Lady Gaga stirred up a storm at 30 Rock, transforming the venue into a scene of sheer chaos. Mere hours after the release of her seventh studio album, titled "Mayhem," the 38-year-old pop phenomenon and actress embarked on a dual role adventure, hosting and serving as the musical guest on "Saturday Night Live" on March 8. The evening kicked off with Gaga delivering a hilarious monologue, where she mercilessly poked fun at her upcoming movie "Joker: Folie à Deux" and even took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, referencing her 2013 "SNL" hosting debut that featured a guest appearance by the now incarcerated R. Kelly.
Amidst an array of hilarious sketches, the night hit its stride as Gaga, a 14-time Grammy winner, belted out two electrifying numbers from her long-anticipated new album. She kicked off her musical extravaganza with a stunning performance of the dance-pop anthem "Abracadabra," donning a sparkling red ensemble and surrounded by a troupe of dancers in black, adorned with long red wigs, who spun around her inside a neon-lit, miniature wonderland. Gaga's next act, the funk-inspired "Killah," saw her start her performance backstage at Studio 8H before transitioning to the main stage for a vibrant, colorful dance party accompanied by a live band. She brought the house down with a fiery finish, rocking out beside the drum kit in a blazing display of energy and talent.
Gaga's return to "SNL" marked a decade since she first hosted the show in 2013. "Mayhem" follows Gaga's triumphant 2025, which included her chart-topping collaboration with Bruno Mars, "Die With a Smile." The song reigned supreme for five weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, marking her second-longest-running No. 1 hit after 2011's "Born This Way." Gaga also garnered a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance alongside Mars.
The new album boasts a diverse array of production collaborators, including Andrew Watt, Cirkut, and Gaga's fiancé, Michael Polansky. In a recent interview with Billboard, Gaga delved into the creative process behind "Mayhem," revealing that its chaotic vibe was a conscious decision. "There have been moments in my career where I had a clear vision of how to conceptually approach an album. But I must say, this album, from start to finish, was like a jigsaw puzzle coming together," she shared. "I didn't want to force anything artificial; I wanted to let the music guide me. By doing so, it gradually reminded me of my earlier work."
Witness Lady Gaga's captivating "SNL" performances below. For those without cable, the broadcast is available for streaming on Peacock, which you can subscribe to via the link provided here. A Peacock account also grants fans access to previous "SNL" episodes.
