From backflips to surprise duets to celeb BFF sightings in the VIP section, this year’s Governors Ball Music Festival was basically a teen pop dream come true. Held June 6–8 in NYC, Gov Ball 2025 gave us so many jaw-dropping moments, we’re still scrolling the TikToks. Here’s everything you missed (and everything you’ll be talking about all summer long).
Olivia Rodrigo’s rockstar moment (with an actual rock legend)
Olivia Rodrigo didn’t just headline—she owned Saturday night (and let’s talk about ex Joshua Bassett in attendance). In sparkles, red leather and serious superstar energy, Liv belted out her biggest hits (hi, “get him back!”), lit up the stage with fireworks and then pulled the ultimate surprise: inviting David Byrne (from the legendary band Talking Heads) to join her onstage. Their performance of “Burning Down the House” had the entire crowd dancing—and wearing matching red suits? Iconic.
Conan Gray + Olivia Rodrigo = BFF goals
Before Olivia’s show, her actual best friend Conan Gray hit the same stage in full nautical glam. His sailor-inspired set (yes, it had a crow’s nest!) gave fans early previews of songs from his upcoming album Wishbone. But the real tearjerker moment? Conan calling Olivia his “best friend” in front of the whole crowd. Aww x1000.
Benson Boone’s piano skills and flips
TikTok crush Benson Boone made his Gov Ball debut unforgettable by literally flipping onto the stage. He mixed emotional ballads (“Beautiful Things” hit different live) with funny crowd banter and even cracked jokes about his gymnastics moves. The vibe? Sweet, swoony and total main character material.
Role Model brings out a surprise guest (and it’s a good one)
Role Model kept things cool during his Sunday set…until he casually brought Conan Gray back out to perform together as Conan being the Sally as Role Model does as a tradition of bringing a fan/celebrity on stage. Fans went wild over the unexpected duet (and the surprise BFF crossover energy). If you weren’t filming it for your Story, did it even happen?
Celebs in the crowd? Oh yeah.
It wasn’t just the performers that had fans buzzing—plenty of stars showed up off stage, too. Here are some of the biggest sightings:
- Madison Hu (aka Olivia’s real-life bestie) was spotted cheering her on from the VIP area—and living her best life.
- Shaq (yes, the basketball legend!) surprised everyone with a DJ set as DJ Diesel, hyping the crowd like a pro.
- Tove Lo didn’t perform, but fans spotted her dancing in the audience during Saturday’s sets. We love a supportive queen.
- Clairo hit the stage Sunday and later returned as a fan to catch other sets in the crowd.
- And Tyler, the Creator and Hozier were seen vibing around the fest between acts—casually hanging like it was no big deal. (Spoiler: It was.)
Gov Ball 2025 = friendship, fashion, fire music
Whether it was Olivia and Conan gassing each other up, Benson flipping his way into our hearts, or spotting your faves just vibing in the crowd, this year’s Gov Ball proved that music festivals are so much more than just music. It’s about besties, bold style, and being part of the moment—rain or shine.
Ready to start the countdown to Gov Ball 2026? Same.
Check out these posts for more celeb news:
🪩 Sabrina Carpenter Summer is back as she announces new single, Manchild
🪩 Get ready for the Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour. Plus, win free tickets!
🪩 Everything to know about Kylie Cantrall’s debut EP, B.O.Y.
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Slider Image via – @govballnyc
