Lady Gaga has proven yet again why she’s an icon. On one of the most anticipated nights of the year, the music star moved us all with an unexpected, deeply emotional performance at Super Bowl LIX. Her performance of “Hold My Hand,” which was filmed on Bourbon Street in New Orleans ahead of the big game, not only captured the attention of the millions of viewers watching but served as a powerful tribute to the victims of the recent terror attack in the city.
Lady Gaga’s appearance at Super Bowl 2025 was unannounced, which made it all the more impactful. The artist chose to sing “Hold My Hand,” originally part of the soundtrack for Top Gun: Maverick and an Oscar-nominated song that’s since become an anthem of hope and resilience. It was a touching way to pay tribute to the 14 victims of the terrorist attack that occurred on New Year’s Eve in New Orleans.
The location of the performance was as thoughtful as the song choice: Lady Gaga delivered the performance on Bourbon Street, the vibrant heart of the city, where she was accompanied by a crowd of locals and first responders in “NOLA Strong” shirts. Dressed completely in white and wearing a wide-brimmed hat, Gaga’s performance was equal parts intimate and soulful.
You can watch it here.
Throughout her career, Gaga has used her voice and artistry to speak on important issues. Her performance at Super Bowl LIX was another clear example of this. By choosing Hold My Hand, the singer conveyed a message of support, love, and strength to the New Orleans community and the world at large.
The video of her performance, which was pre-recorded and aired before the start of the game, has already gone viral on social media. Fans and critics praised not only her flawless vocal performance, but also the sensitivity with which she handled such a delicate moment.
Many noted that her all-white outfit symbolized peace and hope, while her choice of setting in the heart of New Orleans gave the performance an even more special and meaningful touch.
This is not the first time Lady Gaga has made her mark at the Super Bowl, of course. In 2017, she delivered one of the most iconic halftime shows in history, with a spectacular production that included acrobatics, breathtaking costume changes, and a setlist filled with hits like “Bad Romance,” “Poker Face,” and “Born This Way.”
But Lady Gaga’s performance at Super Bowl 59 will certainly go down as her most emotional and impactful. She not only paid tribute to the victims of New Orleans, but also reminded us all of the power of music to unite and heal.
A version of this article was previously published on Glamour Mexico and Latin America.
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