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Gagapedia

"Abracadabra" is a song by Lady Gaga. It was released on February 2, 2025, through Interscope Records, serving as the second single from her seventh studio album, MAYHEM.

The track was written and produced by Gaga with Andrew Watt and Cirkut. A part of the song uses the melody of "Spellbound" by Siouxsie and the Banshees and written by Siouxsie Sioux (Susan Ballion), Budgie (Peter Edward Clarke), John McGeoch and Steven Severin (Steven John Bailey).

Background and Development

Lady Gaga first teased the first 15 seconds of the song during the 2024 Olympics in Paris, on July 28th, 2024, alongside "Perfect Celebrity".

A part of "Abracadabra" uses the melody of "Spellbound" by English rock band Siouxsie and the Banshees. It was released in 1981 as the first single from the band's fourth studio album, Juju. It was written and produced by the band with additional production by Nigel Gray.

Release and Promotion

The song was premiered during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards on February 2, 2025, unveiling the music video during a commercial break presented by Mastercard, as part of a new partnership between Gaga and the credit card brand. Minutes after the commercial aired, Gaga shared on her socials that the track and music video are available to stream now.

Mastercard Partnership

Mastercard partnership banner

Photography by Robin Harper.

In February 2025, Gaga and Mastercard announced a collaborative partnership centered around Gaga's single "Abracadabra" from her upcoming album MAYHEM. This alliance aimed to engage fans through exclusive experiences and interactive campaigns, blending music, dance, and brand integration.

Music Video Premiere

"Abracadabra"_MV_Presented_by_Mastercard

"Abracadabra" MV Presented by Mastercard

The partnership commenced with the premiere of the "Abracadabra" music video during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards on February 2, 2025. Co-directed by Gaga, Parris Goebel, and Bethany Vargas, the video features intricate choreography and a dynamic visual narrative. The collaboration with Mastercard was prominently highlighted, with the company's logo appearing at the video's conclusion.

Behind the Scenes Content

As part of the campaign, Mastercard provided exclusive behind-the-scenes content showcasing the making of the "Abracadabra" music video. This included insights into creative decisions regarding choreography, wardrobe, and set design, offering fans an intimate look into the production process.

Fan Engagement Campaign

To further involve fans, Mastercard and Gaga launched a contest encouraging enthusiasts to recreate the "Abracadabra" dance routine. Participants were invited to share their performances on platforms like TikTok and Instagram using the hashtag #MastercardGagaContest or #MastercardGagaSweepstakes. 32 winners received the opportunity to appear in a special fan edition of the "Abracadabra" music video and attend an exclusive Club Mayhem dance party hosted by Lady Gaga herself. Mastercard released the fan video on March 29, 2025.

Abracadabra (Fan Edit)

  • Dancers - Ramsey Zayne Marquez, Victoria Rose Taylor, Miranda Hannon, Alyssa Rinehart, Tyrese Parker, Justin Corbo, Austin Lee, Stephanie Krystal Nicola, Gustavo German Nicola, Hope Nestlehutt, Caleb Veitch, Albert Palacios Jr, Sarah Licon, Anthony Chacon, Brandon Jae-Min Large, Brandon Burks, Autumn Tiller, Nia Tiller, Kaylee Baes, Chelsie Hill, Joci Scott, Jasmyne Joann Jackson, Jenyce Dennette Jackson, Anthony Velazquez, David Harris, Shea Evans, Oksana Renee Lyon, James Garrett Luke Burke, Deanna Pandolfo, Michael Daly Jr, Aysia Tenn-Yuk, Celina Nevaeh Hall
Screenshots
Custom dress and corset bodice by Vex Clothing x Fancy Monkeys, and hat by Sarah Sokol.
Behind The Scenes

Digital Release

Label: Interscope, Streamline
Format: Digital download, streaming
Released: February 2, 2025
Photography: Frank Lebon
Design: mtla studio
# Name Time
1. "Abracadabra"   3:43

Gesaffelstein Remix

Label: Interscope, Streamline
Format: Digital download, streaming
Released: April 12, 2025
Design: mtla studio
# Name Time
1. "Abracadabra" (Gesaffelstein Remix) 3:31

Release history

Country Date Format Label Catalog # Barcode
February 2, 2025 Digital download • streaming Interscope N/A
Italy Radio airplay Universal
February 7, 2025 Contemporary hit radio Interscope
April 12, 2025 Gesaffelstein remix (Digital download • streaming)

Performances

Lyrics

[Intro]
Abracadabra, abracadabra
Abracadabra, abracadabra

[Verse 1]
Pay the toll to the angels
Drawin' circles in the clouds
Keep your mind on the distance
When the devil turns around

[Refrain]
Hold me in your heart tonight
In the magic of the dark moonlight
Save me from this empty fight
In the game of life

[Pre-Chorus]
Like a poem said by a lady in red
You hear the last few words of your life
With a haunting dance, now you're both in a trance
It's time to cast your spell on the night

[Chorus]
"Abracadabra, amor-ooh-na-na
Abracadabra, morta-ooh-ga-ga
Abracadabra, abra-ooh-na-na"
In her tongue she said, "Death or love tonight"

[Post-Chorus]
Abracadabra, abracadabra
Abracadabra, abracadabra
Feel the beat under your feet, the floor's on firе
Abracadabra, abracadabra

[Verse 2]
Choose the road on the wеst side
As the dust flies, watch it burn
Don't waste time on a feelin'
Use your passion, no return

[Refrain]
Hold me in your heart tonight
In the magic of the dark moonlight
Save me from this empty fight
In the game of life

[Pre-Chorus]
Like a poem said by a lady in red
You hear the last few words of your life
With a haunting dance, now you're both in a trance
It's time to cast your spell on the night

[Chorus]
"Abracadabra, amor-ooh-na-na
Abracadabra, morta-ooh-ga-ga
Abracadabra, abra-ooh-na-na"
In her tongue she said', "Death or love tonight"

[Post-Chorus]
Abracadabra, abracadabra
Abracadabra, abracadabra
Feel the beat under your feet, the floor's on fire
Abracadabra, abracadabra

[Bridge]
Phantom of the dance floor, come to me
Sing for me a sinful melody
Ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah

[Chorus]
"Abracadabra, amor-ooh-na-na
Abracadabra, morta-ooh-ga-ga
Abracadabra, abra-ooh-na-na"
In her tongue she said, "Death or love tonight"

Music video

Abracadabra
Premiere date February 2, 2025
Director(s) Lady Gaga, Parris Goebel & Bethany Vargas
Fashion director Hardstyle
Choreographer Parris Goebel
Director of photography Xiaolong Liu
Credits
  • Directors - Lady Gaga, Parris Goebel & Bethany Vargas
  • Director of photography - Xiaolong Liu
  • Production Company - Love Song Films
  • Managing Partner - Kelly Bayett
  • Executive Producer - Deannie O'Neil
  • Head of Production - Paige Kauffman
  • Producer - Róisín Audrey Moloney
  • Creative Director - Todd Tourso and Mel Roy for mtla studio
  • Production Supervisor - @jk446
  • Production Coordinator - Chris Fish
  • Talent Coordinator - Christopher San Andres
  • 1st AD - Paul Norman
  • Steadicam Op - Ari Robbins SOC
  • Production Designer - Miss Wesley Goodrich
  • Art Director - Mary Florence Brown
  • Art Coordinator - Megan Mantia
  • Set Decorator - Mercedes Hachuel
  • Prop Master - Bryian Keith Montgomery Jr.
  • SPFX - Delzio Design
  • Stunt Coordinator - Pat Romano
  • Choreography - Parris Goebel
  • Choreo Assist - Gab Robert
  • Dancers - China Taylor, Lexee Smith, Summer Waikiki, Yuli Maldonado, Patience (@patienceaquart), @eyedaliz, Starley Anne, Bailey Dean, Taylor Amaré Marić, Jennique DeRousseau, Briana Morrison, Kaili Bright, Ami Takashima, Sienna LaLau, Alaïa (@ya_alaia), Zara Dimmock, Ashley Kole, Jasmine Pōmaikai, Teesha Taulepa, @daisynic0lee, Honey Gonzales (Balenciaga), Jaxon Willard, Brian Friedman, Miguel Zarate, Tucker Barkley, Dez Soliven, Jordan Harris, Michael Dameski, Devin Neal, Dre'moni Watts, Robbie Blue, Lucas Debiasi, Trevon Anderson, Mekhi Cuffee, James Dhaïti, Elvis Lopeti, Byron Tittle, Isaiah Reid, José Gabriel, Jose Tena & Gab Robert.
  • Wardrobe Stylists - Nick Royal and Peri Rosenzweig as Hardstyle
  • Dancers Stylists - Genesis Webb and Hunter Clem
  • Key Hair - Frederic Aspiras for Haus of Gaga
  • Key Make Up - Sarah Tanno-Stewart for Haus of Gaga
  • Management - Bobby Campbell for Haus of Gaga
  • Photographer - Robin Harper
  • Edit - Sofia Kerpan for Modern Post
  • Sound - Matt Keith for Barking Owl Sound
  • VFX - @neokerz and Igor Eyth for Yeap Crew
  • Colorist - Dante Pasquinelli
  • Color Production - Nat Tereshchenko
  • Color Assists - Annie Cater & Alexandra Makarenko

The accompanying music video was released on February 2, 2025, following it's teaser during a commercial break at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. The Video was directed by Gaga alongside Parris Goebel and Bethany Vargas. In the black, white and red-themed video, Gaga was surrounded by 40 backup dancers who broke out in energetic dance numbers. The dance numbers represented a battle between Gaga's light and dark side, per a release.

Promotional Images

Portraits with dancers

Synopsis and fashion credits

The video portrays a dynamic dance battle between two facets of Gaga: the "Mistress of Mayhem," adorned in a spiked red latex ensemble, and "Virgin Gaga," dressed in white. This visual metaphor explores themes of inner conflict and resilience, emphasizing the choice to "dance or die." The choreography, crafted by Goebel, features over 40 dancers and highlights Gaga's commitment to sustainability, with costumes repurposed from vintage wedding dresses and previous projects.

  1. Custom cape and bodysuit by Reneé Masoomian, custom hat by Maximilian Gedra, custom hood by Stephen Jones, and gloves by Balenciaga.
  2. Custom cape by Samuel Lewis x Suman Gurung x ILONA x GALEDI.
  3. Custom catsuit by Olivier Theyskens x Seth Pratt x GALEDI.
  4. Custom bodysuit and skirt by Samuel Lewis x Seth Pratt, custom boots by Chrome Hearts, custom hat and hood by Stephen Jones, and custom gloves by Wing & Weft.
  5. Custom dress by Samuel Lewis x Iggy Soliven x Oberon Alexander x Ariel Brickman and custom necklace by DOSIS G6C.

Stills

Behind the Scenes

  1. Bodysuit by Atsuko Kudo and leggings by Aniye Records.

Inside Abracadabra

Inside_Abracadabra_MV

Inside Abracadabra MV

In collaboration with Mastercard, campaign provided exclusive behind-the-scenes content showcasing the making of the "Abracadabra" music video. On February 20, 2025, Mastercard released Inside Abracadabra documentary, footage reveals how Gaga and her dancers rehearsed for weeks, perfecting every move to create a seamless, hypnotic performance. The feature includes interviews with key figures involved in the project, such as choreographer Parris Goebel, dancers and Gaga herself.

  1. Cuff by Mia Gosset.

Rehearsal Video

Abracadabra_(Rehearsal_Video)

Abracadabra (Rehearsal Video)

On February 20, 2025, Lady Gaga has unveiled an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the rigorous rehearsals for music video. The rehearsal video showcases Gaga and over 40 dancers meticulously perfecting the choreography crafted by renowned choreographer Parris Goebel. In the rehearsal footage, Gaga is seen donning a black latex bodysuit paired with a white cape, seamlessly navigating through complex dance sequences alongside her ensemble. The video also features appearances by ballroom icon Honey Balenciaga, adding a dynamic flair to the performance. Gaga emphasized the importance of this preparatory phase, stating on Instagram:

This is the video before the video! Watch the whole thing on YouTube and see cutdowns on TikTok and Insta. I really wanted to share @parrisgoebel and my process with you because to me this is how the magic is made. We set up each shot frame by frame. Using the choreography, performance, and the way it was shot to tell the story. And most of this video was shot by Parris herself! We even rehearsed different wigs, makeup and wardrobe to see how everything would move and what we needed to do to make the piece as impactful and clear as possible. Working with Parris, our combined teams, and these amazing dancers was a beautiful experience and we put our heart and soul into it! The “Abracadabra” video was directed by me, Parris Goebel, and Bethany Vargas.

—Lady Gaga via Instagram on February 20, 2025

Credits

Songwriter Lady Gaga, Andrew Watt, Henry Walter and Susan Janet Ballion, Peter Edward Clarke, Steven Severin and John McGeoch
Publishing
  • SG Songs Worldwide LLC (BMI) / Sony/ATV Songs LLC
  • Andrew Watt Music (BMI), administrated by Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing (BMI)
  • Henry Walter, Cirkut Breaker LLC (ASCAP), administrated by Universal Music Corp.

Incorporate elements of Spellbound written by Susan Janet Ballion, Peter Edward Clarke, Steven Severin and John McGeoch. Published by BMG Rights Management (UK) Limited, administered by BMG Rights Management (US) LLC, a BMG company, and Domino Publishing Company of America Inc. © 1981. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Producer Lady Gaga, Andrew Watt and Cirkut
Lead and background vocals, keyboards Lady Gaga
Drums, bass, electric guitars and keyboards Andrew Watt
Drum programming, bass programming, synths and keyboards Cirkut
Studio technician Marc VanGool
Engineer Paul LaMalfa
Assistant engineer Tyler Harris
Additional engineer Marco Sonzini
Recording studio Shangri-La Studios, Malibu, CA
Mixing engineer Serban Ghenea at Mixstar Studios, Virginia Beach, VA
Mixing assistant Bryce Bordone
Mastering engineer Randy Merrill at Sterling Sound, Edgewater, NJ

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