Lady Gaga electrified audiences on March 8, 2025, as she returned to Saturday Night Live (SNL) to both host and serve as the musical guest, coinciding with the release of her seventh studio album, Mayhem. Throughout the evening, she showcased her dynamic range, blending humor with high-octane performances.

Opening Monologue and Sketches

In her opening monologue, Gaga playfully addressed her role in Joker: Folie à Deux, acknowledging the film’s less-than-stellar reception and the Razzie nomination she shared with co-star Joaquin Phoenix for Worst Onscreen Duo. She quipped about her acting prowess, turning the critique into comedic gold. The segment also featured a humorous commercial parody for L’Oreal’s “Easy Run” mascara, highlighting Gaga’s flair for self-deprecating humor.

Musical Performances

Gaga delivered kinetic performances of two tracks from Mayhem:

• “Abracadabra”: The performance began in the Studio 8H corridors, with Gaga and her dancers engaging playfully with security cameras before taking the main stage. The lively rendition captivated viewers, setting an energetic tone for the night.

• “Killah”: Dressed in a custom purple suit reminiscent of Prince, Gaga brought an intense electro-funk industrial sound to life. The song’s themes of seduction and danger were mirrored in the performance’s dynamic choreography and Gaga’s commanding stage presence.

Critical Reception

Critics lauded Gaga’s SNL appearance, praising her seamless blend of comedy and music. Variety highlighted the “frenetic and immersive” nature of her “Killah” performance, while Rolling Stone noted the “overflowing intensity” that made the track feel like an “instant classic.”

Lady Gaga’s SNL takeover not only promoted Mayhem but also underscored her versatility as an artist, adeptly navigating between satire and sensational performances.