Months ago, my Mother approached me proposing a "girl's night out" of some sort. Whoop. But the cards were in my favor because this girl's night would lead me to one of the most spectacular concerts I have ever seen.
I confess to being less devoted to Gaga than a lot of people I know, but I was excited nonetheless. As I walked into the American Airlines center to take my seat on what felt like a different planet than the glorious Earth Lady Gaga was dancing on, I felt nervous anticipation.
The lights dimmed and as the crowd cheered, a transparent curtain surrounded the stage. Fans could see Gaga's silhouette as she sharply posed, changing her poses to the beat of the music. Dancing in the Dark boomed through the arena as the opening song.
The Monster Ball tour is a brilliant concept album, as is every show in the world tour. Gaga explains that the Monster Ball is a terrific party thrown for all the misfits and freaks to free themselves without worry. At one point in the mere beginning of the show, Gaga stares into the crowd and with conviction says:
"Let's go to the Monster Ball where you are free to be yourself with all the freaks. And let me tell you, I like freaks!"
So Gaga leads her fans on a whirlwind of a trip to find this great Monster Ball. With themes similar to those of the Wizard of Oz, Gaga takes her role as Dorothy as she and her pals follow the "Glitter Way" to find the Monster Ball.
Now it goes without saying that Gaga's outfits were just as magnificently perplexing as they always are. But perhaps a new favorite from the House of Gaga is her gorgeous new piece, reminiscent of Glinda the Good Witch from the Wizard of Oz.
Though the theatrics, costumes, and dancing were breath taking (as usual), the real money of this show was in the multiple speeches Gaga gave to her loving audience. A strong advocate for gay rights, Lady Gaga constantly spoke of a charity she supports for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, and transgendered people. Inspirational quotes were ringing through the arena as Gaga said things like:
"Forget anyone that told you you couldn't do it because you weren't pretty enough, thin enough, or had a trashy mouth. You're a star and you were born that way!"
Known for her devotion to her fans, Gaga gushed many times about her love for her supporters:
"You mean more to me than any fame or any record I sell. I haven't always been brave but you have made me brave! Let go of all your insecurities. You've been brave for me and now I'm going to be brave for you!"
As I wrap up the Gaga madness, I'd like to share my three favorite memories of this show.
3. Gaga rocks a nun's habit for Love Games
I couldn't help but laugh as Lady Gaga pounces out of a subway car wearing a nun's get up. But the true hilarity didn't come until the catchy "Let's have some fun this beat is sick.." started to repeat itself at which point Gaga yells: "Now get your dicks out, boys!" Classic.
2. Speechless, written about Gaga's father.
As Gaga situates herself at the piano for what all fans know will be the viral slow-jam hit "Speechless", she muses about her home life.
"You know what I've realized lately? I know too many drunk assholes. All the men in my life drink too much. But I guess my favorite drunk asshole is my father."
The quote came way out of left field for most Gaga fans expecting a delightful story of some douche ex-boyfriend. But Gaga leans into her piano and begins to play Speechless saying: "This is a song I wrote about my father."
1. Lady Gaga, humanized
At one point in the show, Gaga is lying in a heap of smoke. Her back up dancers all watch as she wiggles around in theatrical agony (she's been fake bleeding for the duration of one song by this point).
As she stares to the sky, she offers her fans some truly inspiring words:
"Jesus, some people think you only love one kind of person. One race, one ethnicity, or one sexual orientation. But as I lie here, bleeding, in front of 20,000 people--I am sure that Jesus loves EVERYBODY!"
The crowd goes absolutely mad as Gaga jumps to her feet to claim her well deserved applause.
I knew I'd leave this show astounded, but I never thought good ole' Lady Gaga would touch me. She made me laugh too when, in a lull of near silence from the crowd she screamed: "It's hot as horse fuck here!"
Good night, all.
Ra, ra, ah-ah-ah..ro-ma, ro-ma-ma..Ga-ga, ooh-la-la
You know the rest.
