Lady Gaga opened the Super Bowl LIX pregame with an emotional tribute to resilience and unity, performing her 2022 ballad Hold My Hand from Top Gun: Maverick.
Dressed in an elegant all-white ensemble, she took centre stage on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, delivering a powerful piano performance that resonated deeply with the audience.
The pregame show was dedicated to honouring communities impacted by tragedy, and Gaga’s surprise appearance added an emotional depth to the event. Her song, nominated for an Academy Award, served as a poignant reminder of perseverance and strength in difficult times.
A Night of Reflection and Strength
Before Gaga’s performance, the pregame broadcast featured a moving segment introduced by Michael Strahan, who walked alongside former NFL star Tom Brady on Bourbon Street. Reflecting on the city’s resilience following a terror attack earlier in the year, Brady remarked, “When tragedy strikes, we don’t break, we come together. We rise above and never let evil win.”
Strahan continued the tribute, highlighting cities across the U.S. that have faced hardships, emphasising the unwavering strength of communities. As the camera panned over first responders, military personnel, and locals wearing NOLA Strong shirts, Gaga’s heartfelt performance began, offering a moment of collective reflection.
Gaga’s Big Week in Music
Beyond her Super Bowl appearance, Lady Gaga was already making headlines. Just days prior, she debuted her new single Abracadabra from her upcoming album Mayhem. The track premiered during the 2025 Grammy Awards, heightening anticipation for the album’s release on March 7, 2025.
Star-Studded Pregame Lineup
The night’s pregame entertainment featured a diverse mix of performances celebrating resilience and unity. Jon Batiste delivered a stirring rendition of the National Anthem, while Ledisi performed Lift Every Voice and Sing. Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle joined forces for America the Beautiful, and Harry Connick Jr. teamed up with Terence Blanchard for a heartfelt jazz tribute. Additionally, the Soul Rebels and the Original Pinettes brought the energy of New Orleans to the stage.
A Super Bowl Kickoff to Remember
Super Bowl LIX’s pregame festivities served as a reminder of the power of music to heal and unite. Lady Gaga’s unexpected performance became a defining moment of the night, reinforcing themes of strength and togetherness. As fans turned their attention to the game, the pregame show left a lasting message: in the face of adversity, unity prevails.
