Lady Gaga's 'Lion City Mayhem" — a night of unadulterated singing, dancing and fun

Nylon

18-05-2025

May 18, 2025, Singapore, National Stadium – The Lion City was set ablaze as Lady Gaga descended upon its shores for an exclusive four-night residency, 'Lion City Mayhem.' This marks her return to Singapore after 13 years, since her 'Born This Way Ball Tour' in 2012. And just like any Lady Gaga production, this wasn't just a concert; it was a full-blown cultural moment, a seismic event that left the sold-out show and 47,240-strong crowd breathless, bedazzled, and wanting more.
As the lights dimmed, a palpable energy surged through the stadium. The stage, a multi-tiered, architectural marvel, pulsed with vibrant colours and avant-garde visuals, setting the tone for the sensory overload that was to follow. And then, she appeared.
Emerging in a dazzling, custom-made ensemble that only she could pull off, Gaga launched into a high-octane rendition of 'Bloody Mary' followed by the hit, 'Abracadabra,' a track from her latest album, Mayhem . The sea of Little Monsters erupted, and sang along to every lyric.
The setlist was a seamless blend of new hits and iconic classics. 'Poker Face' and 'Bad Romance' transported the audience back to the glory days of the late 2000s, while the chorus of 'Die With A Smile' and 'Shallow' brought the stadium to a hush, save for the collective voice of thousands singing along, their phone lights creating a galaxy of stars. Tracks like 'Killah' and 'Disease' showcased Gaga's versatility, her ability to seamlessly transition from pop princess to edgy, experimental artist.
But a Gaga show is never just about the music. It's a spectacle, a theatrical experience that transcends the traditional concert format. Costume changes were frequent and fabulous, while the choreography was tight, dynamic, and at times, downright daring. Gaga, along with her troupe of dancers, commanded the stage with an energy that was infectious.
The production, as expected, was theatrical. There were pyrotechnics, lasers, and stunning visual projections that transformed the National Stadium into a pulsating, otherworldly realm. Every element, from the sound design to the lighting, was meticulously crafted to create an immersive, entertaining experience.
Lady Gaga has done it again. She's a cultural phenomenon and the epitome of self-expression. She proves once again why she's a true icon who continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a pop star. If you have tickets for the next few shows, you're in for a treat — but you knew that already.
Lady Gaga performs in Singapore on May 18, 19, 21, and 24, 2025 at the Singapore National Stadium. Ticket prices range from $148 to $368, with VIP packages available from $648 to $1,348. Some single and restricted view tickets might still be available on ticketmaster.sg.
Photo credits: Hoong Qi Hao, courtesy Live Nation.
WHAT TO PACK FOR THE CONCERT A phone will great zoom functions, like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge with a 200MP camera lens. Either a handheld fan, or one of those portable electronic ones; with a 55,000-strong crowd, it's hot. An empty water bottle (glass ones aren't allowed). You can fill it up at the water coolers inside the stadium. Don't forget a portable charger; pack one in because you don't want to run out of phone battery — especially if you need to call a Grab at the end of the night. Payment systems have gone wireless, so tap to pay for stuff (like F&B and merchandise) with a credit card, your phone's wallet, or smart watch. Bring a small umbrella in case it rains. The weather has been erratic lately and you don't want to get stuck or drenched. If you're buying food on site, have a packet of tissue paper and wet wipes handy. Even more so if you brought your kid along to the show (6 and above only). Also, you never know when the toilets run out of toilet paper (everyone's worst nightmare). We brought along our Loop earplugs (Coachella edition) to test out. When the music gets too loud, you'll do well to protect your eardrums with the physical barrier of good quality earplugs — but at the same time, these are designed to let the music through so you don't miss out on the music.