Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars teamed up to offer an emotional tribute to those affected by the devastating L.A. wildfires with a duet of the Mamas and the Papas classic “California Dreamin'” at Sunday night’s Grammy Awards.
Although the two pop superstars had played up the nostalgia and camp when they previously paired up for one of 2024’s biggest hits, “DIe With a Smile,” they brought a more solemn expression to their dual appearance at the Grammys, launching into the 1960s smash following a montage that documented the brutal devastation wrought by the early January fires.
“All the leaves are brown … and the sky is gray” is likely to take on new meaning for Southern Californians as they remember Gaga and Mars’ reinterpretation of John Philips’ wintery anthem in the months and years to come.
It was one of two spotlight moments Gaga got during the telecast, albeit her only live performance; she subsequently had another big moment with a premiere of her new single and music video, “Abracadabra,” during a lengthy commercial break.
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“Die With a Smile” had the two performers jointly up for two Grammys this year, for song of the year and best pop duo/group recording.
