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Lady Gaga once again made headlines at Coachella on April 11, 2024, marking her second time as a headliner for the festival. Her first experience was back in 2017 when she stepped in for Beyoncé on short notice. This time, however, Gaga was fully prepared to showcase her artistic vision.
In a statement on Instagram leading up to the event, she expressed her excitement and desire to create a memorable experience: “I have long dreamed of throwing a massive night of chaos in the desert. I’ve had a vision I’ve never been able to fully realize at Coachella for reasons beyond our control but I wanted to come through for music fans. I have been wanting to go back and to do it right, and I am,” she shared after the lineup announcement in November.
True to her word, Gaga delivered a two-hour performance that was nothing short of a theatrical masterpiece, featuring creative direction from Parris Goebel. The setlist included a mix of her classic hits alongside tracks from her latest album, Mayhem. Opening the night in a dramatic gothic ensemble, she kicked off the show with “Bloody Mary,” surprising the audience as a two-story curtain gown transformed to reveal a group of dancers for the song “Abracadabra.”
The show was filled with captivating visuals, including a life-like chess match, an eerie sandbox filled with skeletons, and a sweeping cape that seemed to stretch for miles. Gaga was supported by dancers who also formed a gospel choir and featured two ornate pianos, which she used to perform popular ballads like “Shallow.”
In a distinctive twist, Gaga aimed to present fresh interpretations of her themes while incorporating recognizable elements from her past. Although she avoided simply reiterating old hits, Easter eggs referencing her most memorable moments were woven throughout her performance, connecting her earlier work with her current artistic expression.
Gaga vs. Gaga
A striking moment of the performance involved a dance-off between Gaga and a dancer adorned with the iconic spiky crown from her “Bad Romance” video. This choreographed battle took place on a chessboard, featuring the track “Poker Face” and drawing comparisons to Alexander McQueen’s 2005 fashion show titled “It’s Only a Game,” which also featured a chess motif, reflecting the deep respect she had for the late designer.
The Return of the Boots
The performance also saw Lady Gaga don her signature “Savannah” corset boots, originally debuted during her Monster Ball Tour in 2010. These boots have become a staple in her wardrobe, notably appearing in her “Rain on Me” video with Ariana Grande.
The Skeleton Scene
Starting the second act in a unique sandpit, Gaga performed “Perfect Celebrity” while lying beside a skeleton, a clever nod to the final frame of her “Bad Romance” video, further emphasizing her fascination with themes of mortality.
The “Paparazzi” Props
As she concluded her time in the sandbox, Gaga transitioned into an iconic rendition of “Paparazzi,” marked by the use of crutches and headgear reminiscent of her dramatic music video from 2009, where she famously emerged from a window in metallic armor.
11:59 and Transformation
The performance’s timing was impeccable, with Gaga singing the lyrics from her new track “The Beast,” which explores themes of identity and change, at precisely 11:59—an impressive feat that resonated with the audience.
An Iconic Finale
Gaga’s grand finale featured her emerging on a gurney for a dramatic rendition of “Bad Romance,” dressed in a white ensemble inspired by the original music video but with an intentional design flaw suggesting a gash that resembled dried blood. This detail was a subtle reference to her unforgettable 2009 MTV Video Music Awards performance, where she famously “bled” during her act.
Source
www.bustle.com