For nine years, Lady Gaga has spent the bulk of her career making outrageous fashion choices and standing up for what she believes in through artistic messages. Known for her outspoken nature, she is an active supporter of the LGBT+ community and  justice for sexual assault victims. Being awarded the Super Bowl halftime show was a positive start to the new year and marks a new step in Gaga’s career.

In the days leading up to the big game, many believed Gaga would use this platform to make a profound political statement, thus inevitably creating controversy. In the past, Gaga has been very open about her views on social media, in protests, speeches and in performances.

“The only statements that I’ll be making during the halftime show are the statements that I’ve been consistently making throughout my career. I believe in compassion for inclusion, I believe in the spirit of equality and the spirit of this country as one of love and compassion and kindness so my performance will uphold those philosophies,” said Gaga in an interview with NFL.com.

She promised to would make a statement of inclusion, and she did exactly that. The performance began with the first lines of “This Land Is Your Land” and “God Bless America” and wrapped up with reciting the conclusion of the “Pledge Of Allegiance”. The choice of that alone shows how open-minded she is; including various viewpoints makes the show more enjoyable for all while avoiding the spark of a huge controversy.She then proceeded to “jump” off the roof of the NRG Stadium into a medley of her greatest hits.

Gaga had no trouble keeping the audience involved at the stadium, or even from their couches at home, thus avoiding the major problem Coldplay had the year before. With hits from previous albums, including “Just Dance” and “Poker Face”, the concert was definitely nostalgic, giving some Gaga newbies and veteran fans alike something to enjoy.

“Born This Way”, her hit dance floor anthem about acceptance of all people, was also included on the playlist for the evening. “You’re black, white, beige, chola descent/You’re Lebanese, you’re orient,” she sang, later adding, “No matter gay, straight, or bi/Lesbian, transgendered life/I’m on the right track baby/I was born to survive.” It is a declaration of love for one another on one of the biggest stages in the world.

She then proceeded to sing more classics, including“Telephone” and “Bad Romance”,  striving to keep the crowd entertained above all. The classics transitioned into her newest ballad, “Million Reasons”, to give tribute to her family on her biggest performance of her career. “The Super Bowl is what champions are made of,” she said as “Bad Romance” revved up.

Lady Gaga proudly presented herself in a classy manner with this performance, giving a little something for everyone who tuned in. She truly gave it her all, with great costumes and outpouring energy from herself and her dancers. Lady Gaga’s halftime performance proved that her place in pop is not over yet, and it is exciting to see what will come next from the icon.