Lady Gaga Shines as Host and Musical Guest on SNL
Memorable Performances from ‘Mayhem’
In a dazzling display of talent, Lady Gaga took the stage as both host and musical guest on last night’s episode of Saturday Night Live. The pop icon, fresh off the release of her seventh studio album, Mayhem, captivated audiences with her performance of the single “Abracadabra,” which was enhanced by a stunning light-up mirrored box. In a unique twist, she also showcased a snippet of her new track “Killah” from the back hallways of Studio 8H, before joining her vibrant, neon-clad band onstage for a spectacular costume change.
Sketch Highlights and Humorous Moments
Gaga’s comedic chops were on full display as she appeared in a series of sketches. Notably, she portrayed a funeral home director and even led a satirical satanic ritual at a Friendly’s birthday party. One of the standout moments was a humorous song about the overuse of the term “slay,” demonstrating her ability to blend music with comedy seamlessly.
Opening Monologue and Personal Anecdotes
In her opening monologue, Gaga joked about her previous hosting stint in 2013, quipping, “The last time I hosted was in 2013, and every aspect of my performance… aged amazingly. There’s no need to google ‘SNL 2013 Lady Gaga featuring R. Kelly.’ We all won’t, and I won’t bring it up, cause that would be bad.” She also reflected on her recent Razzie-winning performance alongside Joaquin Phoenix in Joker: Folie à Deux and shared a charming story about how her mother set her up with her fiancé.
A Continued Legacy on SNL
This appearance marks Lady Gaga’s second time hosting SNL, while it is her fifth time gracing the show as a musical guest. Prior to the launch of Mayhem, she performed her original song “Hold My Hand” from Top Gun: Maverick ahead of the 2025 Super Bowl and shared the stage with Bruno Mars at the 2025 Grammy Awards for a rendition of the Mamas & the Papas’ classic “California Dreamin’.” The duo even took home the award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their collaborative track “Die With a Smile.”
Season Highlights and Celebrations
The 50th season of Saturday Night Live premiered in September, with Lady Gaga being the third artist this season to take on both hosting and musical guest duties, following Timothée Chalamet and Charli XCX. Last week, Tate McRae filled the musical guest spot. To mark its milestone anniversary, SNL also aired a concert special and a three-hour live production, SNL50: The Anniversary Special, featuring performances from musical legends such as Paul Simon, Sabrina Carpenter, Lil Wayne, and Paul McCartney.
Conclusion
Lady Gaga’s return to SNL was a testament to her versatility as an artist and entertainer. With her engaging performances, comedic timing, and heartfelt anecdotes, she reminded audiences why she remains one of the most beloved figures in pop culture. As SNL continues to celebrate its rich history, Gaga’s contributions will undoubtedly be fondly remembered.
FAQs
How many times has Lady Gaga hosted SNL?
Lady Gaga has hosted Saturday Night Live twice, with her most recent appearance being last night.
What songs did Lady Gaga perform on SNL?
During her latest SNL appearance, she performed her single “Abracadabra” and a portion of her new song “Killah.”
What other notable moments occurred during her SNL performance?
Gaga showcased her comedic skills by participating in sketches, including a role as a funeral home director and leading a humorous satanic ritual at a birthday party.
What was the significance of SNL’s 50th season?
The 50th season of SNL celebrates the show’s long-standing legacy in comedy and entertainment, featuring special events and performances from various artists.
