Bruno Mars made a highly-anticipated return to Los Angeles on Thursday night, performing at the newly-opened Intuit Dome for the first of two sold-out shows. This marks his first performance in the city since 2016, when he was promoting his album “24K Magic.” Despite not having a new album, the pop-soul icon has been keeping busy with extensive sets in Las Vegas, both as a solo artist and as part of his Grammy-winning collaboration with Anderson .Paak, named Silk Sonic.
The concert attracted numerous celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Ashton Kutcher, and Lady Gaga, who made a surprise appearance to perform their new duet “Die With a Smile.” This collaboration premiered just before Mars took the stage at 9:40 PM. The excitement in the arena was palpable, and Gaga was introduced by Mars as “the icon” and “pop royalty,” sporting a country-inspired outfit reminiscent of their song’s music video.
As the performance began, the atmosphere intensified with a spotlight illuminating Mars as he played the intro to “Die With a Smile.” Gaga joined him passionately, and the pair’s voices blended beautifully in the chorus. Although rumors of her appearance circulated before the concert, the actual event exceeded expectations.
Before the concert, there was a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a press conference at the arena. However, an app malfunction caused a slight delay, resulting in a traffic jam at the entrance. Despite this, attendees eventually filled the venue as Mars commenced his set shortly after 10 PM, humorously referencing the app’s necessity for entry.
The show showcased an array of Mars’ greatest hits, including “Finesse,” “Just the Way You Are,” and “Uptown Funk,” all supported by his talented instrumentalists and dancers. The concert flowed seamlessly, with only a brief pause when Mars directed security to assist a fan in need.
The audience remained energized throughout the night, singing along to favorites and enjoying Mars’ enthusiastic stage presence. Expressing his gratitude, Mars told the crowd, “We’re making California history. Thank you for being here with me.” He is set to perform again on Friday night at the Intuit Dome, which will soon host other major artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Usher.