Get ready Little Monsters because Lady Gaga just owned Saturday Night Live ! She pulled double duty as both host and musical guest and it was a night to remember. From dropping brand new music from her album 'Mayhem' to cracking jokes in the monologue and diving into some seriously funny sketches Gaga proved once again she is a true entertainment queen. Let's break down all the highlights from her epic SNL takeover.
Double Duty Gaga: Host Monologue Jokes and Setting the Stage on Fire with 'Mayhem' Tracks
Lady Gaga's SNL appearance was a big deal because she was doing double duty. Not only was she hosting she was also the musical guest promoting her freshly released album 'Mayhem' which dropped just the day before. She is only the third person this season to pull off the host/musical guest combo after Charli XCX and Timothée Chalamet. Talk about a challenge!
Gaga kicked things off with a monologue that was both sweet and self-deprecating. She joked about being an actor a 38-year-old popstar and even poked fun at her Razzie nomination for Joker 2 . She even joked about how everything from her 2013 SNL hosting gig has aged well except maybe that R. Kelly duet. It was a great way to start the show lighthearted and full of Gaga's signature humor.
Then it was time for music. Gaga performed two songs from 'Mayhem': 'Abracadabra' and 'Killah' and both performances were absolutely electrifying. For 'Abracadabra' she went all out with choreography a sparkling red costume and dancers surrounding her. 'Killah' was equally amazing starting backstage at Studio 8H before shifting to the main stage with a live band and a full-on colorful party vibe. She really brought the energy and showcased her powerhouse vocals and stage presence.
Sketch Comedy Gold: From Absurd Goodbyes to Musical Duets and Mascara Parodies
Gaga was not just there to sing though she dove headfirst into the sketch comedy side of SNL and delivered some truly memorable moments. One sketch "A Long Goodbye" was pure silliness. Gaga played a woman dramatically saying goodbye to her boyfriend before heading to Paris to become a chef but the moment she zoomed off on a motorized suitcase he instantly regretted letting her go. It was broad goofy and just plain fun and showcased Gaga's willingness to commit to the bit.
Then there was "Wonderful Tonight" a duet with Bowen Yang that felt like a throwback to classic SNL musical sketches. Gaga and Yang sang Eric Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight" but with completely new hilarious verses. It was weird nostalgic and totally unique. Another standout was the "Mascara Commercial" a pre-taped ad parody for mascara that purposely runs so you can get attention. It was a spot-on parody and featured cast member Ashley Padilla really shining.
Other sketches included "Funeral Home" where Gaga and Heidi Gardner played funeral directors pitching a 1920s themed funeral which was funny and absurd. "Friendly's" was a wild sketch about birthday dessert wishes going to demonic extremes and "Little Red Glasses" was a commercial parody about funky older women still rocking red glasses. Gaga was game for everything throwing herself into each role with comedic energy.
Weekend Update Slams Musk and Trump: Che and Jost Don't Hold Back
Of course no SNL episode is complete without Weekend Update and Colin Jost and Michael Che were on point as usual. They tackled Donald Trump's recent inauguration and Elon Musk's controversial salute. Jost joked about Trump not placing his hand correctly on the Lincoln Bible and his plan to rename the Gulf of Mexico. Che didn't hold back either quipping about Trump's pardoning of January 6th rioters.
But the real standout moment was Che's joke about Elon Musk's salute which many interpreted as Nazi-like. Che's line? "Elon Musk is not a Nazi; the Nazis made nice cars." It was a classic Weekend Update style joke short sharp and darkly funny. The segment also featured Kenan Thompson as Kendrick Perkins and Mikey Day as "Lord Gaga" Lady Gaga's fictional husband in another round of witty commentary.
Listing of SNL Episode Highlights: Lady Gaga's Hosting Gig
- Monologue: Gaga's self-deprecating jokes about Joker 2 her age and past performances.
- Musical Performances: Electrifying performances of 'Abracadabra' and 'Killah' from her new album 'Mayhem'.
- Sketch - A Long Goodbye: Goofy and broad sketch about a dramatic airport farewell.
- Sketch - Wonderful Tonight: Nostalgic and funny musical duet with Bowen Yang.
- Sketch - Mascara Commercial: Sharp pre-taped ad parody about mascara that runs for attention.
- Weekend Update: Colin Jost and Michael Che's jokes about Donald Trump and Elon Musk especially Che's "Nazis made nice cars" line.
Gaga's SNL Return: Mayhem and Comedy Gold Collide
Lady Gaga's return to SNL was a triumph. She effortlessly balanced hosting duties musical performances and sketch comedy proving her versatility and star power. The episode was packed with memorable moments from her killer musical sets to the laugh-out-loud sketches and Weekend Update slams. If you missed it you definitely need to check out the highlights. Gaga brought the Mayhem and delivered a truly unforgettable SNL night.