What happened in New Orleans? Lady Gaga pays emotional tribute to terror attack victims at the Super Bowl

Ahead of the Super Bowl 2025, which took place on Sunday, Lady Gaga paid a heartfelt tribute to the first responders of the New Orleans terrorist attack. The game was held in New Orleans for the 11th time under heavy security. Ahead of the battle between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, Gaga surprised everyone with a pre-recorded segment.

On January 1, 2025, in the early hours of New Year's Day, a man drove a pickup truck into a crowd on the popular Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. The truck ended up killing 14 people and reportedly injuring 57 others. According to Fox News, the truck-ramming attack was inspired by the Islamic State Group.

Besides the New Orleans attack, Lady Gaga also honored the first responders and victims of LA wildfires, the deadly plane crashes in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, and those who were affected by Hurricane Helene.

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Lady Gaga pays heartwarming tribute to victims of the New Orleans attack

Ahead of the game, officials of the New Orleans Police Department, New Orleans Fire Department, New Orleans EMS, Louisiana Department of Public Safety, and Corrections, and the Louisiana State Police stood across the field for the coin toss. Each held a photo of the 14 victims of the terrorist attack.

Michael Strahan and Tom Brady introduced Gaga and mentioned that her performance was a tribute. Strahan said:

"This year began with a terror attack that tried to shatter its spirit."

Brady further added:

"But the resilience of New Orleans is matched by the resolve of our country. When tragedy strikes, we don't break. We come together. We rise above and never let evil win."

"As we get ready for sports' biggest day, we gather together with heavy hearts for our family and friends from North Carolina to Los Angeles, from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia, whose last few months have left us relying on each other in ways we'd never imagined," Strahan further added.

Concluding their introduction, Tom Brady mentioned that in the moments:

"When heads are down and hope feels lost, something powerful always rises – the American spirit of courage, generosity, and unity."

The camera then panned toward Lady Gaga sitting behind a piano in the middle of Bourbon Street. Clad in white, she sang Hold My Hand while being surrounded by first responders.

Her performance was not announced previously. Therefore, it was a surprise for viewers who are now appreciating the singer's efforts.