Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga Inaugurate LA’s Intuit Dome: Concert Review

The last time Bruno Mars played Los Angeles, back in 2016, he was promoting his then-recently released album “24K Magic.”

Six years later, with no new album, the pop-soul superstar made his highly-anticipated return to the city. He inaugurated the newly-opened Intuit Dome on Thursday night for the first of two sold-out concerts at the 17,700-capacity arena. Since his last performance in California, the Hawaii-born showman has been delivering extended sets in Las Vegas, both as a solo act and as part of Silk Sonic, his Grammy-winning project with Anderson .Paak, under a multi-year partnership with MGM Resorts, occasionally performing at international shows.

The energy for his return was palpable, with celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Angela Bassett, and Kelsea Ballerini in attendance. The evening reached an unexpected climax with a rumored, yet surprising, duet with Lady Gaga. The duo performed their single “Die With a Smile,” which premiered just minutes before Mars’ 9:40 p.m. start time.

Unfortunately for many concert-goers who left early, seeking to beat the traffic, the best surprise of the evening came last. Gaga appeared behind a red piano on stage, introduced by Mars as “the icon” and “pop royalty.” She wore a country-inspired outfit, matching the theme of the song’s ’70s-styled music video, with Mars accessorizing with a cowboy hat.

Lady Gaga joins Bruno Mars on the stage during his Los Angeles show at the newly-opened Intuit Dome to sing their new duet “Die With a Smile.” pic.twitter.com/VJJqnYO7Vn

— Variety (@Variety) August 16, 2024

In the dimly lit, sweltering arena, a white spotlight shone on the stage as Mars began the slowed-down guitar intro of “Die With a Smile.” Gaga joined with fervent passion, building up to the song’s powerful chorus where both of their vocals melded seamlessly.

Speculation about Gaga’s appearance had been circulating earlier that night, but it was hard to trust any predictions. Prior to the concert, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a press conference were held in the arena’s large outdoor plaza. L.A. Clippers chairman Steve Ballmer had mentioned the Dome’s reliance on an accompanying app for entry and purchases, hinting at potential issues.

As the sun set over the city skyline, the app did malfunction, causing a pedestrian traffic jam at the main entrance for an hour. Despite the malfunction, the ticketed guests gradually filled the arena, and Mars took the stage before 10 p.m.

“You know, you gotta get the app to get inside,” Mars jokingly remarked on stage before performing “Calling All My Lovelies.”

Recently, Mars helped Mexico City celebrate the reopening of the iconic Foro Sol Stadium, now named Estadio GNP Seguros. His three-hour show in L.A. followed a similar setlist, featuring his biggest hits like “Finesse,” “That’s What I Like,” “Billionaire,” and “Treasure,” supported by an all-star backing group who doubled as dancers. Each seat above the floor was illuminated with colors matching the stage palette, and the lights followed Mars’ movements.

The pace and flow of the concert unfolded flawlessly, as expected from an experienced performer like Mars. There was a brief pause when Mars flagged the Dome’s security team to attend to a medical emergency in the first few rows, but otherwise, it was a seamless experience.

The crowd stayed on their feet until midnight, taking only short breaks when Mars briefly left the stage for outfit changes. Each return was met with amplified excitement, culminating in a full-blown sing-along of “Runaway Baby” and “Uptown Funk.”

“We’re making California history,” Mars said to the enthusiastic crowd. “Thank you for being here with me.”

Mars will perform a second show on Friday night at the Dome, which is located just blocks away from SoFi Stadium and the Kia Forum in Inglewood. The arena is set to host performances by Olivia Rodrigo, Peso Pluma, Usher, and more in the coming weeks.