Lady Gaga graced the stage of Saturday Night Live on March 8, 2025, showcasing not only her musical prowess as both host and musical guest but also her skills as a comedian and performer. Fresh off the release of her seventh studio album, Mayhem, just the day before, Gaga delivered a high-energy performance throughout the night, reminding the audience of her unique blend of artistry and showmanship.
Launching the episode with confidence, Gaga declared, "I’m here to remind you I’m an amazing actor," humorously referencing her recent Razzie win for worst onscreen duo alongside Joaquin Phoenix for their collaboration on Joker 2. While she now proudly declares herself "one step closer to an EGORT," which she defined as just like the EGOT but "hurtful," it was evident her priority for the evening was to perform.
Gaga kicked off the musical performances with her song "Abracadabra," decorated with crimson-themed costuming reminiscent of the music video's aesthetics. But it was her second number, "Killah," which had everyone talking. Unveiled to the public only 48 hours prior, this performance stood out for its engaging stage presence, with Gaga utilizing the backstage area to kick off the number. She energetically traversed the hallways before breaking onto the main stage, captivating the audience with her vivacious interpretations.
Bowen Yang, the enthusiastic cast member and Gaga superfan, joined her for two previous duets, showing off infectious chemistry during their performances. Their rendition of "Wonderful Tonight" quickly morphed from tender tribute to absurd interpretation, with Yang dressed to the nines and hilariously engaging Gaga on the subject of their characters’ quirks.
One of the show’s many highlights was the creation of "No More Slay," where Gaga and Bowen Yang humorously criticized the overuse of certain slang words among their peers. The sketch provided biting commentary on how internet language can trivialize real conversation, tackling phrases such as "bop" and "flex" head-on. The colorful brunch setting amplified the comedic effect, cementing the duo's place as memorable performers.
Yet, it wasn’t all fun and games at the SNL studio. Among the most outrageous sketches was the Friendly's segment where Gardner, tricked by Yang to parade her birthday, found herself ensnared with blood and demonic imagery set against the backdrop of celebratory ice cream. This mix of gore and humor worked surprisingly well and highlighted Gaga’s facet of taking risks to entertain the audience.
Midway through the episode, there was also Dan Bulla’s animated short featuring Pip, the tiny mouse who faced the trials of high school weightlifting among bullies. Gaga lent her voice for Pip, delivering comedic gravitas with each line, especially when the weightlifter’s nemesis faced dramatic retribution.
The Weekend Update segment included some sharp jabs directed at political figures. Colin Jost and Michael Che displayed their trademark wit, with remarks targeting figures like Elon Musk and former President Trump, whom Mike Myers made another appearance as. On this occasion, the satire struck hard, especially with Musk's character juxtaposed against current events, including Jost's amusing comment calling Musk "the white Kanye West."
The comedic interplay, combined with Mikey Day’s performance as Lord Gaga, brought extra life to the sketches, cleverly contrasting personal identities against Gaga's apparent fame and success.
A recurring theme throughout the evening was Gaga's seamless blending of musical and comedic performance. From quirky costumes to explosive stage antics, she illuminated each frame, infusing every line with her extraordinary energy. It's this commitment to her art form—whether on stage singing or acting—that captivates the audience's attention and affection. Every sketch felt alive and amusing, from commentary on generational slang to theatrical explorations of outlandish situations.
Despite the night being filled with absurd humor, some sketches felt like they ran slightly long. Notably, the "Little Red Glasses" sketch showcased various personas, gently poking fun at young behavior and personality quirks, but it could use sharper pacing. Otherwise, with collective character-crazy moments, Gaga’s night presented itself as both original and engaging.
Overall, Lady Gaga’s return to SNL was nothing short of spectacular. Her vibrant performances combined with sharp writing and comedic talent from cast members ensured the episode was one for the books. The creators successfully utilized her range, making it clear she was not just hosting; she was defining the show with every passionate step she took.
With this combination of music, comedy, and captivating character portrayals, Gaga reminded the audience why she remains one of pop culture's most dynamic presences. Whether it was tangling with paranormal Friendly’s creatures or crafting satirical commentary about today's youth, each moment sparkled with laughter and feeling. This episode will undoubtedly stand out, encapsulating the essence of what SNL does best.