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Lady Gaga’s Self-Reflective Return to Saturday Night Live: Embracing the Past with Humor
Mar
Introduction
On March 8, 2025, Lady Gaga returned to the iconic stage of Saturday Night Live (SNL), taking on the dual roles of host and musical guest. This appearance marked her second time performing double duty on the show, the first being in 2013. Known for her theatrical flair and musical prowess, Gaga utilized this platform not only to showcase her latest work but also to reflect humorously on her past, demonstrating a blend of introspection and entertainment.
The 2013 Performance Revisited: A Moment of Humor and Reflection
During her opening monologue, Gaga addressed her controversial 2013 SNL performance with R. Kelly. At that time, their duet of Do What U Want was noted for its provocative nature. However, in light of subsequent revelations about R. Kelly’s criminal activities, the performance has been reassessed critically.
Gaga confronted this directly, stating with a touch of irony, “I’m so happy to be back at SNL. The last time I hosted was in 2013. And every aspect of my performance aged amazingly.” She added, “Because there’s no need to Google ‘SNL 2013 Lady Gaga featuring R. Kelly.'” This self-deprecating acknowledgment highlighted her ability to confront past missteps with grace and humor.
Addressing “Joker: Folie à Deux”: Embracing Criticism with Wit
Gaga also turned the spotlight onto her cinematic endeavors, particularly her role in Joker: Folie à Deux. The film, released in October 2024, was met with critical and commercial challenges, leading to a Razzie Award for Worst On-Screen Duo for Gaga and co-star Joaquin Phoenix.
Demonstrating her resilience and humor, Gaga quipped about her love for winning awards, even if they are Razzies, and jested about aspiring to achieve an “EGOR”—a play on the prestigious EGOT title, but with a negative twist. This candidness showcased her ability to embrace criticism and maintain a positive outlook.
Musical Performances: Showcasing “MAYHEM” with Flair
In addition to her comedic sketches, Gaga delivered powerful musical performances from her latest album, MAYHEM. She performed her single Abracadabra and a new track, Killah, both accompanied by dynamic staging and costume changes that reflected her signature theatricality. These performances highlighted her evolution as an artist and her ability to captivate audiences with both her music and stage presence.
Sketch Highlights: A Blend of Whimsy and Satire
The episode featured a variety of sketches that showcased Gaga’s versatility. In A Long Goodbye, she portrayed a character in a romantic, whimsical setting, displaying her ability to adapt to different comedic styles. Conversely, Birthday at Friendly’s took a bizarre, nightmarish turn, allowing Gaga to delve into more absurd humor.
The episode also featured a parody commercial titled Mascara, blending humor with social commentary, and the satirical Slay Song, reflecting the show’s penchant for musical parodies. These sketches allowed Gaga to fully embrace her comedic side while still showcasing her artistic flair.
Conclusion
Lady Gaga’s return to SNL was a testament to her multifaceted talent and her willingness to confront her past with humor and humility. By addressing previous controversies and embracing critiques of her work, she demonstrated a refreshing self-awareness. Her performances, both musical and comedic, highlighted her evolution as an artist and entertainer. This appearance not only entertained but also offered a candid reflection on the complexities of a career in the spotlight.
From torunstyle
