From Blackpink to solo sensations: Lisa and Jennie on Coachella stage | PHOTOS

At the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Lisa and Jennie of Blackpink made their much-anticipated solo debuts in front of massive crowds. The performances, held on April 13 and 15, showcased their unique artistry and signalled a new chapter in their musical careers.

Lisa, performing for the first time as a solo artist, delivered an electrifying set featuring her hit track "MONEY" from her debut solo album Alter Ego. Dressed in a bold red outfit, she commanded the stage with her signature hip-hop style, which included intricate dance moves and a heavy, bass-driven beat. The performance was a striking representation of Lisa's influence in the global music scene.

Alter Ego, which was released in 2025, is a mix of hip-hop, electropop, and trap, and includes guest collaborations with a range of renowned artists, including Raye, Doja Cat, Tyla, Rosalía, Future, and Megan Thee Stallion. The album’s diverse sound highlights Lisa’s versatility, seamlessly blending different genres to create a unique musical experience. The performance at Coachella not only introduced fans to her solo work but also highlighted her growing stature as an international artist. In addition to her music career, Lisa is also pursuing acting, marking her acting debut with a role in the Max television series The White Lotus.

Jennie, also performing solo, continued to expand her solo music career after her 2018 debut with the single "Solo". In her Coachella set, Jennie performed songs from her 2023 album Ruby, showcasing her own evolving musical style. The crowd was treated to a surprise guest appearance by Kali Uchis, adding an unexpected but welcome twist to her set. Jennie, like Lisa, has successfully carved out a solo identity while still remaining a part of Blackpink, and she is also venturing into the acting world, with a key role in the Max series The Idol.

Coachella has long been a symbol of the globalisation of music, and the presence of Lisa and Jennie as solo acts demonstrates the increasing mainstream success of K-pop in the United States. Blackpink has made history at the festival twice: first in 2019 as the first female-led K-pop group to perform, and again in 2023 as the first-ever K-pop headliner. Their performances not only reaffirm their position as cultural icons but also demonstrate the expanding reach of K-pop beyond Asia.

Alongside Lisa and Jennie, other K-pop groups such as ENHYPEN and XG also took the stage at Coachella, further demonstrating the growing U.S. interest in Korean music. Lisa’s album Alter Ego and Jennie’s Ruby reflect the distinct yet complementary musical paths both members are pursuing. Lisa’s hip-hop-centric album, with its star-studded guest features, contrasts with Jennie’s more laid-back, emotional style, but both reveal the individuality and artistry that make them standout figures in the global pop landscape.

While Blackpink’s solo efforts at Coachella were a momentous event for both members, they also signify the increasing trend of K-pop artists branching out into solo projects. This is part of a broader cultural shift in the global music industry, where K-pop has become a dominant force. Lisa and Jennie’s performances at Coachella in 2025 have undoubtedly cemented their place in the next wave of global superstars, each defining their own musical legacy while still maintaining strong ties to their roots in Blackpink.