Lady Gaga used her global stage to deliver a powerful and emotional message during one of her Mayhem Ball concerts in Tokyo, Japan. While performing at the Tokyo Dome, the singer paused the show to speak out against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), addressing what she described as the suffering of families and children in America.
Gaga, who is wrapping up a five-night run in Tokyo on January 30, made it clear that even while performing overseas, her thoughts were firmly back home.
“My heart is aching”
During her speech, Gaga told the crowd that she would soon be returning to the United States — and that the thought weighed heavily on her.
She spoke about families and children across America who she believes are being “mercilessly targeted” by ICE, saying their pain and the destruction of their lives has been deeply upsetting to witness. Gaga’s words were met with loud applause from the Tokyo audience, despite the issue being rooted in American politics.
Minnesota tragedy referenced
Gaga also referenced a recent and widely reported incident involving the shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The singer said she was thinking about Minnesota communities living in fear and uncertainty, struggling to understand what comes next.
She spoke about how fear erodes a community’s sense of belonging, adding that when people no longer feel safe, “it breaks something in all of us.” Gaga emphasized solidarity, telling fans that even though the concert wasn’t taking place in America, her community — and her heart — remained with those affected.
A song dedicated to those hurting
Following the speech, Gaga dedicated “Come to Mama” from her album Joanne to people who are suffering, grieving, or feeling alone. She described the moment as one about hope, compassion, and accountability — urging leaders to listen and to act with mercy.
She acknowledged that hope can feel distant during difficult times, but said it is her community, friends, and chosen family that help carry her forward.
Pride remains central to the tour
Throughout the Mayhem Ball tour, Gaga has continued her long-standing advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. At several shows, she has worn a sash in the colors of the trans pride flag and, at select stops, waved the flag on stage.
During her performance of “Paparazzi,” her dramatic floor-length cape famously transforms into a rainbow Pride flag, stretching across the length of the stage — a visual statement that has become one of the tour’s most talked-about moments.
Grammy buzz looms
Gaga’s Tokyo shows come just days before the Grammy Awards, where she has landed seven nominations, including:
- Album of the Year (Mayhem)
- Song of the Year (Abracadabra)
- Record of the Year (Abracadabra)
The haul marks her biggest Grammy year since 2010 and ties her for the second-highest number of nominations this year alongside producers Jack Antonoff and Cirkut.
It remains unclear whether Gaga will attend the ceremony on Sunday.
Final words
Lady Gaga’s Tokyo speech was a reminder of how deeply she blends activism with artistry. Even on the other side of the world, she used her voice to spotlight fear, injustice, and the need for compassion — turning a stadium concert into a moment of global solidarity.
For Gaga, the message was clear: music may cross borders, but empathy should too.
