Sunday at Governors Ball unfolded like a dream—gradually, deliberately, and with a quiet intensity that built into one of the weekend’s most rewarding finales. Where Friday brought the fireworks and Saturday delivered the chaos, Sunday was about the glow: golden sunlight filtering through the trees, unexpected emotional highs, and performances that didn’t need to shout to leave a mark.

It was a day for reflection, connection, and slow-burning magic—one that reminded us festivals aren’t just about big moments, but the subtle ones that linger. In this piece, I’ll take you through the artists who brought that warmth to life and the sets that helped Gov Ball close out with something truly special.

Hozier

Hozier closed out Governors Ball 2025 with a set that was soulful, stirring, and quietly powerful—an emotional finale that felt less like a performance and more like a shared reckoning. As the sun dipped and golden hour settled in, he opened with “Francesca” and eased into a set full of emotional depth, moving seamlessly through favorites like “Almost (Sweet Music),” “Cherry Wine,” and “Work Song.”

His voice, rich and raw, filled the park with a sense of calm and purpose. Between songs, he spoke candidly about justice, unity, and compassion—turning the stage into a space not just for music, but for meaning.

The night reached its peak with “Take Me to Church,” as thousands of voices joined in a final, cathartic chorus. It was a fitting end to a weekend of highs and chaos—one that reminded everyone that sometimes the most powerful moments are the ones that come from stillness, soul, and intention.

Clairo

Clairo’s Sunday set at Governors Ball was a quiet triumph—subtle, intimate, and completely disarming. As golden hour bathed the stage in warmth, she opened with “Bags” and immediately pulled the crowd into her calm, reflective world. Her soft vocals and delicate instrumentation gave songs like “Amoeba” and “Sofia” a weight that didn’t need to shout to be heard.

What made her performance so compelling was its honesty. Clairo didn’t rely on spectacle—she simply showed up as herself. Her voice, slightly fragile but deeply emotive, carried across the park like a gentle confession. In a weekend filled with chaos and noise, her set was a grounding moment of stillness. It wasn’t a grand finale—it was a quiet, lasting exhale.

Raye

Raye took Sunday night at Governors Ball by storm with a set that was bold, sleek, and unapologetically assertive. Under the soft glow of golden hour, she stepped onto the stage with a magnetic presence and opened with a fierce one-two punch of “Escapism” and “Ice Cream Man.” Her vocals were effortless, her band was tight, and her confidence radiated through every lyric and movement, instantly pulling the crowd into her rhythm.

Mid-set, she shifted gears, stripping things back for a haunting version of “Black Mascara.” Her voice cracked in all the right places, raw and controlled, turning a massive festival stage into something that felt unexpectedly intimate. What made Raye’s performance unforgettable was the balance she struck—unfiltered emotion wrapped in polished delivery, vulnerability delivered with power. On a weekend packed with standout performances, hers stood tall: part confessional, part celebration, and all heart.

Amaarae

Amaarae brought pure atmosphere to Sunday at Governors Ball, delivering a set that was hypnotic, stylish, and completely in its own lane. Draped in bold fashion and backed by a sleek, minimal stage setup, she created a sonic world that pulled the crowd in from the first beat—blending Afropop, R&B, and experimental textures with ease.

Tracks like “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY” and “Co-Star” shimmered through the speakers, her airy vocals floating over pulsing bass and glittering synths. But beyond the vibe, Amaarae’s control of the moment was impressive—effortlessly shifting between soft coos and sharp attitude, she kept the crowd locked in without ever needing to overstate her presence.

In a weekend full of maximalist moments, Amaarae thrived by doing the opposite—by creating space, mood, and energy that felt effortlessly cool. Her set wasn’t just heard, it was felt—a slow burn that left the audience swaying long after the final note.

The Japanese House

The Japanese House brought a wave of introspective calm to Sunday’s lineup, wrapping Governors Ball in a haze of lush synths, dreamy guitar lines, and emotional clarity. As the sun dipped behind the skyline, Amber Bain stepped onto the stage with quiet confidence, immediately setting a tone that felt intimate and immersive—even in the open expanse of the festival grounds. Her set moved like a tide, rising and falling with tracks like “Saw You in a Dream,” “Sunshine Baby,” and “Touching Yourself,” each delivered with gentle precision and a voice that felt both distant and deeply personal.

What made her performance so compelling was its restraint. In a festival packed with loud, high-octane moments, The Japanese House offered space to breathe. There were no theatrics—just emotion, texture, and a sound that invited you to lean in. It was the kind of set that didn’t demand attention, but earned it quietly, steadily. A subtle standout that lingered like a memory.

Key Glock

Key Glock brought raw Memphis energy to Governors Ball on Sunday, cutting through the mellow mood of the day with a set that was pure grit and confidence. From the moment he stepped onstage, it was clear he wasn’t there to play nice—he was there to take over. Backed by pounding 808s and a no-frills stage presence, he launched into bangers like “Ambition for Cash,” “Russian Cream,” and “Since 6ix,” immediately turning the field into a full-blown rap show.

What made his set stand out wasn’t just the energy—it was the way he held it down solo, no hype man, no features, just Glock and the crowd. His delivery was sharp, his flow relentless, and his connection to the fans crystal clear as hands stayed in the air and lyrics echoed right back at him. In a lineup heavy on pop, indie, and R&B, Key Glock brought the raw edge, reminding everyone that sometimes all you need is bars, bass, and presence to leave a mark.

Kyle Dion

Kyle Dion delivered a smooth, genre-bending set on Sunday that felt like a hidden gem tucked into the final hours of Governors Ball. Drenched in funk, R&B, and alt-soul, his performance was effortlessly cool—dripping with charisma, vocal agility, and a flair for the dramatic without ever feeling forced.

From the moment he strutted onto the stage, he owned it—gliding through tracks like “Brown” and “Placebo” with a falsetto that felt like silk in motion. His stage presence was magnetic, mixing playful swagger with emotional depth. Between dance breaks, cheeky crowd banter, and moments of pure vocal finesse, Kyle Dion gave a set that felt like a party, a confessional, and a masterclass in style—all at once. In a weekend full of standout names, his performance was proof that sometimes the most unforgettable moments come from the artists who make it look easy.

Royal Otis

Royal Otis brought a jolt of sun-drenched indie energy to Sunday’s Governors Ball, delivering a set that felt like the perfect bridge between nostalgia and now. With jangly guitars, sticky melodies, and an easygoing charm, the Australian duo turned their Gov Ball debut into a mid-afternoon joyride—unassuming, vibrant, and completely contagious.

Tracks like “Sofa King” and “Oysters in My Pocket” had the crowd swaying and smiling, their sound landing somewhere between beach day daydream and late-night dive bar anthem. What made their set stand out wasn’t over-the-top production or big crowd tricks—it was the chemistry, the hooks, and the unfiltered fun. Royal Otis didn’t try to steal the show—they just played like they were thrilled to be there, and by the end, so was everyone else.

Joey Valence & Brae

Joy, Vallen & Bray delivered a genre-fusing, high-energy set on Sunday that felt like a sonic punch wrapped in soul. Blending rock, funk, R&B, and moments of straight-up punk attitude, the trio brought a raw, live-band intensity that stood out in a day otherwise soaked in softness and slow burns.

Their chemistry onstage was undeniable—each member bringing their own flavor while staying locked in as one tight unit. Whether it was explosive guitar solos, layered harmonies, or Bray’s electric stage presence leading the charge, their set kept the crowd fully engaged and wanting more. Joy, Vallen & Bray didn’t just play songs—they threw down a statement: bold, unpredictable, and impossible to ignore.

Snow Wife

Snow Wife brought pure chaos-pop brilliance to Sunday’s Governors Ball, delivering a set that was loud, fearless, and completely magnetic. With glitchy beats, sharp choreography, and a voice that flipped effortlessly between sweet and unhinged, she tore through her set like she had something to prove—and made sure no one forgot her name by the end of it.

Tracks like “American Horror Show” and “On Fire” hit like sugar-laced adrenaline, with Snow Wife strutting, spinning, and snarling her way through every hook. Her energy was unmatched—part hyperpop princess, part punk frontwoman—and the crowd couldn’t look away. In a festival full of polished moments, Snow Wife’s set felt raw, weird, and wonderfully off-kilter. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a personality unleashed.

Governors Ball 2025 was a weekend packed with unforgettable moments—genre-bending sets, surprise guests, emotional highs, and the kind of energy only New York City can bring. From the chaos of Friday’s openers to Sunday’s golden-hour reverie, every day delivered its own pulse, its own stories, and its own standout performances.

Once again, Gov Ball proved why it’s one of the most beloved festivals in the country—not just for the lineup, but for the atmosphere, the community, and the way it manages to feel both massive and personal all at once. If this year was any indication, the future of Gov Ball is as bright as ever. We already can’t wait to do it all again—see you next year.