The 11 Most Terrifying Moments from Lady Gaga's Mayhem Ball at the Forum

A Night of Spectacle and Sentiment at Lady Gaga’s Mayhem Tour

Lady Gaga has once again proven her ability to captivate audiences with a performance that is as much about storytelling as it is about music. Three months after her headlining appearance at Coachella, the pop icon is touring with an expanded version of the “haunted-opera-house” spectacle she brought to the desert following the release of her latest album, Mayhem. The first show of her four-night stint at Inglewood’s Kia Forum was a testament to her unwavering dedication to creating immersive experiences for her fans.

Memorable Moments from Night 1

1. A Dramatic Entrance
   Lady Gaga opened the show with a powerful performance of “Bloody Mary” followed by “Abracadabra.” Dressed in an enormous red hoop skirt, which concealed a troupe of dancers, she delivered the set with energy and flair. Despite the costume limiting her movement, her expressive face and vocal prowess shone through.

2. An Unconventional Performance
   For “Perfect Celebrity,” she performed while lying on her back, half-buried in a sandbox and engaging in a provocative act with a skeleton. The scene was both theatrical and daring, showcasing her willingness to push boundaries.

3. Celebrity Attendance
   While former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi attended a previous show in San Francisco, this night saw a different crowd of celebrities. Olivia Rodrigo, Matty Healy of the 1975, and Chappell Roan were among those in attendance, with Roan seen singing along to “Born This Way.”

4. A Striking Visual
   During “Paparazzi,” Lady Gaga wore a chrome helmet and hobbled down a runway using chrome crutches. The dramatic visual, with the train of her dress billowing behind her, was one of the most striking moments of the night.

5. Nostalgia Meets Innovation
   Lady Gaga has added several older songs to the Mayhem setlist, including “LoveGame” and “Just Dance.” These tracks highlight her roots as a New York City theater kid and remind fans of her early work.

6. Intimate Connection
   When she announced the tour, Lady Gaga emphasized the decision to play arenas instead of stadiums as a more intimate experience. This sentiment was felt during “Summerboy,” where she sang while slashing at an electric guitar and surrounded by half-dressed dancers under red lights.

7. A Musical Highlight
   The middle of the Mayhem album features a string of funky ’80s-throwback jams like “Killah,” “Zombieboy,” and “LoveDrug.” Performed in a Cruella de Vil-inspired outfit, these tracks were some of the night’s highlights, though their lack of single status remains puzzling.

8. Emotional Balladry
   “Million Reasons” was reimagined as a creepy church-organ processional, adding a new layer of emotion to the song.

9. A Poetic Interlude
   For “Shallow,” Lady Gaga performed on a gondola in a moody electro-goth arrangement, evoking the dramatic energy of a musical theater production.

10. A Heartfelt Speech
    After performing “Die With A Smile,” Lady Gaga gave a heartfelt speech to the audience. She shared her gratitude for the support she received in Los Angeles, reflecting on her journey from New York City to the West Coast. Her words resonated deeply with the crowd, highlighting the emotional connection between artist and fan.

11. A Nostalgic Finale
    The encore began with a nod to her role in A Star Is Born, where she and Bradley Cooper first met. She appeared on a video screen, removing makeup backstage before making her way through a labyrinth to join the audience in person.

Throughout the night, Lady Gaga’s performance was a blend of artistry, emotion, and theatricality, solidifying her place as one of the most compelling performers of her generation.