The Governors Ball Music Festival 2025 showcased an array of stunning performances from a wide range of artists, each bringing their unique sounds and fanbases. Check out our recap for highlights from the event, including David Byrne's surprise appearance and captivating performances that took place despite heavy rain.
When the lineup for this year's Governors Ball was revealed, it was clear that festival-goers were in for an unforgettable experience. The variety of artists and genres in 2025's lineup was outstanding, featuring names like Tyla, Clairo, Tyler, The Creator, Hozier, Snow Wife, Raye, MARINA, and Mt. Joy. Simply selecting a few from this diverse roster guaranteed a memorable series of performances. From Joey Valence & Brae's cover of Charli XCX's "365" to dancing in the rain to Wallows' "Are You Bored Yet?"—here are some of our favorite moments from the weekend!
On Friday, June 6, the festival kicked off energetically, with powerhouse performances that set an exciting tone for the rest of the weekend. Opening the day was Strawberry Launch, a NYC-based pop-rock band, who energized the crowd. Keyboardist Taylor Hurt shared the significance of performing alongside artists they admire: “Clairo has inspired me for years, and collaborating with her keyboardist, Danae Greenfield, has been a full-circle moment,” she reflected. Lead singer Riiza spoke about their close relationship with indie rock band The Backfires, mentioning their ongoing collaboration and excitement about their future album.
The weekend's excitement continued with Role Model's performance, which stood out as a highlight of the first day. With the lighthearted charm of his album "Kansas Anymore," Role Model engaged the audience, blending tender and cathartic moments. A particularly memorable instant happened when he brought Conan Gray on stage for "Sally, When The Wine Runs Out," creating a tender, amusing moment that resonated with the crowd.
T-Pain also delivered a remarkable set, effortlessly blending nostalgic tracks with contemporary hits. His lively stage presence made songs like "Buy U a Drank" even more enjoyable for fans. Benson Boone, the final artist before Tyler, The Creator, captivated the crowd with his vocal talent and energetic performance, despite some online backlash regarding his signature backflips.
Tyler, The Creator's set was unforgettable, pulsating with bass and theatricality as he performed tracks from his new album, "Chromakopia." His stage presence was magnetic, engaging the crowd with a mix of classic hits and newer songs. The spirited energy of the audience during tracks like "IFHY" and "New Magic Wand" highlighted his connection with fans. Tyler's raw emotion shone through in more personal songs like "Like Him," making his set a highlight of the festival.
On Saturday, June 7, rain and thunder disrupted much of the lineup but didn't dampen the spirits of attendees, who missed out on artists like The Backfires and Lexa Gates. Yet, the performances that did take place still captivated the audience. MARINA opened the day with a vibrant energy, performing tracks from her newly released album "PRINCESS OF POWER" and beloved older hits. Wallows also took the stage, their camaraderie and connection evident during their set, especially as they performed "Are You Bored Yet?" amidst a sudden downpour—many audience members embraced the rain, singing and dancing joyfully.
Young Miko continued to energize the crowd with her unique blend of musical styles, while Conan Gray later took the stage, kickstarting his set with the debut performance of "This Song," which explores themes of growing up and connection. Gray's stage presence and gratitude toward his fans added special warmth to the moment.
As Olivia Rodrigo prepared to perform, her fans surged toward the stage, excited for her spectacular show. Rodrigo seamlessly blended tracks from her albums "SOUR" and "GUTS," showcasing her punk and pop influences. Noteworthy performances included "driver's license" and "jealousy, jealousy," where the crowd’s enthusiasm resonated with her every word. The highlight of Rodrigo's set was when she welcomed David Byrne for a memorable duet of "Burning Down the House," a heartwarming encounter between two influential artists.
On Sunday, June 8, I arrived early to catch missed performances, including an impressive set from Snow Wife, who captivated the audience with her infectious energy and stage presence, hinting at a promising future in pop music. Joey Valence & Brae energized attendees with tracks like "PUNK TACTICS," establishing themselves as crowd favorites with their engaging style, including their cover of Charli XCX's "365," drawing in eager listeners.
The Japanese House delivered an anticipated performance, touching hearts with songs like "Touching Yourself" and "Boyhood," along with a powerful message of solidarity for marginalized communities. Amber Bain demonstrated her sincere appreciation for the audience, creating an intimate
The 2025 Governors Ball Music Festival featured stunning performances from a diverse lineup of artists with varying styles and fan bases. Check out our recap to relive some of the most memorable moments you may have missed, including the unexpected appearance by David Byrne and dramatic acts amidst heavy rain.