The Best Gov Ball Performances, Based on Who We’d Pay to See on Tour
BigXthaPlug, Mk.gee, Tyla, and more who moved the crowd in Queens this weekend.
There’s nothing quite like a summer music festival. The chance to see your favorite artists, discover new talent, and just generally vibe with other music lovers is an experience most wouldn’t mind paying for.
The 2025 Governors Ball ran from Friday through Sunday at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, in Queens, and with it came the usual suspects: glittered crowds, overpriced drinks, and an avalanche of performances that ranged in quality from “why aren't they headlining?” to “they could’ve stayed home.” Admittedly, I nabbed a press pass, and, naturally, I took notes—with your wallet, summer plans, expectations, and so on in mind.
Because let’s be honest: Concerts are expensive now. Like, skip-rent-to-stand-in-the-back expensive. So if you're going to cough up half a paycheck to see someone live, it better be for an artist who delivers vibes so powerful you’ll forget about overdraft fees.
Below, we rounded up the performers actually worth seeing at their solo shows. Note that day two of the festival saw a bunch of performances cancelled due to bad weather (and, of course, that tour shows may differ from festival appearances), so this is not an exhaustive list. Still, these were our favorite moments at this year’s Gov Ball.
BigXthaPlug
Slot: Day 1
BigXthaPlug is on an undeniable tear right now—the kind of run that makes your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper take notes. With co-signs from music royalty, Lil Wayne and Beyoncé included, he delivered a set that almost felt like a victory lap. He took over the main stage with hit after hit and one of the best close-out performances, with “The Largest.” And the best part? If there was a backing track, it was truly playing backup, not doing the heavy lifting most rap fans have become too familiar with.
Mk.gee
Slot: Day 1
OK, I’m going to try my hardest to keep this short, but truthfully, Mk.gee’s almost-headliner on the main stage deserves a 50-page thesis. The New Jersey-born guitar hero delivered an electric performance. He opened and closed with “Rockman,” a move so bold and so earned it made the studio version feel like a rough draft. And in a highlight that sent the crowd roaring, Mk.gee played cameraman while he handed the spotlight to his guitarist Andrew Aged during a scorcher of a “Candy” solo. I may have also levitated a little bit during his slightly more romantic rendition of “Breakthespell.” We’re overdue for a live album, and honestly, I’m taking it personally.
Tyla
Slot: Day 1
If anyone was born to be a pop star, it’s Tyla—no question. Sure, she still has to save “Water” for the end (contractually obligated by the universe at this point), but she’s steadily proving she’s not a one-hit wonder. The crowd was fully locked in for her performance of the dreamy “Push 2 Start” on the Kiehl’s stage, and she completely transfixed when she played “Bliss” live for the first time. It’s only a matter of time before she’s headlining, not just warming up the stage.
T-Pain
Slot :Day 1
I always forget just how deep T-Pain’s hit catalog runs—until he hits the stage and reminds me. This weekend was no exception. No one was having more fun than T-Pain—and no one’s funnier mid-performance (minus one cringeworthy “freak-off” joke), either. At one point, he riffed about thinking the festival was some upscale soirée just because of its name. He danced. The crowd danced. And in a move that kept things fresh, he mashed up his classics with some of today’s bangers—think Travis Scott’s “Fe!n,” Kendrick’s “tv off,” and Sexyy Red’s “Get It Sexyy.” Vintage T-Pain, modern twist, maximum vibes.
Young Miko
Slot: Day 2
I wasn’t super familiar with Young Miko, but now I’m definitely tuned in—that’s how much flavor she brought to Gov Ball. She pulled up ready to provide the vibes even in the drenching rain that was Saturday. I’m mostly intrigued to dig further into her discography. By the end of her set, the crowd was well warmed up and dancing. Consider me converted.
Raye
Slot: Day 3
In an era in which vocal talent can feel rare, Raye reminded Gov Ball that pipes still matter. From the rawness of songs like “Escapism” to the range in “Genesis” and “Oscar Winning Tears,” she made sure you felt every note. And while she joked that her catalog leans heavily on the sad girl vibes, she flipped the mood with a bright, high-energy setlist that still hit emotionally but never dragged.
Amaarae
Slot: Day 3
While most would associate Amaarae with Ghana, the singer confirmed she was indeed born in the Bronx. She couldn’t have been more excited to perform for a New York crowd, so much so that she previewed a new song from her next album, Blackstar. Along with that, she performed the songs we loved, like “Sad Girlz Luv Money” and “Princess Going Digital,” which still has me in a chokehold.
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