Doechii’s debut performance at Worthy Farm, Somerset is undoubtedly a landmark event in music history.
Doechii electrifies the West Holts stage during the fourth day of the Glastonbury Festival 2025 at Worthy Farm, Pilton, on June 28, 2025, in Glastonbury, England.
Ki Price/WireImage
On Saturday night, June 28, the Glastonbury Festival presented an exhilarating clash of performances across its main stages. While Neil Young captivated audiences at the iconic Pyramid Stage, festival-goers faced a difficult decision: should they immerse themselves in the energetic beats of Charli XCX at the Other Stage, the nostalgic vibes of Scissor Sisters at Woodsies, or the dynamic performance by Doechii at the West Holts Stage? The atmosphere was electric, with each artist offering a distinct experience.
For those craving an intense, sweaty rave, Charli XCX was the go-to choice. Alternatively, festival-goers looking for a glittering sing-along could opt for the Scissor Sisters. However, Doechii proved to be an equally compelling option for many attendees at the sprawling festival site. Throughout her mesmerizing 45-minute set, the star of the hit “Anxiety” delivered an unforgettable experience, combining elements of singing, dancing, and rapping, showcasing her exceptional performance skills that left the crowd in awe.
The triumph of her performance was made even more remarkable considering this was Doechii’s inaugural appearance at the festival. Landing a coveted Saturday night headline slot on one of the festival’s largest stages is no small feat. Given her outstanding year, including being recognized as Billboard’s Woman of the Year, it was the perfect moment for her to shine. Achieving what usually takes years or decades for artists was accomplished in her first attempt, positioning her as a contender for modern greatness in the music industry.
Here are some of the standout moments from Doechii’s headline set at West Holts.
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Doechii’s Unique Theatrical Experience: A School of Hip-Hop
Doechii’s performance was creatively themed as her “School of Hip-Hop,” featuring a classroom setting and a six-point lesson plan designed to educate fans on essential elements like Bars, Technique, and Flow. This innovative approach aimed to highlight her impressive range as a versatile performer. The narrative woven throughout the show provided a structured yet engaging feel, as she guided the audience through a journey of reaching new heights in their appreciation of hip-hop and performance art.
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Electrifying Club-Inspired Atmosphere
With only one full studio album, 2024’s Alligator Bites Never Heal, it would be reasonable to question how Doechii would fill the extensive time required for a headlining show of this magnitude. However, Doechii and her hypewoman, DJ Miss Milan, seamlessly blended hip-hop and dance classics throughout the performance, creating a vibrant, club-like atmosphere that felt loose and spontaneous rather than rigidly structured. Iconic tracks like Wu-Tang Clan’s “C.R.E.A.M.,” OutKast’s “Elevators (Me and You),” and Jay-Z’s “Can I Live,” alongside rave classics like Daft Punk’s “One More Time” and Crystal Waters’ “Gypsy Woman,” filled the setlist, electrifying the crowd.
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Turning Criticism into Performance Art
As Doechii ascends into the limelight, she attracts both loyal fans and detractors. During a mid-song outfit change for “Alter Ego,” she cleverly referenced the wave of criticism she encountered following her Met Gala appearance, where her team famously requested more umbrellas to shield her from the harsh glare of the paparazzi. Last night, she humorously incorporated this moment into her performance, transforming it into an engaging part of the show, as her troupe of dancers joined in on the fun, lightening the mood amidst the backlash.
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Unfiltered Moments of Raw Emotion
Her Hot 100 top 10 single “Anxiety” received a gritty reinterpretation during the performance, with a garage rock twist that invigorated the audience. Near the end of the set, Miss Milan rallied the crowd during “Catfish,” calling for cheers for the “greatest rapper in the world.” In a moment of pure exhilaration, Doechii let out an ecstatic scream towards the song’s conclusion, as if overwhelmed by her own greatness and the electric atmosphere surrounding her. After nearly 40 minutes filled with exceptional flow, impeccable breath control, impressive dance moves, and infectious energy, the audience found it hard to dispute such a bold claim.
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Mastering the Craft: The Art of Storytelling in Hip-Hop
One of the most impactful lessons showcased during Doechii’s hip-hop seminar was titled “The Art of Storytelling,” which beautifully kicked off the show’s encore. Accompanying visuals on the two screens flanking the stage displayed clips from her viral music video “Denial Is a River,” which cleverly parodies vintage television sitcoms. This made for a fitting and memorable finale, serving as a reminder of why audiences have become enamored with the Florida-born rapper: her technical prowess and captivating storytelling abilities resonate deeply with fans and newcomers alike.
