Coachella 2025: Tyla, Missy Elliot, Lady Gaga steal the show

South Africa's 'Queen of Popiano' Tyla made an electrifying debut at the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in  California. 

The 23-year-old performed on day one, which Lady Gaga headlined. Missy Elliot, Benson Boone, GloRilla, and Blackpink's Lisa were also part of Friday's lineup. 

Tyla took to the stage in vintage Dolce & Gabbana paired with a Swarovski crystal mesh bra, a short belted skirt and fishnet tights. 

Speaking to Vogue, Tyla says she has always dreamed of performing at Coachella.

"When I was younger, I used to binge-watch performances. It’s definitely a milestone that I’ve always wanted to hit. The amount of people that came to my set was really exciting and warming," she said. 

ALSO READ: Tyla honoured at Billboard's Women in Music Awards

ALSO READ: Tyla turns heads at Chanel's Paris Fashion Week show

The Grammy Award winner sang some of her biggest hits, including 'Water' and 'Push 2 Start'. 

Becky G joined Tyla onstage to perform 'On My Body', a song featured on Tyla's debut album.

Tyla also surprised festivalgoers by mixing her song 'On and On' with Aaliyah's 2002 hit 'Rock the Boat'.

"She’s always paid homage to Aaliyah from the beginning I think it’s wonderful that Tyla is helping keep Aaliyah’s memory alive to a whole new generation and I don’t think her team is pushing anything I think it’s all Tyla's idea she really loves Aaliyah and vibes of her music," one X user said.

Another X user said, "Tyla's Coachella debut is serving us more than just musical magic – it's a style statement! Her looks channel the ethereal energy of Aaliyah with modern flair, perfectly capturing the festival's spirit."

Aaliyah's brother Rashad Haughton gave Tyla his seal of approval by reposting a clip from the performance on his Instagram page.

ALSO READ: The Great Impersonator - Halsey recreates iconic Aaliyah picture

Here's a look at some highlights from Tyla's Coachella debut.

Weekend one was jam-packed with amazing performances.

Missy Elliot, who was recently named Billboard's #2 best female rapper of all time, wowed with a jaw-dropping 'Transformers' and space-inspired show.

The 53-year-old performed her biggest hits including 'Get Ur Freak On' and 'Work It'. 

Lady Gaga also did not disappoint. Her showstopping performance was dubbed "Gagachella". 

"Missy Elliott and Lady Gaga ate that Coachella Main Stage UP. Legendary performances of nothing but hits. Gaga’s mic was the definition of 'ON'. I honestly don’t know how any artist is topping those two this year," an X user wrote.

Missy, Gaga and Tyla are all back at Coachella on Friday for weekend two of the music festival. 

ALSO READ: 'Choke on the fame' – Lady Gaga teases 'Mayhem' lyrics

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Main image credit: Instagram/@tyla, @missymisdemeanorelliott