Lady Gaga’s Mayhem Ball lived up to its name Sunday night, and the energy wasn’t just coming from the stage. A viral clip from her Los Angeles stop at the Kia Forum on July 28 shows pop besties Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan, and Conan Gray living their absolute best lives during a performance of “Born This Way”—dancing, shouting lyrics, and clearly having, well, a ball.
The trio, all queer icons in their own right, were spotted in the crowd vibing out with euphoric abandon as Gaga belted her LGBTQ+ anthem. Fans online couldn’t get enough, with many commenting that this crossover of alt-pop royalty felt like witnessing the future of music partying with the queen of the movement.
Gaga’s Trans-Inclusive Statement
While the crowd served up major energy, Gaga gave it right back with a high-camp, high-fashion spectacle only she could deliver. One of her standout looks during “Abracadabra” and “Judas” included a ruby-red ruffled gown, classic Gaga. But it was the added pink, white, and blue sash that caught attention, a sparkling nod to the trans pride flag and Gaga’s enduring support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Though fans speculated about a giant trans pride cape making an appearance, some of the photos floating online appear to be fan edits rather than the actual tour look. Still, the intention and visual symbolism were clear, and very Gaga.
Even Nancy Pelosi Couldn’t Resist
Turns out Gaga’s Mayhem Ball has bi-partisan appeal. Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was in the audience at the tour’s San Francisco stop the night before, calling the concert “the most fun I’ve had in a long time.” Pelosi, attending with her husband Paul, reportedly danced the entire night and delighted fans with her unexpected appearance.
This wasn’t Pelosi’s first Gaga encounter either, she previously attended Gaga’s 2021 performance with Tony Bennett at Radio City Music Hall, proving once again that Gaga’s reach spans generations, party lines, and pop eras.
A Night for the Queer Pop History Books
With theatrical visuals, explosive choreography, and a setlist that spans from new tracks off Mayhem to eternal bangers like “Poker Face,” “Shallow,” and of course, “Born This Way,” Gaga’s tour is not just a concert, it’s a celebration. And with Olivia, Chappell, and Conan adding Gen Z glitter to the moment, it’s clear that Gaga’s influence continues to ripple through pop’s brightest stars.
If the viral footage from the L.A. show is any indication, The Mayhem Ball isn’t just a concert series, it’s a safe space, a runway, and a dance floor for queer joy in all its forms.
