Missy Elliott's debut at Coachella 2025 was a masterclass in innovation and showmanship, reaffirming her status as a trailblazing icon in the music industry. Her performance on April 11 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, was a spectacle that seamlessly blended futuristic visuals with her classic hits, leaving the audience in awe. Elliott's entrance was nothing short of cinematic. She began her set by appearing as a car on stage, transforming into herself in a dazzling display that paid homage to the Transformers franchise. This dramatic opening led into her performance of "Throw It Back," setting the tone for a night of high-energy entertainment.
The setlist was a journey through Elliott's illustrious career, featuring fan favorites like "Work It," "Get Ur Freak On," "Lose Control," "Hot Boyz," and "Gossip Folks." She also surprised the audience with a unique twist by interpolating Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" into her track "Cool Off," showcasing her ability to blend contemporary sounds with her signature style. Elliott's performance was enhanced by a vibrant stage design that included neon visuals and pyrotechnics, creating an immersive experience for festival-goers. Her attention to detail and commitment to delivering a visually stunning show did not go unnoticed
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Critics and fans alike praised Elliott's Coachella debut. Pitchfork highlighted her set as one of the festival's standout performances, noting that she, along with artists like Lady Gaga and Charli XCX, contributed to Coachella 2025 feeling "once again the most vital version of itself". The Desert Sun commended her ability to energize the crowd despite the early-afternoon heat, stating that her powerful voice set the perfect vibe for the day.
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