Rihanna and Kendrick Lamar Decline 2025 Coachella Headline Offers

Music superstars Rihanna and Kendrick Lamar have both declined offers to headline Coachella 2025, according to a recent report from Bloomberg.

However, despite the buzz that surrounded the possibility of these two powerhouse artists taking the stage, neither will appear at the 2025 event.

Bloomberg’s report reveals that both Rihanna and Kendrick Lamar were approached by Coachella organizers earlier this year with offers to headline the iconic festival.

Their decisions to decline have left fans and industry insiders speculating about the reasons behind their choices.

For Rihanna, the decision comes amid rumors of new music and business ventures. Although the global pop star has not released a studio album since 2016’s Anti, fans have been eagerly awaiting her long-rumored follow-up project.

In recent years, Rihanna has focused heavily on her successful Fenty beauty and fashion brands, making her one of the wealthiest entertainers in the world.

While there were hopes that she might return to the stage in 2025, especially after her widely praised Super Bowl halftime performance in 2023, it seems she has opted to focus on other ventures instead.

Kendrick Lamar, meanwhile, has been riding high on the success of his latest album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, and its accompanying tour, which marked his first full-length project since 2017’s DAMN.

Lamar has also been selective about his live performances in recent years, often appearing at festivals and events that align with his artistic vision.

While Coachella would seem like a perfect stage for him to showcase his politically and socially charged music, Lamar has chosen to pass on the opportunity for reasons that have not been disclosed.

Both artists are known for carefully curating their public appearances and performances, which adds weight to their decisions.

The annual festival, held in Indio, California, is one of the most prestigious events in the music world, and headlining it is often seen as a career milestone.

Coachella, with its massive audience and global reach, is often seen as a platform for major statements, but neither Rihanna nor Kendrick Lamar has offered further comment on why they turned down the headline slots.

This news has left Coachella organizers scrambling to secure top-tier replacements for the 2025 festival.

While there’s no shortage of talent, the absence of Rihanna and Kendrick Lamar on the lineup will undoubtedly shift the tone of the festival. For now, fans can only speculate about who might take their place and why two of the biggest names in music have opted out of the festival.

As more details emerge, the decisions of both Rihanna and Kendrick Lamar may signal larger shifts in how artists engage with major festivals and performances, particularly as they balance artistic control, commercial endeavors, and the demands of their fan bases.