"Abracadabra" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Lady Gaga for her studio album, Mayhem (2025). It was written and produced by Gaga, Andrew Watt, and Cirkut, with additional songwriting credits to members of Siouxsie and the Banshees, as it incorporates elements from their 1981 single "Spellbound". Musically, it is a dance-pop, synth-pop, and electropop track whose lyrics, according to Gaga, reflect on facing life's challenges and finding a sense of magic in them. The song was released through Interscope Records on February 3, 2025, as the album's second single.
The track received critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its production, rhythm, songwriting and chorus, which were described as "catchy", "brilliant", and "energetic", and it was cited among the best songs of 2025 by several music critics and publications. Commercially, it topped in Lithuania and reached the top ten in several countries, including Austria, Brazil, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and on the Billboard Global 200. It also placed within the top twenty in markets such as Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, and the United States. It also earned multiple commercial certifications, including multi-platinum awards in Brazil and Canada, platinum certifications in Australia, France and the United Kingdom, and gold certifications in European markets such as Germany, Italy and Spain.
An accompanying music video, co-directed by Gaga, Parris Goebel, and Bethany Vargas, depicts a dance battle between two contrasting personas of the singer and premiered on February 3, following a teaser aired during a commercial break at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. Critics praised its theatrical style and cinematography, drawing favorable comparisons to her earlier work. Gaga performed "Abracadabra" on Saturday Night Live, The Howard Stern Show and the MTV Video Music Awards 2025. She also sang it as part of the opening act for several concerts promoting Mayhem, including during the Mayhem Ball tour, and incorporated a remix of the track by French producer Gesaffelstein as a show interlude, which was released on digital platforms. "Abracadabra" has received four nominations for the upcoming 68th Annual Grammy Awards, including Record and Song of the Year.
Development and release
Gaga first spoke about her new music in March 2024, when she said she was "writing some of my best music in as long as I can remember",[2] and later explained that the Chromatica Ball tour in 2022 strongly shaped her creative process for the new material.[3] In late July of that year, she performed at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics and, while in the city, surprised fans by sharing snippets of two unreleased songs intended for her upcoming album.[4] According to Billboard, the previews featured thumping beats and bass-heavy keyboards.[4] Shortly after Gaga announced on January 27, 2025 that her next studio album would be titled Mayhem (2025),[5] it was revealed she would premiere a new single and video during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards on February 2.[a]
"Abracadabra" was released for digital download and streaming platforms on February 3, 2025, through Interscope Records.[11] It was subsequently serviced to Italian radio,[12] followed by contemporary hit radio in the United States on February 11, 2025.[13] A remix by Gesaffelstein was later released digitally on April 12, 2025.[14]
Writing and recording
During an episode of the Song Exploder podcast, Gaga explained that she and her collaborators were initially working on a slower song that was ultimately scrapped from Mayhem.[15] When producer Cirkut later played her an instrumental he had been developing, she was drawn to its intensity and decided to begin a new song, which became "Abracadabra".[16] The first line she wrote was "Like a poem said by a lady in red, you hear the last few words of your life", which she intended to evoke the preparation of a spell in a ritual.[16] This was followed by the creation of the chord progression, which Cirkut incorporated into the track to form the chorus. Song engineer Paul Lamalfa compiled a selection of words to shape the song's stuttering post-chorus, including "amor" and "morta", Latin for "love" and "death", respectively.[16]
In an interview with The Howard Stern Show, Gaga said the song came together quickly, with the track, verses, and chorus taking about 30 minutes to complete. She contrasted this with other songs from Mayhem, which sometimes took longer to finalize.[17] Producer Andrew Watt described the recording sessions as "spontaneous", explaining that she immediately responded to the instrumental by grabbing the microphone and beginning to freestyle.[18] He noted that once the initial idea emerged, she would move to the piano to shape the song's chord structure, after which the arrangement was further developed through layered synthesizers and iterative recording between the control room and live room.[18]
The song is a fast-tempo electropop,[20][21]synth-pop,[22] and dance-pop[6] track with electronic,[23]industrial,[24]house and acid techno influences.[25][26] Sheet music published by Musicnotes denotes the song in common time and in the key of F Dorian. Gaga's vocal range spans from the low-note of B♭3 to the high-note of F5.[27] The song is structured around multiple verses and builds toward a chorus, followed by a post-chorus where Gaga repeats the title in "broken syntax."[28] It blends electronic and house-influenced production with piano and bass layers, built around a rhythmic synth foundation.[23][29][30] Gaga's vocal delivery in the song has been described as "dramatic" and "full-throated", although she also employs a more "ethereal" tone during the song's bridge.[31][32][33]
Gaga described the instrumental as deliberately challenging due to its dense and chaotic structure, recalling that Watt initially questioned how to write over such a "busy" beat.[16] This complexity was precisely what drew her in, as she felt connected to its sharp, frenetic energy and approached the track through improvised vocal freestyling before formal lyrics were written.[16] She explained that much of the song's early structure emerged organically, with chord progressions developed on piano and guitar to resolve the tension of Cirkut's atonal basslines.[16] The production went through several iterations, which Gaga explained amounted to "like, three different versions of production", before ultimately settling into a house-influenced arrangement. She described the decision as "emotional" and "full circle", explaining that it felt right because everything for her "always went back to the dance floor".[16]
Lyrically, the term abracadabra is used throughout the song to represent magic. The words appear in the song's chorus – "Abracadabra, amor-ooh-na-na, abracadabra, morta-ooh-ga-ga" – and also include the Latin words "amor" and "morta" ("love" and "death").[29][34][35] In addition, the term "abracadabra" is incorporated into the song's post-chorus, albeit with "broken syntax".[28] In the song's refrain, a "lady in red" is mentioned, which Gaga described as representing every individual's "internal monologue" asking if they are good enough.[36] She further explained that the song explores resilience and perseverance, using the dance floor as a metaphor for confronting self-doubt and pushing oneself to grow rather than merely survive.[36] Writing for InStyle, Jonathan Borge wrote that the song "explores the duality of an artist battling the desire to constantly evolve sonically, aesthetically, and as a human, while facing extraordinary creative pressure".[37] Gina Wurtz of Screen Rant described the song's message as "deeper than it appears on the surface", interpreting its lyrics as an encouragement to ignore negative voices and stay focused on one's own path.[38]Elite Daily theorized that the use of the word "amor" could also serve as a hidden nod to "Bad Romance", as its reverse spelling ("roma") is a recurring word in that chorus.[39] Many journalists have compared the song's dark and theatrical style to Gaga's earlier songs, including those from The Fame Monster (2009) and Chromatica (2020).[20][24][40]
Critical reception
"Abracadabra" received universal acclaim upon its release,[41] with critics highlighting its production, energy, and catchy chorus.[b] Many compared it to Gaga's early works, noting its influence from late-2000s dance-pop, as well as its continuation of the dark electronic sounds explored in "Disease".[c] Larisha Paul of Rolling Stone noted that Gaga is "always drawing upon her knowledge of the history of music" and described the song as "a showcase of her return to dark pop that pays homage to the influences that shaped her career".[45] Kyle Denis of Billboard described the track as an "explosive new dance-pop single" and highlighted its "high intensity", while pointing out that it builds upon the dark electronic elements introduced in her previous release, "Disease",[6] while Stephen Daw felt that the song reworks familiar elements from Gaga's earlier albums and ultimately "casts a spell to create an absolute pop smash".[48] Lindsay Zoladz of The New York Times described it as a nostalgically charged return to form, comparing its infectious hook to "Bad Romance" (2009) and its bold electronic edge to Gaga's early work.[49]
Robin Murray of Clash described "Abracadabra" as "a thrilling piece of pop music that moves from light to shadow with expert control".[50]L'Officiel editor Alessandro Viapiana highlighted the song's piercing rhythm, pulsating synthesizers, and hypnotic vocal delivery.[51]The Independent's Adam White wrote that the song initially feels like an exaggerated version of a typical Gaga track, but described its intensity as a major return to form.[52] In their review, DIY described the song as an unrestrained dancefloor anthem that recalls Gaga's The Fame Monster era, highlighting its nonsensical yet catchy chorus.[40]Jenesaispop named it the song of the day on February 3, 2025, stating it "feels like stepping back into 2009, but with a production refined for today's era", while describing it as "a full-fledged dark electropop banger in classic Gaga style".[46] Gina Wurtz of Screen Rant similarly regarded it as her strongest single in years, viewing it as a return to her "authentic dark pop" sound.[53]Pitchfork's Walden Green remarked that Gaga had not released a single this strong since 2013's "G.U.Y.", noting its tight hook and the blend of influences from across her career.[32]Bustle referred to the track as "a dancefloor smash tailor-made for her fans", adding that "as the title suggests, Gaga casts a spell with her new single, commanding listeners to dance all night."[54]
A Vulture article in 2025 ranked it as Gaga's eighth best song, describing it as a distinctive and life-affirming entry in her discography.[55]HuffPost's Daniel Welsh called it an "infectious" track that recalls the energy of The Fame (2008) and Born This Way (2011).[24]The Statesman highlighted its "quintessential Gaga maximalism",[56] with Marie Claire dubbing it a "vampiric dance anthem".[57] Writing for GO, Abbie Thompson emphasized its "catchy chorus, vibrant house beats and piercing rhythm", predicting it would become a staple in queer nightlife.[58]
Year-end lists
"Abracadabra" was frequently cited as one of the best songs of 2025 and was included in several year-end lists by music critics and publications. Rolling Stone's Kory Grow ranked it at number one, highlighting its dynamic synth work, sweeping hook, and the way it channels her early pop sensibilities.[47] Wesley Stenzel of Entertainment Weekly also placed it at number one, praising its blend of gothic theatricality, powerful vocals, and club-oriented production.[59]Billboard's Joe Lynch placed the track at number two, describing it as a "sleazy, slinky club banger" that showcases her vocal maturity.[43] The song placed at number four on The Guardian's list, where Ben Beaumont-Thomas highlighted its dual house beats and "double the fun" flair,[25] and also ranked fourth on USA Today's year-end list, with Melissa Ruggieri noting its "pulsating beat" and chorus filled with "delicious nonsensical words".[60] Paolo Ragusa of Consequence ranked it at number eight, praising its cathartic intensity and describing it as one of her strongest dance-floor creations,[61] a position it shared on Stereogum, where Tom Breihan called it a "mega-goth burst of explosive energy".[62]NME's Ben Jolley placed the song at number twenty, commending its synth-driven sound, "delightfully nonsensical" hook, and club-ready appeal,[44] while Pitchfork ranked it at number twenty-nine, with Shaad D'Souza describing it as a "psychedelic and ferocious" acid-techno track.[26]Slant Magazine included the song at number forty-six,[63] and Associated Press also singled it out among the best songs of the year, praising its maximalist electro-pop production and calling it a "one-woman masterclass in dance-pop".[64]
On its release day, "Abracadabra" recorded 4.92 million streams on Spotify, marking Gaga's biggest debut on the platform with a solo song.[66] Internationally, the song debuted at number ten on the Billboard Global 200 with 47.7 million streams, becoming the second top-ten entry from Mayhem and of Gaga's career, after "Die with a Smile".[67] In its second week, the song rose to a new peak of number five on the Billboard Global 200 with 78.4 million streams.[68]
In the United States, "Abracadabra" debuted atop the BillboardHot Dance/Pop Songs chart and at number twenty-nine on the Billboard Hot 100 with a partial first tracking week, accumulating 13.7 million streams, 1.3 million radio audience impressions, and 10,000 downloads.[69] With this feat, Mayhem became Gaga's first album since Artpop (2013) to achieve three top-forty entries on the Billboard Hot 100 prior to an album's official release.[69][70] In its second week on the chart, the song climbed to a new peak of number thirteen.[71][72] In its sixth week of charting, following the release of Mayhem, the song rose ten spots to number 19.[73] In Canada, the song peaked at number twelve on the Canadian Hot 100.[74] It was later certified double platinum by Music Canada (MC).[75] In Brazil, "Abracadabra" debuted at number sixteen on the Brasil Hot 100 and later rose to a peak of number three following Gaga's show in the country.[76][77] It was subsequently certified triple platinum by Pro-Música Brasil.[78]
In the United Kingdom, it debuted at number six on the UK Singles Chart after only four days of tracking, marking Gaga's 17th top-ten song in the country and third from Mayhem, after "Die with a Smile" and "Disease".[79] In its second week, the song rose to a new peak of number three on the UK Singles Chart, becoming her first solo top-five entry since "Stupid Love" (2020) and highest-charting solo entry since "Born This Way" (2011).[80][81] The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) awarded it platinum certification.[82] Elsewhere in Europe, "Abracadabra" achieved top-five placements in markets such as Germany,[83] Austria,[84] Switzerland,[85] and Hungary,[86] while also reaching the top ten in several countries, including Ireland,[87] the Netherlands,[88] Norway,[89] Sweden,[90] Portugal,[91] Croatia,[92] the Czech Republic,[93] Slovakia,[94] Luxembourg,[95] and Poland.[96] In the Baltic region, the song topped the charts in Lithuania and Latvia.[97][98] Across the continent, it received multiple certifications, earning platinum awards in countries such as Austria,[99] Belgium,[99] France,[100] Poland,[101] and Portugal,[102] alongside gold certifications in major markets including Germany,[103] Italy,[104] Spain,[104] and Switzerland.[105]
The music video for "Abracadabra" was directed by Gaga alongside Parris Goebel and Bethany Vargas; Goebel also served as choreographer.[113][37] The video premiered during a commercial break in conjunction with Mastercard at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards and was later released on the singer's platforms.[10] Gaga explained that the concept for the video originated after filming "Disease", when she and Goebel discussed continuing the album's narrative, exploring "these conflicting sides of ourselves that really don't make sense but just keep having this discussion".[36] She later said that they worked closely on how to translate those conflicts into choreography, noting that "there are only two options: you can dance or it's over", and recalled experimenting with wigs, makeup, and costumes in rehearsals to achieve the most impactful result.[114][115] Goebel told InStyle that after hearing "Abracadabra" she envisioned ideas for the video, saying they wanted people "to dance again and find freedom on the dance floor". She described the project as theatrical yet deeply personal, centered on creating a "club Gaga" as a world of its own.[37]
The creative process, set preparations, and rehearsals lasted approximately three weeks, while the actual shoot took place over two days at a studio in Santa Monica in early December 2024.[37][116] Gaga highlighted that sustainability was a key factor in the video's production, ensuring that only necessary materials were used and minimizing new manufacturing. Several white costumes were repurposed from old wedding dresses, deadstock fabric, and discarded textiles from her previous projects.[36] On February 18, Mastercard released a behind-the-scenes feature showing rehearsals and production details. In it, Gaga discussed the two personas she portrays in the video, "Mistress of Mayhem" and "Virgin Gaga", framing the narrative as "an inner struggle with a demon... the parts of you that challenge you make you stronger."[117] On March 29, Mastercard released an alternate cut titled "Abracadabra (Fan Version)", featuring 32 contest winners performing the original choreography under the direction of Goebel.[118]
Synopsis
Gaga during the "dance battle" sequence of the music video, where the scenes rapidly alternate between her white and red personas
The music video opens with Gaga standing on the upper level of a grand venue, dressed in a spiked red latex outfit.[119] She declares, "The category is dance or die", triggering an intense choreography sequence featuring a crowd of forty dancers dressed in white.[45] Throughout the video, two versions of Gaga alternate: the white-clad Gaga exudes frenetic energy, while her red-clad counterpart remains more composed, symbolizing a dance battle between light and darkness.[120] Near the end of the video, the music briefly cuts out as Gaga lets out a scream while surrounded by the dancers.[121] Speaking about the moment, she explained that it represents a point where she feels as though she can no longer keep dancing, and that the "dance or die" premise reflects a moment of fear and uncertainty about whether she has the strength to continue.[121]
Speaking to Elle, Gaga explained the video's concept revolves around "being ready to face challenges", with the lady in red daring the audience to "dance for their lives". She also described the visual as a complement to the song, stating, "When you hear 'Abracadabra' for the first time, you might think, 'What is this about? It's fun to listen to, but what does it mean?' For me, watching the video makes it clear—it's about moving forward."[36] Along with Goebel, Gaga announced a choreography contest, with a chance to be featured in an official fan video.[122]
Reception
Parris Goebel, choreographer and co-director of the video
The music video received positive reviews upon release, with critics and fans highlighting its dark and theatrical style and noting visual references to "Bad Romance" (2009),[6][123][124] while co-director Parris Goebel said such comparisons were not intentional but reflected Gaga's "personality and DNA in her work."[37] Upon release, the music video reached number one on YouTube's trending chart.[24]
Rolling Stone writer Paul highlighted the video's frenetic choreography, describing it as "an eruption of chaos and movement", while also noting that "its aesthetics reinforce the concept of Mayhem and, along with the song, recall The Fame Monster era with its dark and theatrical visual style."[45] Denis of Billboard stated that the clip evokes "Bad Romance" with "its meticulous display of the intersection of various art forms" along with "jaw-dropping high fashion" aesthetics.[6] Green of Pitchfork remarked like the music video for "Disease" it is "a high-concept production with impeccable styling. Gaga remains a step above the average pop star; her true competition is the ghosts of her own past."[32] Abbie Thompson of GO stated that "combined with intense strobe lighting and Parris Goebel's incredibly indulgent choreography, this video will surely make fans say one thing: we're back."[58] Eva Blanco Medina of Vogue España praised its striking opening, noting that the video begins with a clear message: "Dance or die", setting the stage for a "high-voltage choreographic showcase."[125] A Vulture article argued that "in pop music, the person in the spotlight is both subject and object", which is evident in the video, "where Gaga plays both the mythical lady in red casting judgment and the white witch being tormented by the manic choreography."[55]
HuffPost UK's Daniel Welsh declared it to be "one of the best music videos of her career".[24] Daniel D’Addario of Variety described the video as "a return to Gaga's most extravagant and maximalist aesthetic," praising its "grand and elaborate visual production" as well as the contrast between the two versions of the singer, dressed in white and red, which reinforce the theatricality of the concept.[126] Erin Crabtree and Eliza Thompson of Us Weekly wrote that it "features numerous dance sequences and the kind of extravagant outfits the singer favored in the early years of her career."[127] Cristina Zavala of Los 40 called it "a well-resolved play of contrasts that turns this music video into a cinematic jewel full of Gaga's trademark intensity."[128] Gina Wurtz of Screen Rant noted that while the video is "fairly simple," it impressed her because "the choreography and fashion made it so interesting," adding that "Abracadabra" marks Gaga's return to the type of choreography that defined some of her most memorable videos.[129] Wesley Stenzel of Entertainment Weekly praised the video's "jittery choreography" and "nightmarish atmosphere", calling it one of the most exhilarating music videos of 2025.[59] The music video for "Abracadabra" won two awards at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, for Best Direction and Best Art Direction.[130]
Live performances
On March 8, 2025, Gaga performed "Abracadabra" on Saturday Night Live. She appeared on stage in a sparkly red ensemble, standing inside a neon-lit, mirrored structure, accompanied by dancers dressed in black with long red wigs.[131][132] Chris Willman of Variety described the performance as an extension of the song's "crimson-themed music video", with Gaga and her dancersue executing synchronized, "herky-jerky" movements that maximized the limited space of Studio 8H.[133] William Vaillancourt of Rolling Stone praised the singer's "overflowing intensity,"[134] while HuffPost's Daniel Welsh described the performance as "a must-watch for even the most casual of Lady Gaga fans."[135] Matt Mitchell of Paste described it as "fantastic",[136] while Karen Valby of Vanity Fair highlighted its camp sensibility and noted influences from the film Conclave (2024).[137] On March 11, 2025, Gaga performed an acoustic version of "Abracadabra" live on The Howard Stern Show.[138]
In April–May 2025, "Abracadabra" was performed as the second song of Gaga's promotional concerts for Mayhem, which included a headlining set at Coachella.[139]Rolling Stone's Tomás Mier opined Gaga "channeled a Victorian-eraopera singer in a dark parallel universe" for the song.[140] The concert also debuted a remix version of "Abracadabra" by French producer Gesaffelstein in an interlude.[141][142] The song was later added to the Mayhem Ball tour (2025–2026), where Gaga reprised the same performance scene.[143] On September 7, 2025, Gaga performed "Abracadabra" as part of a pre-recorded segment for the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, filmed during one of the tour's concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York City, along with "The Dead Dance".[144] The performance was highlighted by various outlets as one of the night's most memorable moments.[d]
On May 13, 2025, Gaga performed "Abracadabra" during a five-song set at the YouTube Brandcast event, held at the Geffen Hall in New York City. The performance featured cinematic staging and opened the showcase.[153] On May 31, 2025, Gaga took part in Netflix's Tudum event with a special performance inspired by Wednesday, where she emerged from a coffin bearing the inscription "here lies the monster queen" to perform "Abracadabra" and "Zombieboy", accompanied by dancers with a gothic aesthetic reminiscent of the Addams Family.[154] On October 3, Gaga performed "Abracadabra" on the piano at Santa Monica, California's radio station KCRW.[155]
"Abracadabra" received multiple award nominations recognizing both the song and its accompanying music video. The track earned four nominations at the upcoming 68th Annual Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year,[159] and won Record of the Year at the 2025 Las Culturistas Culture Awards.[160] Additional honors and nominations were largely tied to its visual presentation, with recognition from industry organizations such as the Webby Awards,[161]Cannes Lions,[162] and the Berlin Music Video Awards.[163]
12Holian, Danielle (February 4, 2025). "Lady Gaga Makes a Spellbinding Return to Dark Pop With "Abracadabra"". Atwood Magazine. Archived from the original on December 19, 2025. Retrieved February 4, 2025. "Abracadabra" pulls listeners into a pulsating realm of electronic house influences and thumping bass lines. The track's hypnotic synths and infectious rhythm recall the best of Gaga's earlier works.
12D'Souza, Shaad (December 1, 2025). "The 100 Best Songs of 2025". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on December 1, 2025. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
↑Stefani, Germanotta (February 7, 2025). "Abracadabra". Musicnotes.com. Archived from the original on December 20, 2025. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
↑Hereweard, Amity (March 19, 2025). "Lady Gaga, Abracadabra Review". Chalked Up Reviews. Archived from the original on December 20, 2025. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
↑Kelia (March 9, 2025). "Lady Gaga Releases Mayhem—A Defiant, Eclectic Return to Pop". Out Now Magazine. Archived from the original on December 20, 2025. Retrieved March 11, 2025. The album features previously released singles "Disease" and "Abracadabra," both of which have been met with widespread acclaim.
12Breihan, Tom (December 3, 2025). "The 50 Best Songs Of 2025". Stereogum. Archived from the original on December 4, 2025. Retrieved December 4, 2025.
↑Erickson, Steve (December 10, 2025). "The 50 Best Songs of 2025". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on December 10, 2025. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
12"ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 7. týden 2025 in the date selector. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
12"ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 19. týden 2025 in the date selector. Retrieved May 13, 2025.
↑"ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 21. týden 2025 in the date selector. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
↑"Top Singles (Week 7, 2025)" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Archived from the original on February 20, 2025. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
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