Bruno Mars made a triumphant return to Los Angeles on Thursday night, six years after his last performance in the city in 2016. The pop-soul sensation, who has not released a new album since, showcased his talents at the newly-opened Intuit Dome, marking the first of two sold-out shows at the 17,700-seat venue. Since leaving California, Mars has entertained audiences in Las Vegas, both solo and with his Grammy-winning partnership with Anderson .Paak, known as Soul Sonic.
The concert attracted numerous celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Angela Bassett, and Kelsea Ballerini. The highlight of the evening was an unexpected duet with Lady Gaga on their new single “Die With a Smile,” which had just debuted shortly before Mars began his performance.
As the show unfolded, Lady Gaga joined Mars on stage, dressed in a country-inspired outfit reminiscent of the song’s music video. The two artists captivated the audience with their powerful vocals as they performed the duet against a backdrop energized by the audience’s enthusiasm.
Earlier in the evening, a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the venue, with L.A. Clippers chairman Steve Ballmer discussing the arena’s technological features, including a cashless system and an app necessary for entry and purchases. However, a technical glitch with the app caused delays as concert-goers struggled to enter the arena, contributing to a brief traffic jam.
Despite the initial hiccup, Mars took the stage before 10 p.m. and jokingly referenced the app situation. His performance showcased a mix of his greatest hits, including “Finesse,” “That’s What I Like,” “Treasure,” and “Uptown Funk,” all supported by an impressive group of musicians and dancers.
The energy in the arena remained high throughout the three-hour show, with fans eagerly participating in sing-alongs and applauding Mars’s quick costume changes. At one point, he paused the show to direct security to assist an attendee who needed medical attention.
As the concert concluded shortly after midnight, Mars expressed gratitude to the audience, saying, “We’re making California history. Thank you for being here with me.” He is set to perform a second show at the Intuit Dome on Friday night, with the venue also scheduled to host other major artists in the coming weeks.