Lady Gaga took center stage as both the host and musical guest on the latest episode of "Saturday Night Live," delivering a captivating tribute to the Roaring 20s. The episode aired just one day after the release of her highly anticipated album, Mayhem. Viewers were treated to a dazzling spectacle that highlighted Gaga's multifaceted talent, underscoring why she remains a superstar capable of winning Oscars.
The episode featured an electrifying performance of "Abracadabra," which began in the backstage Studio 8H hallway. Lady Gaga and Heidi Gardner reemerged as stylish flappers, donning classic bobs that transported audiences back to the vibrant 1920s era. The performance pulsated with energy, reminiscent of what made Lady Gaga a pop sensation during the early 2000s.
Lady Gaga's collaborative spirit shone through during the episode. John Milhiser, a former SNL cast member, described her as both down-to-earth and a leader among her peers. He noted:
“She was very in charge – a great leader to her fellow dancers. They were her peers, and she was very strict on herself, nailing it, finding the right timing. It was neat to see behind the curtain of how much she cares, nailing the comedy… she was a perfectionist.” – Milhiser
Gaga's presence extended beyond this episode, as she also performed live at the SNL50 anniversary concert at Radio City Music Hall. Her admiration for icons like Dionne Warwick underscores her deep appreciation for music history.
John Milhiser further reflected on Gaga's Art Pop era, which remains a fan favorite:
“Not a lot of people agree with me. But I love Art Pop! It spoke to me. Monster Ball was pretty fun, Fame Monster, but every Gaga era is good in its own way.” – Milhiser
Bowen Yang, another SNL cast member, expressed his enthusiasm for Lady Gaga, noting her status as a "super fan" of her own work.
During rehearsals, Gaga revealed a more personal side. She arrived without the usual glamorous attire, opting instead for a simple flannel and black spandex pants, with her hair pulled back in a ponytail. Milhiser recounted:
“During rehearsals she was just in a flannel and black spandex pants, her hair in a ponytail. I was like, Wow! There she is! There's the woman behind the mask, the big sunglasses, the wild costumes. She's a real person, without the pageantry.” – Milhiser
Lady Gaga's ability to connect with others on a personal level extended to her interactions with the SNL cast. She demonstrated her comedic chops and willingness to embrace various roles during sketches. Milhiser shared his insights into her comedic talents:
“She's funny! I mean, she's from New York. She's a performer through and through. She is chill. She gets it. When she came into the office, she sat in her chair with her leg up, and was very casual right away, like ‘Let's throw some stuff out.’ She was able to riff.” – Milhiser
The episode showcased not only Gaga's musical prowess but also her versatility as an entertainer. Her performance of "Abracadabra" was both energetic and nostalgic, reminding fans of her roots while propelling them into an exciting new era of music.
In addition to her impressive musical and hosting duties, Lady Gaga's collaborative efforts with other performers were noteworthy. Milhiser commented on her openness to ideas and enthusiasm for playing characters:
“She was very open to ideas people were throwing at her. She wanted to be goofy, she wanted to play characters, she wanted to do every element. And she did it.” – Milhiser
As SNL paid homage to the Roaring 20s, it also highlighted Gaga's unique ability to blend historical inspiration with contemporary appeal. Her recent album release added another layer of excitement to the evening, offering fans a glimpse into her evolving artistry.
