Tyla gives fans all the feels as she honors Aaliyah in dreamy Coachella debut

Tyla made waves at Coachella 2025 with a show-stopping debut on Saturday, April 12. But the moment that truly rocked the audience was her tribute to late R&B icon Aaliyah.

Dressed in a Dolce & Gabbana-curated Y2K ensemble, the South African sensation fully embraced the early 2000s aesthetic. However, it wasn’t just her jaw-dropping visuals and style that left the crowd reeling—she paid homage to the era's legend through a seamless blend of Aaliyah's Rock the Boat and her own hit On and On.

The festival-goers were vibing hard to the mash-up that oozed nostalgia while also spotlighting the Truth or Dare singer’s versatility. She even interpolated the 2001 track’s original choreography, giving the stans a full-circle moment.

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“Keeping Aaliyah present forever in music”: Fans react to Tyla’s Aaliyah tribute at Coachella

Following Tyla’s Aaliyah tribute, the late songstress’ brother, Rashad, offered his subtle seal of approval by sharing a reel of her Coachella performance on his Instagram.

Praises for Tyla also flooded social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter).

@NIYMUSE gushed over the singer’s mash-up, saying:

“Tyla mixed rock the boat + Aaliyah’s original choreo and backing vocals at coachella. Tears”

User @mrcherrypie then wrote on the platform:

“She’s always paid homage to Aaliyah from the beginning I think it’s wonderful that Tyla is helping keep Aaliyah’s memory alive to a whole new generation and I don’t think her team is pushing anything I think it’s all tylas idea she really loves Aaliyah and vibes of her music”

For @ModeByMitchell, the tribute was a “style statement.”

“Tyla's Coachella debut is serving us more than just musical magic—it's a style statement! Her looks channel the ethereal energy of Aaliyah with modern flair, perfectly capturing the festival's spirit.”

Meanwhile, internet user @KayVeneziaa praised Tyla’s homage as “dope,” saying:

“Aaliyah fans since the beginning love this! Introducing her music even an instrumental is so dope! Keeping Aaliyah present forever in music! Tyla has said RTB is her favorite song and she loved Aaliyah since she knew music. ‘Live and twirl’!”

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Tyla graces NYLON, reveals how Water’s global success changed her life

Tyla lit up the cover of NYLON’s April 2025 issue, where she talked about the success of Water.

In the interview, she revealed making a deal with her parents that if her career didn’t take off within a year, she had to finish college.

Fortunately, Water reached international recognition, resulting in her rapid rise in popularity.

“Just seeing how that song crossed over not only in South Africa but the world. That song traveled so far, my parents found it really weird. They were in shock."

The PUSH 2 START hitmaker added that it was a defining moment not just for herself but also for her folks.

“Them watching me win a Grammy was also a moment where I feel like it really sunk in for not only myself but them too.”