Lady Gaga Says She Was Nervous Performing 'Dick in a Box' On SNL50

By: Denise Rich, Published March 12 2025

Lady Gaga Reflects on the Nerves Behind Her 'Dick in a Box' Performance

Lady Gaga admitted feeling a bit uneasy about stepping onto the iconic Saturday Night Live stage to perform the classic comedy hit "Dick in a Box" at the recent SNL50: Homecoming Concert. The Grammy-winning superstar revealed her anxieties during a candid appearance on Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers' Las Culturistas podcast, sharing that the humorous yet risque act—complete with a giant prop box strapped to her waist—had initially made her question her decision.

A Touching Memory of Tony Bennett's Wisdom Calms Gaga's Anxiety

As Gaga navigated backstage nerves at the SNL50 event, her mind drifted back to her last visit to that very theater, which she had shared with the legendary Tony Bennett. Remembering Bennett's comforting words, she imagined his reassuring voice advising, "Don't be nervous. Or, if you are nervous, it's because you care." Gaga confessed, "I remembered Tony saying this, and it calmed me. Because the truth is—I really do care."

A Night for the History Books: Gaga Celebrates SNL's Legacy

Reflecting on the significance of both the SNL50: Homecoming Concert and the subsequent night's landmark 50th anniversary special, Gaga described the events as "one of the greatest nights in entertainment." She revealed the emotional weight she felt participating in the celebration, emphasizing how deeply meaningful the experience had been for her, both as an artist and as a longtime fan of the legendary show.

The Surprising Song Selection: Why Gaga Chose to Perform 'Shallow'

During the concert, Gaga decided to perform her Oscar-winning song "Shallow," rather than promoting fresh tracks from her latest album, Mayhem—which surprised and even frustrated some fans. Explaining her reasoning, Gaga revealed that she wanted to pay tribute to her collaborator Mark Ronson, as well as The Roots, whose live accompaniment elevated the emotional power of the song. "I love them so much," Gaga expressed, acknowledging that the choice felt right in honoring the legacy of Saturday Night Live, a show known for catapulting music careers.

Emotional Gratitude: Gaga's Appreciation for SNL's Impact on Her Career

Gaga also shared her heartfelt gratitude toward SNL creator Lorne Michaels and the show itself, recalling how pivotal her early appearances had been in launching her career into the stratosphere. "I almost said, 'Thank you to Lorne and SNL, thanks for giving me a shot on the show years ago,'" Gaga explained. She further described her reaction upon being asked to perform double-duty on the March 8 episode as pure joy mixed with "full panic tears," acknowledging the profound significance the opportunity held for her personally and professionally.

Proud to Own Her Music: Gaga Addresses Her Decision to Delay 'Abracadabra'

Addressing the decision not to perform "Abracadabra," the surprise single from her album Mayhem that she'd released at the 2025 Grammys only days earlier, Gaga explained her intention was to present work that best resonated with the show's legacy. In choosing the beloved duet "Shallow," Gaga sought connection with an audience that had embraced the track after its prominent role in the blockbuster film A Star Is Born. "It's an important song to me," she explained, emphasizing its unique ability to reach new listeners and reignite her chart-topping presence.

Claiming Her Creativity: Gaga Defines Her Artistic Identity

Gaga also used the moment to passionately assert her own artistic autonomy, responding to critics who questioned her creative authenticity. In discussing "Abracadabra," Gaga boldly declared, "My nachos are mine, and I invented them, and I'm proud of them." She emphasized her pride in creating bold imagery and original music that firmly reflect her personal vision, challenging the narrative often imposed on female artists that their success stems from external forces. "This is who I am," Gaga insisted, firmly owning the creative combination of music and visuals that define her unique and iconic brand.