Let’s face it: putting Travis Scott and Jennie from Blackpink on the same Coachella stage in 2025 is a blatant cash grab. Coachella is supposed to be the ultimate celebration of music, artistry, and cultural evolution. But instead, it feels more like a desperate attempt to cater to two very different fanbases for the sake of ticket sales and media buzz. What could’ve been a true representation of musical diversity has become a marketing ploy, and the end result is that both artists might end up looking out of place.
Travis Scott: A Controversial Figure Who Doesn’t Belong at Coachella
Let’s not sugarcoat it. Travis Scott’s return to Coachella after the Astroworld tragedy should be met with caution, not celebration. It’s hard to argue that Scott’s reputation took a huge hit in 2021, when the Astroworld tragedy left a permanent stain on his career. His reckless performance style, lack of responsibility during the incident, and the ongoing legal battles that followed have made him a divisive figure in the music industry. Yet here he is, poised for a comeback at one of the world’s most prestigious music festivals. But does he truly deserve it?
Coachella has always been a festival known for its artistic integrity and ability to showcase forward-thinking, boundary-pushing acts. Yet, in light of Scott’s recent history, his presence at the festival feels more like a branding move than an artistic one. Is the festival willing to forgive his past transgressions simply because he’s a big name? The fact that Coachella is willing to overlook his actions raises a disturbing question: Is the festival willing to sacrifice credibility for profit?
Jennie: The K-pop Superstar Who’s Bigger Than the Festival
On the other hand, there’s Jennie—an absolute global phenomenon, but let’s be real, putting her at Coachella doesn’t make much sense either. Sure, Blackpink is a powerhouse, and Jennie’s solo career has skyrocketed her into the realm of global superstardom, but her connection to the festival feels more like a forced inclusion of K-pop to cater to international audiences. Coachella has always been a place for cutting-edge, genre-defying music, but does Jennie fit that mold?
While Jennie’s talent and star power can’t be denied, her place at Coachella feels like a token gesture to cash in on the K-pop craze that’s sweeping the globe. Coachella is about artistic experimentation, and while Blackpink’s music has undeniably left an impact, does the festival really need to cater to the pop-heavy world of K-pop? It’s like they’re adding Jennie simply because she’s hot right now, but it doesn’t seem to fit into the larger theme of musical evolution the festival is supposed to represent.
The Clash of Styles and Audiences
The most glaring issue with having both Travis Scott and Jennie at Coachella 2025 is the massive clash in musical styles and fanbases. You have one of the most controversial rappers in the industry and a K-pop princess whose fanbase spans across continents. Travis Scott’s fans, who are used to chaotic, high-energy hip-hop performances, will have little in common with the dedicated dedicated K-pop stars who follow Jennie’s every move. This clash of fanbases could end up being awkward, especially when the performances have such different vibes, sounds, and energy.
Not to mention, Coachella’s brand has always been about bringing together diverse, experimental artists to share the stage and push the boundaries of music. However, putting Scott and Jennie in the same lineup is nothing more than a superficial attempt to gather as many fans as possible from different corners of the music world. It’s safe, it’s predictable, and it completely misses the point of what a true Coachella experience should be.
Coachella 2025 Will Be Defined by Mediocrity, Not Innovation
So, is having Travis Scott and Jennie at Coachella 2025 a good decision? Absolutely not. While both artists are talented in their own right, their inclusion on the same stage only highlights Coachella’s shift from celebrating true artistic diversity to simply catering to the biggest names for the sake of hype. Coachella 2025 will be remembered as a festival of mediocrity, where profit-driven decisions overshadow the artistry and experimentation that the festival once stood for.
Ultimately, it’s clear that Coachella 2025 will be more about filling seats and generating headlines than about creating memorable moments of artistic expression. And if that’s the direction the festival is heading, then perhaps it’s time to rethink whether it still deserves the title of “music’s biggest stage.” Let the debates begin.
