Lady Gaga’s 2017 performance at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia was nothing short of a spectacle, a masterclass in pop performance that merged high-concept theatrics with the raw emotional power of her music. From the moment fans entered the arena, it was clear that this would not be a conventional concert. Giant video screens teased visuals from the tour’s cinematic narrative, while the hum of anticipation in the crowd was palpable. Fans of all ages and backgrounds gathered, dressed in glitter, sequins, and eccentric outfits, ready to witness a show that promised both grandeur and intimacy.
The opening act of the night—though entirely integrated into the main show—began with a dramatic Countdown Intro, a video montage featuring elements of “Monster.” It was the perfect setup, immediately establishing the theatrical and immersive experience that would define the evening. As the lights dimmed and the video concluded, Lady Gaga emerged to perform “Diamond Heart”, a pulsating anthem that set the tone for the night. Her energy was magnetic, immediately drawing the audience into her world. It was clear that this wasn’t just a concert but a fully realized performance art piece, where every song, costume, and visual cue was meticulously crafted to tell a story.
The early part of the set balanced new material with some of her biggest hits. “A-Yo” brought a high-energy funk-pop groove, showcasing Gaga’s ability to command the stage while also inviting the audience to participate. Moments later, “Poker Face” turned the arena into a sing-along frenzy. Even years after its release, the song still had the power to ignite collective excitement, with the crowd’s voices blending seamlessly with Gaga’s own. “Perfect Illusion” followed in a shortened format, keeping the energy moving while hinting at more introspective moments to come. Between songs, the band interludes provided musical bridges, subtly remixing the tracks while giving Gaga time to transition her elaborate costume changes and choreography—a seamless blend of music and theatrical storytelling.
Act II of the performance leaned into a darker, more dramatic side of Gaga’s persona. The Car Film video interlude set the stage for “John Wayne”, a rock-infused number with heavy guitar riffs and powerful vocals. The intensity only heightened with “Scheiße,” where the fusion of electronic beats and provocative lyrics showcased Gaga’s fearless creativity. Even when performing a shortened version of “Alejandro,” the impact was undeniable, as the arena erupted in cheers, waving hands, and coordinated dance moves. Gaga’s connection with her audience was immediate and tangible—she could command thousands of fans simultaneously while maintaining an intimate, personal energy that made each person feel seen.
By Act III, the tone shifted again, blending nostalgia with modern reinvention. After the Rhino video interlude, Gaga launched into “Just Dance,” a song that practically defines her career. The crowd sang every lyric with fervor, hands waving in unison as the arena became one massive dance floor. Shortened renditions of “LoveGame” and “Telephone” followed, infused with remixed elements from the band interludes, keeping the energy kinetic while offering playful nods to her original recordings. These tracks weren’t just crowd-pleasers—they were reminders of Gaga’s versatility, bridging her early pop dominance with her evolution as a more theatrical and experimental artist.
Act IV introduced one of the evening’s most memorable transitions: the Transformation Film video interlude, which set the stage for “Applause.” The DJ White Shadow remix elements gave the song a new energy, and the visual spectacle combined with Gaga’s commanding presence created a mesmerizing sensory experience. “Come to Mama” and an acoustic piano version of “The Edge of Glory” followed, providing a tender contrast to the high-octane earlier acts. Her rendition of “Born This Way” was nothing short of triumphant, the anthem’s message of self-love and empowerment resonating throughout the arena. The interlude following the song allowed the band and Gaga to shift gears while maintaining the narrative flow of the performance, a testament to her meticulous planning and dedication to storytelling.
Acts V and VI highlighted Gaga’s theatricality at its most inventive. Trapped Film introduced “Angel Down” and “Joanne,” songs that showcased Gaga’s softer, more introspective side. Here, the arena felt intimate despite its size, as fans were drawn into a moment of shared reflection and vulnerability. Gaga’s voice carried effortlessly, demonstrating her remarkable range and emotive power. Following the Drippy Face Film interlude, the high-energy finale erupted with “Bad Romance” and “The Cure.” Gaga’s choreography, costumes, and stagecraft were fully on display, turning the arena into a riot of color, movement, and sound. Every note and movement was executed with precision, yet carried the spontaneity and raw passion that make live performances unforgettable.
The encore was a poignant capstone to the evening. Performing “Million Reasons,” Gaga stripped things back, letting the emotional weight of the song shine. The lights dimmed, voices rose in collective support, and the performance ended on a deeply personal note. It was a reminder that, despite the elaborate staging, Gaga’s music carries profound emotional resonance. The balance of spectacle and sincerity throughout the night underscored why she remains one of the most compelling live performers in the world.
Throughout the show, Lady Gaga’s connection with her audience was unmistakable. She commanded attention not only through vocal prowess and stage presence but also through the visual and narrative components that made the performance an immersive journey. The production was flawless, from video interludes to costume changes to lighting cues, yet it never overshadowed the core of the show—Gaga’s music and her ability to engage every fan in the arena. Each act had a clear theme and emotional arc, making the concert feel like a complete story rather than a series of disconnected songs.
Gaga’s musicianship was on full display, supported by a tight band that navigated complex arrangements and remixes with ease. The transitions between songs were seamless, with band interludes and video sequences enhancing the overall narrative flow. Her performance demonstrated an understanding of pacing and audience engagement, mixing high-energy tracks with introspective ballads to create a dynamic and compelling concert experience.
Ultimately, Lady Gaga at the Wells Fargo Center in September 2017 was a masterful demonstration of what a modern pop concert can achieve. It combined the spectacle of arena production with the intimacy of personal connection, the drama of theatrical storytelling with the authenticity of live music. Fans left buzzing, exhilarated, and emotionally moved, having witnessed a performance that balanced showmanship, musicality, and artistic vision. It was a night that reminded everyone why Lady Gaga is not just a pop star but a cultural force capable of captivating audiences across generations.
Setlist:
Act I
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Countdown Intro (Video Introduction. Contains elements of “Monster”)
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Diamond Heart
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A-Yo
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Poker Face
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Perfect Illusion (Shortened)
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Interlude (Band Interlude – Contains elements of “Perfect Illusion”)
Act II
7. Car Film (Video Interlude)
8. John Wayne
9. Scheiße
10. Alejandro (Shortened)
11. Interlude (Band Interlude – Contains elements of “Alejandro”)
Act III
12. Rhino (Video Interlude)
13. Just Dance
14. LoveGame (Shortened)
15. Telephone (Short)
16. Interlude (Band Interlude – Contains elements of “Telephone”)
Act IV
17. Transformation Film (Video Interlude)
18. Applause (Contains elements of “DJ White Shadow Remix”)
19. Come to Mama
20. The Edge of Glory (Piano Acoustic)
21. Born This Way
22. Interlude (Band Interlude – Contains elements of “Born This Way”)
Act V
23. Trapped Film (Video Interlude)
24. Angel Down
25. Joanne
Act VI
26. Drippy Face Film (Video Interlude)
27. Bad Romance
28. The Cure
Encore
29. Million Reasons