Lady Gaga graced the stage as both host and musical guest on a recent episode of Saturday Night Live. In a spectacular showcase following the release of her seventh studio album, MAYHEM, the pop icon performed her latest single “Abracadabra” inside a dazzling mirrored box, and delivered an electrifying segment of her new song “Killah” in the intimate back hallways before joining her vibrant band onstage for a stunning costume change. Gaga also displayed her comedic talents portraying a funeral home director, delivered a quirky tune about the overuse of the word “slay,” and led a humorous satanic ritual at a birthday party in various sketches throughout the night.
During her opening monologue, Gaga humorously reflected on her last hosting experience in 2013, stating, “Every aspect of my performance… aged amazingly.” She playfully referenced past controversies, assuring the audience, “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.” Additionally, she highlighted her Razzie-winning role in Joker: Folie à Deux alongside Joaquin Phoenix and shared a personal story about how her mother helped set her up with her fiancée. The full monologue and performances are available for viewing.
This marks Lady Gaga’s second time hosting SNL and her fifth appearance as a musical guest. Before launching MAYHEM, she captivated audiences with her original song “Hold My Hand” from Top Gun: Maverick during the 2025 Super Bowl and joined Bruno Mars for a rendition of the Mamas & the Papas’ “California Dreamin’” at the 2025 Grammys, where they claimed the award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with their collaboration “Die With a Smile.” At SNL’s 50th anniversary concert last month, Gaga shared the stage with Andy Samberg, performing the iconic Lonely Island song “Dick in a Box” at New York’s Radio City Music Hall.
The iconic 50th season of Saturday Night Live kicked off in September, with Lady Gaga being the third artist to pull double duty this season, following Timothée Chalamet and Charli XCX. Last week’s episode featured musical guest Tate McRae. To mark its golden anniversary, SNL has aired celebratory specials, including an anniversary concert featuring performances from legends like Paul Simon, Lil Wayne, and Paul McCartney.
Stay tuned for our analysis, “6 Takeaways From Lady Gaga’s New Album MAYHEM,” and check out our track reviews for “Abracadabra” and “Garden of Eden.”
