Technical Slip, Star Skill: Lady Gaga’s Microphone Glitch at Coachella

Pop icon Lady Gaga faced a momentary microphone malfunction during her headlining Coachella set on April 18, 2025, but what could’ve been a glitch turned into a showcase of professionalism and showmanship.

Midway through her performance of “Abracadabra,” Gaga’s wireless headset microphone began cutting in and out. As the opening lyrics drifted into silence, fans initially worried — only to see her adapt instantly.

She pivoted to a handheld mic without missing a beat, continuing the choreography and maintaining vocal flow. Moments later, she was back in full swing with a new headset.

Switching mics on stage can disrupt even seasoned performers, yet Gaga managed it with ease:

• Seamless transition: Mid-song, she grabbed the backup mic, balancing it with her cane and choreography in hand.
• No pause, no blemish: Her hand-eye coordination was on display as backups were swapped under spotlights.

Social media exploded with praise, calling it “a masterclass in live performance.”

Later in the set, while playing the piano, Gaga addressed the incident directly. She quipped,

“I’m sorry my mic was broken for a second — at least you know I sing live. I guess all we can do is our best, and I’m certainly giving you my best tonight.”

That line became the evening’s defining moment, emphasizing her genuine, live performance amidst a festival known for lip-synced hits.

This was Gaga’s second Coachella weekend headlining gig—her first since stepping in for Beyoncé in 2017. Despite the early hiccup, she delivered a two-hour set that blended fan favorites (“Judas,” “Poker Face”) with new tracks from her album Mayhem.