Lady Gaga brought the house down at the YouTube Upfronts, reminding the world why she remains a singular force in music and performance. Her show-stopping appearance at YouTube’s annual Brandcast event captivated the crowd from the moment she took the stage.
The entire audience waited anxiously for Mother Monster’s entrance. At one point during the presentation — while Volvo’s Global Chief Marketing Officer, Gretchen Saegh-Fleming, was discussing the company’s return on investment in advertising with YouTube — Gaga could be heard warming up backstage, preparing for what would become a standout moment of the night.
In the lead-up to the event, a private dress rehearsal was held for only a select few — offering invitees an exclusive glimpse into the meticulous artistry Gaga brings to every performance. Behind closed doors, she and her band worked tirelessly to perfect the setlist, fine-tuning transitions, vocal runs, and instrumental cues. Even in rehearsal, the energy was electric. Music echoed through the halls of David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center, prompting even the green room guests to pause and take it in.
When Gaga took the stage, the event to promote advertising opportunities turned into a mini-concert that left the lucky attendees on their feet, teasing the level of spectacle fans can expect on her upcoming global tour.
The multi-hyphenate icon took over the storied venue with a five-song set that left the industry crowd electrified — and afterward, opened up to Variety in an exclusive backstage interview.
Backed by a sleek, cinematic stage design and her unmistakable vocal firepower, Gaga delivered powerhouse numbers of “Abacadabra,” “Perfect Celebrity,” “How Bad Do You Want Me,” and the haunting ballad “Vanish Into You,” all from her latest chart-topping album. One of the most emotional moments of the evening came when she performed a solo version of “Shallow” from “A Star Is Born” (2018), the track that earned her an Oscar for Best Original Song and her first Academy Award nomination for best actress.
It was a bold mix of hits and fan favorites that showcased Gaga’s range as both a pop provocateur and emotional storyteller.
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“I was so happy they let me sing songs from the album,” Gaga tells Variety, referring to her recent genre-blending set.
But the night wasn’t just about her star power — it was also deeply personal for the Grammy winner. Sitting in the audience were her mother, her fiancé, and longtime manager Bobby Campbell.
“Playing Geffen Hall was a dream come true,” she says. “To perform in that space, was just magical.”
Known for her tireless work ethic, Gaga now calls herself a relentless “rehearser.”
She’s been preparing daily, shaping every detail of her upcoming tour — which kicks off in July — with precision and passion.
Other highlights of the Brandcast event included an enthusiastic opening of Alex Warren, singing his No. 1 hit song “Ordinary,” which put all attendees in a good mood for the evening’s announcements. In addition, the presentation also included creators such as “Hot Ones” host Sean Evans, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of his hit show, and Mr. Beast, who hosted a lively contest with NFL players Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski. Popular creators including Dhar Mann and IShowSpeed were also spotted at the afterparty.
Judging by her performance at Brandcast, Gaga’s next chapter is already in motion — and fans should expect nothing short of spectacular.
From Variety US