Lady Gaga opened the 2025 Super Bowl LIX pregame with a poignant tribute to resilience and unity, delivering a heartfelt performance of her 2022 song “Hold My Hand” from Top Gun: Maverick. Dressed in an ethereal all-white ensemble, the multi-talented performer sang while playing the piano in front of a crowd on Bourbon Street, a symbolic location for both New Orleans and the nation as a whole.
The moving performance kicked off the evening’s pregame show, which was dedicated to honoring the strength of communities impacted by tragedy across the country. Gaga’s appearance was a surprise to many, as her performance had not been previously announced. Her song, which was nominated for an Academy Award, was chosen as a fitting tribute to the themes of perseverance and unity highlighted throughout the segment.
Before Gaga took the stage, Michael Strahan, co-host of the pregame show, introduced a somber opening segment. He and former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady walked down Bourbon Street in New Orleans, discussing the resilience of the city following a terror attack earlier in the year. Strahan spoke of the collective strength of communities and how, when tragedy strikes, people come together. “When tragedy strikes, we don’t break, we come together. We rise above and never let evil win,” Brady said.
The pregame show continued with a tribute to various cities affected by recent tragedies, from New Orleans to Los Angeles. Strahan emphasized that, despite the challenges faced, Americans continue to show resilience, never losing hope. “We come together because that’s who we are and that’s what we do,” Strahan added, speaking to the nation’s spirit of unity.
As the camera panned over the crowd, which included first responders, military personnel, and locals wearing “NOLA Strong” shirts, Gaga’s performance began, providing a powerful moment of reflection. Her somber yet inspiring rendition of “Hold My Hand” resonated with many, particularly in the wake of difficult times in cities across the country.
In the days leading up to the Super Bowl, Lady Gaga had been in the spotlight for another major career milestone. Just days before the pregame performance, she released her new single, “Abracadabra,” from her upcoming album Mayhem. The track premiered during a commercial break at the 2025 Grammy Awards, following weeks of anticipation surrounding the singer’s seventh studio album. Mayhem is set for release on March 7, 2025, and fans can expect a full tracklist to be unveiled soon.
The night’s pregame festivities continued with a star-studded lineup of performers. Jon Batiste delivered a moving rendition of the National Anthem, followed by Ledisi’s powerful performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle joined forces for a soulful version of “America the Beautiful.” Additionally, Harry Connick Jr. teamed up with renowned jazz trumpeter Terence Blanchard for a tribute performance, while the Soul Rebels and the Original Pinettes added their own musical contributions to the celebration.
Super Bowl LIX’s pregame entertainment was a memorable mix of musical tributes, honoring both the resilience of communities across the country and the spirit of unity that transcends sports. Lady Gaga’s performance, in particular, left a lasting impression, offering a moment of reflection on the power of music to bring people together in times of hardship.
As the world turned its attention to the big game, the pregame show reminded viewers of the importance of community, healing, and strength in the face of adversity. The performances showcased a diverse array of talent, each adding to the emotional depth of the night. Lady Gaga’s moving tribute served as the perfect kickoff to a Super Bowl celebration filled with heartfelt moments and unity.
