Rihanna & Kendrick Lamar Reportedly Decline To Headline Coachella 2025

As we approach the end of the year, rumours of potential artists performing at Coachella have begun swirling. The mega US festival regularly reveals its line-up in January each year.

This isn’t just speculation, though: According to a new report from Bloomberg, which explored the state of the annual festival held in Indio, California, Rihanna and Kendrick Lamar reportedly declined to headline the 2025 event.

However, there may be a silver lining with popular English DJ Fred again.. tipped to perform.

Paul Tollett, CEO of concert and music festival promoter Goldenvoice, reportedly wanted Rihanna and Lamar to headline the festival after the last two years failed to sell out. SFGate reported earlier this year that the 2024 edition of the festival saw its slowest ticket sales since 2014.

Lamar, who’s been a big name for over a decade, has enjoyed a massive year thanks to his record-breaking feud with Drake.

Meanwhile, fans are still waiting on the release of Rihanna’s follow-up to 2016’s ANTI after she headlined the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show. Next year, the Halftime Show will be headlined by Kendrick Lamar.

According to multiple sources who spoke to Bloomberg, both artists declined the offer to headline Coachella 2025. Festival organisers are reportedly still seeking headliners.

The report said of their reasons for declining: “Lamar is scheduled to perform at the 2025 Super Bowl and then plans a tour of major stadiums. Rihanna, head of a growing business empire, didn’t need the money or the exposure.”

Not all hope is lost, though, with the music industry insider publication, HITS Daily Double, reporting that the festival has locked in Fred again…

The publication claims that Fred again.. is a “lock” for Coachella 2025, but it is unsure where he’ll land on the bill.

The publication also speculates that an artist with country-pop crossover appeal—such as Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, or Jelly Roll—could appear high up on the line-up. Travis Scott is also rumoured to be performing at next year’s festival.

At Coachella 2023, Skrillex, Fred again.., and Four Tet saved the day after Frank Ocean pulled out of headlining weekend two of the event due to an injury. The EDM stars played a closing set after Blink-182.