It had to be one of the biggest crowds ever seen on the Croisette in a long time – and that’s saying something. Lady Gaga’s appearance on CANAL+’s Grand Journal was one of the early highpoints of the Cannes Film Festival 2018. Despite rumours that she was going to play a concert, she only performed the single “Judas” against the stunning backdrop of night falling on the bay. Unlike many TV shows, Lady Gaga sang live over the music, which is not that easy when doing such an elaborate dance routine.
The interview that followed her appearance gave her the opportunity to talk about ambition, “I’m relentless,” adding “I wanted to be the most successful female artist of the digital age.” Asked if she was impressed that she was already bigger than Madonna at her age, she replied “I’ don’t believe that – give me more time.” Knowing that she loves Edith Piaf, the host played an extract of “Je ne regrette rien”. “If you think I am going head-to-head with Edith Piaf, you’re crazy,” she laughed.
Asked about the charges of blasphemy around the video, she joked that “the only thing blasphemous is that I’m wearing Christian Lacroix and Chanel at the same time”. Continuing the theme of religion, she commented “I have so much faith; Judas’ is a metaphor for forgiveness.”
Le Grand Journal goes out every night during the Cannes festival. Interviewees include Robert De Niro and Charlotte Gainsbourg and can be found.