By Jenner Anderson

January 15, 2026 – 

Lady Gaga. One night only. The Wiltern. Capacity: 2,300.

It’s hard to imagine that last year Lady Gaga was performing in front of 2.5 million little monsters in Brazil. And here we were, in an intimate setting of only 2,300.

Only a few little monsters were invited by email to buy tickets to this special event, and I was one of them. We were not allowed to bring phones in, so I’m writing down my experience so that it will forever be engrained. That’s what people used to do before cell phones, right?

The line outside was quiet. Fans were respectful, with the knowledge that we were all lucky to be here. No one dared to be rowdy as we knew that there were millions of little monsters who would die to be in our position.

Around 7pm, the line began to slowly move forward. As we drew closer to the entrance, our hearts began racing faster and faster. 

Along the side of the street were hopefuls who attempted to get a ticket, but sadly realized it was impossible. Still, they seemed to be happy and excited for us who were fortunate enough.

As soon as we moved past security, we were handed pouches in which to put our phones in. And just like that, any chance of capturing what we would see past the doors was gone. From then on, I tried to soak in every detail and take mental images. As soon as I walked into The Wiltern, it felt like we were transported into another word.

We headed into the theater, where the vintage architecture seemed even more beautiful than the other times I had been there. If these walls could talk! So many legendary artists have performed in this theater. 

Covering the stage was a flowery curtain, leaving us curious fans to wonder what kind of elaborate set was hiding behind. The tracks of Daft Punk, Kavinsky, Justice, and The Weekend played, leaving us to wonder if these song choices were intentional.

As more and more fans shuffled in, filling the theater, we were able to partake in something that is unheard of these days — genuine conversation with those around us. No one had their phones, so for the hour that we were waiting, we talked with strangers, sharing our excitement and anticipation. I had fun observing all the creative outfits these fans were able to put together within two days notice.

Without a phone or watch, I had no concept of time. An excited fan came up to me, drink in hand, to let me know it was 8:16. Would she be coming on the stage in 15 minutes, or 45? There was so much unknown. I loved it.

I observed the behavior of the Apple Music crew. At first, they were conversing casually, but as time went on I noticed that they began communicating into their headphones, giving each other thumbs up, and getting into position.

Finally, a voice came over the speakers — letting us know that the show would begin soon, and informing us of the unique situation. This was a filmed event, and Gaga may stop and do a performance multiple times until perfect. And that there was absolutely no filming allowed.

30 minutes later, the lights shut off. We screamed. The show was about to begin.

In the most theatrical way, the curtain began to slowly rise, revealing the intricate set behind. Our screams continued. The set was finally revealed — it looked like a broken down opera set, with a long staircase leading up to a platform that contained three or four different synthesizers, pianos, keyboards. We spotted the familiar faces of her band.

Ricky Tillo and Tim Stewart on guitar. Brockett Parsons on Keyboard, and Tosh Peterson on Drums. That was all — no backup dancers. 

Then, she came out. From stage left, wearing a beautiful lace black outfit. We lost our minds.

The camera men followed her movement, not getting in the way, but also making sure to get the perfect shot.

She walked over to the keyboard, sat down, and the show began.

A haunting rendition of Disease began to play, the first song on the album. The feeling of not knowing what would come next was exhilarating.

This was unlike any Gaga performance I have seen before. There was no choreography, no backup dancers, no telling us to “put our paws up.” It was raw, stripped down, but with heavy hitting beats, fog, and a dazzling light show.

The top of the stage where she and her band stood, was grey and looked like a beaten down opera house. There were grey rocks and sharp edges, with tall curtains in the background. This picture is fairly accurate to what it looked like…

At the bottom of the stage, were what looked like stained glass with roses, with lights shooting out of them. The lights changed colors, and looked brilliant with all the smoke pouring out. 

Then there were laser beams coming out of the ceiling, shooting out and looking like UFOs.

There was a tall what looked like a woodwind instrument instrument in the background, but in plastic. Coming out of the ceiling were wires that lit up different colors.

If only you could go in my brain to see what I mean. 

Gaga had about four outfit changes, all in black. They all reflected some sort of funeral style with black lace and a veil, changing to a stiff black structural hooded look, and ended the night wearing a sci-fi helmet football-gear esque top with a long black skirt. Her style is truly unique and hard to describe. You will have to wait for the show to come out to see what I mean.

Now for the music…

She played the entirety of the Mayhem album, excluding The Dead Dance and Kill For Love. Everything was in order from Disease to Die With A Smile. She even performed Don’t Call Tonight, a personal favorite, for the first time ever. This was the only song that sounded like the studio version.

The rest of the songs had a completely new sound, and we were filled with excitement and anticipation, not sure what would be next. 

The order of the songs, we knew. But what we couldn’t predict was how she was able to rework every, transcending them into dark pop / gothic / synths with the use of a vocoders.

My personal favorites were Zombieboy, LoveDrug, and Die With A Smile, which sounded like “Nightcall” by Kavinsky. 

The best way I can describe the sound is, think the bridge of Don’t Call Tonight. Very Daft Punk sounding, mixed with heavy beats. That sound with a combination of the lights, the fog effect, the intimacy of the room, nothing will top that. I am thrilled to be able to rewatch the night all over again when it comes out on Apple Music, but being in that room, for one night only, is an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.

I’m so glad that I willingly provided my credit card information without a second thought to an unexpected email from Lady Gaga two days before the show. I had no idea where this experience would take me, but I will never take it for granted.