Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ Powerful “California Dreamin’” Tribute to Wildfire Victims Was Absolutely Heavenly

The people of Los Angeles are hurting. Hundreds of thousands of residents remain displaced after wildfires ravaged the city in January, with 29 confirmed dead. While any sort of celebration may seem in poor taste to some, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr saw an opportunity to help. The 67th annual GRAMMY Awards shifted their focus, canceling the usual parties and diverting funds to wildfire relief efforts. In one particularly poignant moment, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars joined forces to honor the people of Los Angeles.

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Lady Gaga Takes the Stage With Bruno Mars at GRAMMYs

Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga are no strangers to collaboration. In fact, the pair scored two GRAMMY nods for their latest collab, “Die With a Smile.” The soft-rock ballad is up for Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars perform "California Dreamin'" at the 2025 #Grammys pic.twitter.com/xfQUkWJJ81

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 3, 2025

Indeed, their chemistry flowed just as effortlessly on their duet of The Mamas and the Papas’ “California Dreamin’” Taking the stage Sunday (Feb. 2) at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, the powerhouse duo sang for the people of Los Angeles: I’d be safe and warm / If I was in L.A.

While there was talk of canceling the GRAMMYs altogether, the show ultimately became a chance to celebrate music and demonstrate its healing powers at the same time. “It’s not only ‘the show must go on’ but the show must provide a greater service,” Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. told the Guardian. “Of course, we’re going to honor music, but our goal is to utilize music to make a difference.”

Behind the Song

Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars first shared a stage at the 2016 Victoria’ Secret Fashion Show. Last June, Mars expressed his desire to collaborate with the “Born This Way” star. “I’ve got to at least sing with her,” the “24K Magic” crooner told the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Later, Gaga revealed that she was working on her own album in her Malibu studio when Mars called her around midnight. He wanted her to hear something he’d been working on.

[RELATED: Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars Embrace 70s Country With Soulful New Song “Die With a Smile”]

“I was blown away when I heard what he had started making,” the House of Gucci star said. “We stayed up all night and finished writing and recording the song. Bruno’s talent is beyond explanation. His musicianship and vision is next level. There’s no one like him.”

Featured image by Ian Langsdon/EPA/Shutterstock)