Last night, Lady Gaga served as both the host and musical guest for Saturday Night Live in New York City. It was perfect timing, given Mother Monster just released her seventh studio album, Mayhem, on Friday. (Read the superstar’s interview with Vogue about it here). In addition to starring in a series of comedic skits, Gaga also performed two songs on the episode, including her single “Abracadabra” and a new track, “Killah.” Missed watching it live? Fear not: Below, Vogue rounds up the best moments from Gaga’s SNL takeover.
The opening monologue
Gaga opened the show (in a Giuseppe di Morabito gown) with the stalwart SNL opening host monologue. “I know you might be thinking I’m here to promote my album, Mayhem, but I’m actually here to remind you that I’m an amazing actor,” Gaga said. She proceeded to make a joke about her last appearance on the show as a host. “The last time I hosted was in 2013, and very aspect of my performance aged amazingly. There’s no reason to Google SNL 2013—Lady Gaga featuring R. Kelly,” she quipped. The star then ended with a self-deprecating nod to her acting career. “[Tonight,] I promise to act, to sing—and to not do Joker 3.”
A romantic duet with Bowen Yang
Gaga and SNL cast member Bowen Yang played a couple on a dinner date night—and we were treated to a romantic duet in the process. “If you’re hoping to get me in bed tonight, you’ll be disappointed,” says Gaga. “I’ll sleep with you, you’ll just be disappointed, because I’m not very good at it.”
“Abracadabra”
For her first performance of the night, the superstar performed “Abracadabra”—her second single from her new album, Mayhem. In true Mother Monster fashion, Gaga wore a custom sparkly red Luar bodysuit that recalled her nail-studded latex fit from the video for the set, complete with an avant-garde chapeau. It was a breathtaking live version, with the music cutting away to let Gaga’s voice ring out in those striking opening lines: “Pay the toll to the angels/Drawin’ circles in the clouds.” Choreography was tight, as conducted by Gaga’s now go-to Parris Goebel. We are so back.
The L’Oreal Easy Run Commercial
Gaga and SNL cast members Chloe Fineman, Heidi Gardner, and Ego Nwodim star in a fictional commercial for L’Oreal Easy Run mascara—a mascara that runs easily and messily, to give you more attention. “A mascara that smears all over your face,” says Gaga in character, “letting the world know yes, I have been crying—and no, I’m not okay!”
“Killah”
For her second performance, Gaga sang “Killah,” a track off of her new album Mayhem featuring lauded French electronic musician and producer Gesaffelstein. The singer wore a custom purple Robert Wun suit that served as an homage to Prince’s “Purple Rain”—a fitting choice, given the song’s 1980s-rock sound. The whole performance gave major David Bowie vibes too, another enduring inspiration for Gaga. The best part? When she tore off the coat to reveal a sparkly red dress underneath. We love a reveal!
No More Slay
Gaga, Yang, and more SNL cast members perform another comedic showtune—this time, as a melodic plea to stop using Gen-Z terms such as “slay” and “queening out.” Gaga and Yang sing, “No more slay, no more slay—we know it sounds impossible, but there’s other words to say.” Do as mother says.
Gaga’s Little Red Glasses
Gaga stars as an (adorable) mature woman in an infomercial for little red glasses—a spunky little accessory that instantly makes you look cool and youthful. “They’re the only glasses that say I teach philosophy of dance, and I eat tapas every night!" Her New York accent? On point. Hello Stefani.
A ballad for Pip
A little mouse, Pip, is being bulled in school for his little size and inability to compete in weight lifting competition—and his classmate, Gaga, decides to sing him an empowering piano ballad to cheer him up. “Pip, you can be anything you want—you can shine brighter than the bigger and brightest star." Okay, vocals!
