In a surprising turn of events, Rihanna has declined the offer to headline Coachella 2025, leaving festival organizers scrambling for a major act to fill the slot.
The Grammy-winning artist, whose business empire is flourishing, reportedly turned down the lucrative deal, stating she doesn’t need the money or exposure at this stage in her career, according to a report from Bloomberg.
Fans of both Rihanna and Kendrick Lamar, who also passed on headlining the festival, were initially excited by rumors of their participation.
However, it appears Coachella will need to seek other big names after two years of underwhelming ticket sales and a 2023 controversy following Frank Ocean’s headlining performance, which left many disappointed.
Rihanna’s Focus on Business Ventures
After her standout performance at the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show, Rihanna has continued to prioritize her growing business empire.
The Fenty Beauty founder has built a brand worth billions, making her one of the wealthiest entertainers in the world. While the Coachella headline spot typically comes with a payout ranging from $8 million to $12 million, it’s clear that Rihanna doesn’t see the need to return to the music festival circuit for financial gain.
Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar’s decision to pass on Coachella stems from his commitment to perform at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show, followed by a massive stadium tour.
Lamar’s focus on his solo endeavors echoes the trend of top-tier artists seeking bigger financial opportunities through individual performances, often earning more than a Coachella gig would offer.
Coachella’s Challenges for 2025
As the festival struggles to secure headline acts for 2025, organizers are facing increased pressure to restore Coachella’s prestige after its recent missteps.
Though British DJ and producer Fred Again.. has been confirmed, the festival is still on the hunt for additional star power to avoid another lackluster year.
Despite offering large payouts, Coachella finds itself competing with major solo events where artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift can earn upwards of $15 million for a single night. This, coupled with past controversies, has made it challenging to lock in the big names fans expect.
With two of the industry’s most sought-after performers opting out, Coachella’s 2025 lineup remains a question mark as the festival attempts to bounce back from its recent setbacks.
