In Review: Photos from Lady Gaga at the Xcel

Photos by John James Wallace

This past Monday and Tuesday at the Xcel Energy Center were definitely nights to remember, as thousands upon thousands of fans converged to see the biggest pop star of 2010 perform live. And the Lady certainly did not disappoint. Through over 14 costume changes and numerous set reconfigurations, Gaga wowed the audience with her creativity and flair for the uber-dramatic.


After getting gussied up at the beautiful Saint Paul Hotel, where we had a suite for the evening, we strolled over with a handful of friends to the Xcel. And talk about a spectacle! As you'll see in the photos below, attendees went all-out. From fishnet body suits to beanie baby get-ups and just about everything else in between, Gaga's fans were loud and proud and not messing around.

Opening act Semi Precious Weapons

Thanks to our friend Emma Berg, who made Xcel's personal gift to Gaga - a Lady Slipper-inspired jacket - we got the royal treatment: a box suite in which to watch the show, which also featured openers Semi Precious Weapons. Chocolate fountains and a make-your-own martini bar aside, getting to comfortably experience an arena show without having to be crushed in the crowd was pretty spectacular. The show itself was mind-blowing, with Gaga strutting and preening for the sold out arena, taking time to point out fans in the crowd and comment on their wild looks and their hand-made signs, all the time reiterating her genuine appreciation for their love. A gracious hostess if there ever was one.

Emma Berg jacket created for Lady Gaga

After the show, we retired with friends to the Saint Paul Hotel for champagne and recapping into the wee hours, and as we snuggled into our million thread-count sheets and downy pillows, visions of Gaga danced in our heads. All in all, a fantastic night in Saint Paul.

Want to see more of John's photos from the show??? Click HERE for pix of Semi Precious Weapons, click HERE for more pix of Lady Gaga, and click HERE for more fan pix!