Following an exhilarating pre-show featuring opera arias that set the mood with heartfelt testimonials from fans celebrating their adoration for Mother Monster, Gaga graced the stage with the same awe-inspiring song sequence that launched her Coachella set: “Bloody Mary” atop a magnificent red dress hoop that dramatically opened to unveil caged dancers; an exhilarating rendition of “Abracadabra”; a powerful burst of “Judas”; and the captivating allure of “Scheiße.” Throughout this extraordinary performance, Gaga showcased how her genuine acting skills enhance her pop artistry, transitioning seamlessly between commanding authority, chaotic energy, and sultry charisma.

Although she took a brief hiatus from this style in the late 2010s, Gaga triumphantly returned to infusing her performances with an artful theatricality that captivates pop culture. “Welcome to Mayhem,” she proclaimed in a charming German-accented voice early in the show. “Welcome to the opera house. This is my house.” With a playful glance, Gaga sized up a dancer beside her dressed in an outfit reminiscent of her earlier days: “What are you doing in my house?!” Amid a thrilling rendition of “Poker Face,” which evoked the imagery of the Queen of Hearts’ chess game, she humorously pretended to execute the dancer (“off with her head!”). Following the song, the audience marveled as they could hear her breathing—an intimate reminder that when Gaga performs live, she truly sings authentically.

For the standout track Mayhem “Perfect Celebrity,” Gaga revived the imaginative and eerie staging she first introduced at Coachella. Positioned in a massive sandbox filled with skeletons, she opened the song, draped in a flowing white dress, with her arm lazily resting on the human remains. Moments later, during “Disease,” the skeletons surrounding her animatedly rose from the desert sands, transforming into bone-clad backup dancers. It was a clever move, as the unique concept had already proven effective; why change what works?

While much of The Mayhem Ball benefits from her energetic live band and dynamic dancers, “Paparazzi” exemplifies how Gaga can transform even the simplest stage movements into a compelling visual narrative. As she elegantly glided down the runway on glistening silver heels (echoing her iconic look from the famous music video), Gaga crooned and belted out this anthem about the toxic relationship between media and celebrity, while a delicate white train billowed behind her. This moment was reminiscent of Cyd Charisse in the iconic Singin’ In the Rain fantasy sequence, culminating in a dazzling explosion of colors. Concluding the crowd-pleasing classic, Gaga struck a powerful pose, embodying the essence of a pop music Valkyrie as she descended from the stage.

In a performance that melded elements of Alice Cooper and classic horror, “Killah” showcased Gaga in a regal Gothic ensemble, unleashing her energy in front of an enormous spinning skull. This track stands out as one of the album’s most enduring highlights, and the staging of The Mayhem Ball allows Gaga to embrace her eccentricity, spinning down the runway before releasing an otherworldly, prolonged scream that echoed through the rafters. When the haunting wail subsided, Gaga’s persona momentarily cracked, revealing the sheer joy she experienced on stage—a truly beautiful sight to witness.

Among the multitude of songs performed during The Mayhem Ball that Coachella audiences didn’t get to experience, selecting favorites is a delightful challenge. Highlights include “Applause,” which was met with an uproar of cheers (fans were clearly excited to see ARTPOP represented), and “Summerboy,” where Gaga showcased her guitar skills amid a lively crowd of enthusiastic dancers—an unexpected delight. However, “Million Reasons” stood out as particularly transformative, with Gaga reinventing the stately ballad into an intense confrontation with an avatar of her former self.

For the encore, Gaga opted for a stripped-down performance, removing the elaborate makeup and high-fashion attire, returning to the stage clad in simple shades, a black beanie, and a Cramps t-shirt to deliver “How Bad Do You Want Me.” This moment served as a heartfelt victory lap for Mother Monster, as she shed the dramatic persona, allowing herself to exist authentically on stage, exuberantly engaging with fans and sharing bright smiles with those seated in the back rows. Earlier that evening, Gaga had expressed some pre-show nerves, admitting, “Before I came on stage tonight, I couldn’t even believe you were here for me.” By the time of the encore, those doubts had been dispelled, with Gaga joyfully embracing the love and excitement she generated among her devoted fans.