The musician’s tour returned to the Kia Forum and leaves fans speechless 

On Feb. 22, one could hear Lady Gaga’s hits like “Bad Romance” and “Abracadabra” blasting from the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. The Grammy award-winning pop star performed not once but twice at the Forum during her eighth tour named the “Mayhem Ball” supporting her newest album. Over a total of eight shows in Southern California, Gaga gave the audience a setlist of over 30 songs accompanied with dance numbers, elaborate costumes and gothic ambiances.

Since 2008, Gaga has given her fans unforgettable tours and musical moments and I can say this concert was nothing less. Opening with “Bloody Mary” from her 2011 album “Born This Way” casted the venue into a gothic dream. Her rich red dress and jet black hair was the cherry on top of the dark and romantic aesthetic she has curated in recent years. Gaga performed new songs such as “Perfect Celebrity” and “Garden of Eden” from Mayhem with dedicated and exciting energy. No one can forget her classics which include “Poker Face,” “Papparazi’’ and “Just Dance’’ which left the crowd cheering. Her closing song was “Americano” from her 2011 album Born This Way.”  Before the show started, the venue workers distributed glowing bracelets to concertgoers. During Gaga’s setlist, the bracelet would light up and flash with various colors from pink to green depending on the song. Orange light accompanied her hit “Alejandro,” blue for “Born This Way” and pink for “LoveGame.” These bracelets shared amongst concertgoers ushered in a sense of community as one watched the venue glow in unison. Chloe Fields ‘27 said, “I thought that Lady Gaga’s ‘Mayhem Ball’ was such a beautiful performance with so much story behind it all.”

If Gaga performed only choreography without her music, I would still attend. The dance numbers that accompanied her songs added to the entertainment and lively atmosphere of the show. Fans could spot famous moves that made appearances in her music videos. Gaga also celebrated the LGBTQ+ ballroom culture by incorporating vogue dance sequences into her performances. Gaga is known for her fashion and during the concert Gaga showcased multiple outfits like elaborate gowns, body suits and cloaks that echoed her fashion from 2008. 

In addition, what concert would be complete without fan appreciation and what Gaga concert would be complete without a classical piano number? Gaga showed off her classical piano skills by performing “Die With a Smile’’ and “Marry the Night’’ on the keys. In between songs, Gaga thanked the fans by saying, “[But] you’re in my life everyday, I promise you that.” 

 Gaga first came out in 2008 with her techno hits like “Just Dance” from her debut album “The Fame.” Since then, Lady Gaga has toured eight times, won 14 Grammy awards, 18 MTV Video Music Awards and a Golden Globe for acting. Gaga has sold over 170 million records and has founded the Born This Way Foundation for LGBTQ+ activism and resources. Fields said, “I think that Lady Gaga’s awards and philanthropy are such a variety of people and she spreads only love which is so important in these times.” Accompanying her awards and philanthropy are the countless moments that have embedded her into pop culture history. To name a few, Gaga wore a dress made out of raw beef to the 2010 VMA, her 2009 performance of “Paparazzi” where she was covered in fake blood and her 2017 SuperBowl halftime performance. Without a doubt, Gaga will continue to perform memorable concerts such as the one at the Kia Forum and continue to produce great moments and pop culture moments.