Lady Gaga Shines on SNL, Addressing Joker: Folie à Deux Backlash with Humor and Grace

A Night to Remember on Saturday Night Live

Lady Gaga recently graced the stage of Saturday Night Live (SNL), delivering a memorable opening monologue that showcased her signature blend of humor, charisma, and resilience. Known for her bold performances and unapologetic individuality, Gaga didn’t shy away from addressing the criticism surrounding her recent film, Joker: Folie à Deux. With a playful smirk, she kicked off her monologue by embracing her acting career, saying, “Anyway, I’m an actor now. I’ve been very diligent about selecting films that would showcase my craft as a serious actor. Films such as Joker 2.” Her self-aware wit immediately set the tone for the rest of the segment, proving that even in the face of negative reviews, Gaga remains unbothered and unapologetically herself.

Reflecting on Joker: Folie à Deux and Its Reception

In Joker: Folie à Deux, Gaga starred as Harley Quinn opposite Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker in the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 hit Joker. Despite its star-studded cast and ambitious direction, the film received widespread criticism from both critics and audiences, underperforming at the box office. Gaga, however, chose to address the backlash with humor and humility. During her SNL monologue, she openly acknowledged the film’s less-than-stellar reception, noting that she and Phoenix had even been nominated for a Razzie Award—often referred to as the “anti-Oscar” for recognizing the worst films and performances of the year. “So we won—for worst onscreen duo,” she quipped, proving that she can laugh at herself and the situation.

Embracing the Razzie and the Joy of Winning

While some might view a Razzie nomination as a setback, Gaga chose to spin it as a step toward her larger goals. “But joke’s on them,” she said with a grin. “I love winning things. My Razzie brings me one step closer to an EGORT. It’s like an EGOT, but it’s hurtful,” she added, referencing the elite EGOT status—reserved for those who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. By reframing the Razzie as a quirky addition to her collection of accolades, Gaga showed her ability to find the silver lining and maintain her sense of humor, even in the face of criticism.

A MusicalPerformance and New Music

In addition to her monologue, Gaga’s SNL appearance also featured two performances of songs from her latest album, Mayhem. She delivered powerful renditions of tracks “Killah” and “Abracadabra,” showcasing her vocal range and stage presence. These performances were a perfect reminder of her roots as a musician and her ability to captivate audiences through her artistry. The album, which dropped earlier this year, has been met with enthusiasm from fans and critics alike, further solidifying Gaga’s status as a multifaceted artist.

On Artistry and Taking Risks

Gaga’s ability to laugh at herself and embrace criticism is a testament to her resilience and dedication to her craft. Back in January, she shared a candid perspective on the Joker sequel’s mixed reception during an interview with Elle. “People just sometimes don’t like some things,” she said simply. “It’s that simple. And I think to be an artist, you have to be willing for people to sometimes not like it. And you keep going even if something didn’t connect in the way that you intended.” This philosophy of embracing uncertainty and continuing to create is a hallmark of her career, from her early days as a pop provocateur to her evolution into a acclaimed actor and musician.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Passion and Resilience

Lady Gaga’s SNL appearance was a celebration of her unwavering dedication to her craft and her ability to find humor in even the most challenging situations. Whether she’s starring in a controversial film, performing on a legendary stage, or simply being her unapologetic self, Gaga continues to inspire fans with her passion, creativity, and resilience. As she moves forward, there’s no doubt that she’ll keep pushing boundaries, taking risks, and leaving an indelible mark on the worlds of music, film, and beyond. And who knows? Maybe that Razzie is just the beginning of her next big win.