polo Field buzzing with the memories of an unforgettable day.