Yesterday, May 19, 2025, I joined thousands of Little Monsters at the Singapore National Stadium for Lady Gaga’s Mayhem Tour, her first Singapore show in 13 years. The buzz was electric, the energy was wild, and the concert was nothing short of a theatrical masterpiece. But as much as I was swept away by Gaga’s performance and the vibrant fan culture—especially the fabulous drag queens from the Philippines and Thailand—the venue left a lot to be desired.
Before the concert even started, the atmosphere outside the National Stadium was a spectacle in itself.
Fans showed up in full Gaga regalia—think lace, leather, and sky-high platform boots. The real stars of the pre-show, though, were the drag queens from the Philippines and Thailand, who turned the concourse into a runway.
It was like a mini Met Gala, with fans screaming and snapping photos as these queens strutted their stuff. The inclusivity and creativity were pure Gaga spirit—everyone was there to celebrate individuality, and it set the perfect tone for the night.
A Theatrical Masterpiece in Five Acts
Once Gaga hit the stage at 8:30 PM, 30 minutes after the scheduled start, the concert unfolded like a dramatic five-part opera, chock-full of 22 old and new hits. Directed by Gaga and choreographer Parris Goebel, the show was a journey through themes of duality and inner chaos, with each act delivering a distinct narrative and aesthetic. It wasn’t just a concert—it felt like a Broadway production with pop anthems. The setlist blended new tracks from Mayhem (like “Disease”, "Garden of Eden", “Abracadabra”, "Killah" - my favourite!) with classics like “Poker Face,” “Bad Romance,” and “Born This Way.” Each act had stunning visuals—pulsating strobe lights, giant Greek-style columns to a sand pit and a skull-covered piano. The interludes, with magnetic dancers performing tight choreography, kept the energy high while Gaga changed costumes.
Speaking of costumes, Gaga’s wardrobe was a spectacle of its own. She kicked off the show in an exaggerated towering red Tudor gown, launching into an orchestral rendition of her 2011 hit “Bloody Mary” that set a dramatic tone. After each interval, she reappeared in a new look—armoured bodysuits that screamed futuristic warrior, feathered wings that gave an angelic yet edgy vibe, and flowing trains that billowed across the stage. Every outfit was a bold statement, amplifying the show’s operatic grandeur and leaving me in awe of her creative vision.
Vocals That Stole the Show
Let’s talk about Gaga’s voice—because wow, this woman can sing live. Her vocal power was undeniable, especially during slower moments like “Shallow” from A Star Is Born and “Die With a Smile,” her Grammy-winning duet with Bruno Mars. These ballads showcased her raw, gutsy delivery, cutting through the stadium with emotional intensity. Her voice didn’t falter once, even with the high-energy dance numbers like “Alejandro” and “Applause.”
Venue Nightmares: Hot, Loud, and Trapped
Now, the not-so-great part: the Singapore National Stadium was a letdown. I paid S$238 for a seat in block 405, which was described as “exposed to weather elements.” Exposed is an understatement—it was stiflingly hot, despite the stadium’s touted innovative under the seat air-cooling system. The retractable roof didn’t seem to help, and I was sweating buckets all night. Worse, the sound system was a mess. The music was so loud that it drowned out Gaga’s vocals at times, making it hard to fully appreciate her performance. From block 405, the stage felt miles away, and the audio issues made it even less immersive.
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To top it off, our section had only one way in and out, with a barricade on the other side. Getting a drink or stepping out for some air was a logistical nightmare, especially with the crowd. I felt trapped, and it definitely dampened the experience. For S$238, I expected better—standard tickets ranged from S$148 to S$368, and my seat was nowhere near worth the price. Next time, I’m avoiding the 400 and 600 blocks entirely. My next concert I will aim for lower-tier seats closer to the stage for better sound and comfort.
Was It Worth It?
Despite the venue woes, Gaga’s performance was a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. The five-act opera, breathtaking costumes, and powerhouse vocals made it unforgettable. Critics have called it “a theatrical experience that transcends the traditional concert format,” and I agree—it was like watching art come to life.
But at S$238 for a subpar seat, I can’t say it was entirely worth the price. Compared to other concerts, like Bruno Mars (S$108–S$488) or Taylor Swift (S$88–S$1,228), Gaga’s tickets were mid-range, but the venue issues in block 405 made it feel overpriced. If I could do it again, I’d splurge on a closer seat or wait for resale deals, as some tickets dropped to S$280 from S$328 closer to the date.
Paws up, Little Monsters—let’s keep the magic alive!
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