Lady Gaga joined Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday night (October 1st) to promote her upcoming role as Harley Quinn in Joker: Folie à Deux and her new companion album, Harlequin. During her appearance, Gaga channeled her character while performing “Happy Mistake” and sat down for an interview with the late night host.
Gaga stepped on the stage in a flowy white dress and matching heels to belt out the ballad. Initially standing on a slightly elevated platform, the artist came down to join the backing band and put her entire soul into the song, even falling to her knees. It was another case of Gaga’s live performance topping the studio recording, showing why she has one of the most powerful voices in pop music today.
During her sitdown with Kimmel, Gaga wore a different Harley Quinn-inspired costume — which she designed herself — and discussed her recent engagement to entrepreneur Michael Polansky, who she confirmed is “Minnesota nice.” The singer/actor recalled being shown around his hometown and told the story of being proposed to on a rock climbing trip.
Then, they spoke about Joker: Folie à Deux, which Gaga said isn’t the typical musical, but rather “kind of unhinged and chaotic.” She opened up about channeling a character who was not a natural singer and discovering her “inner storm,” as well as acting opposite Joaquin Phoenix.
“He encouraged me to be as raw and spontaneous as possible,” Gaga said, admitting that the experience was initially intimidating. “I did the same for him. I just said, ‘It can’t be wrong if it comes from Arthur.’”
Prior to releasing Harlequin, Gaga linked up with Bruno Mars for the standalone single “Die With a Smile” this summer. She has also revealed plans to drop a new album of original material in February 2025.
Joker: Folie à Deux prances into theaters on October 4th.