Lady Gaga Unveils "The Dead Dance," the New Hit from the Series "Wednesday"

On September 3, 2025, Lady Gaga unveiled "The Dead Dance," a captivating single blending her signature pop energy with the gothic, eerie vibe of Netflix’s Wednesday Season 2. This haunting synth-pop track, already a radio favorite on stations like Radio SCOOP and NRJ, is poised to become a viral sensation, resonating with fans through its dark, danceable energy and thematic depth.

The project marks a dream collaboration with acclaimed director Tim Burton, who serves as producer and director for Wednesday. Burton immersed Gaga in the chilling atmosphere of the Island of the Dolls near Mexico City, a haunting location that inspired both her musical and acting contributions. He praised her as “an incredible and inspiring artist,” noting the thrill of working with a talent he deeply admires. This partnership fulfills a long-standing wish for Gaga’s fans, known as Little Monsters, who have eagerly anticipated her dive into Burton’s macabre world.

In the series, Gaga joins the cast as Rosaline Rotwood, a character cloaked in mystery. While early speculation suggested she might portray a teacher at Nevermore Academy, Wednesday star Jenna Ortega clarified, “She’s not a teacher, she’s not a teacher! What you’ve heard is wrong,” fueling fan theories that Gaga could be playing Ophelia, Wednesday Addams’ aunt with potent psychic powers. This enigmatic role adds intrigue to the show’s already gripping narrative.

"The Dead Dance," produced by Gaga, Cirkut, and Watt, the team behind her hit "Abracadabra", weaves a story of resilience and transformation. Its evocative lyrics, such as “When you killed me inside, that's when I came alive / You broke, and then the light came in” and “You've created a creature of the night / Now I'm haunting your air / Your soul, your eyes,” capture a journey from heartbreak to empowerment, perfectly aligning with Wednesday’s introspective tone.

The Tim Burton-directed music video is a visual triumph, featuring Gaga as a cracked-faced doll awakening in a misty, jungle-like setting on the Island of the Dolls. She animates other eerie figurines, leading them in the titular “dead dance” with bold, kitschy effects that echo Burton’s gothic style. The video’s unsettling yet mesmerizing imagery ties Gaga’s artistry to the Wednesday universe.

Netflix’s strategic marketing amplifies the release, with Gaga at the center of a buzz-generating campaign. A highlight was the Graveyard Gala at Guastavino’s in New York, hosted by Spotify and Netflix, where Gaga joined cast members Jenna Ortega, Emma Myers, and Joy Sunday, along with 300 guests, for a Tim Burton-inspired immersive event. A surprise preview of "The Dead Dance" electrified attendees, sparking a social media frenzy.

Coinciding with her Mayhem Ball world tour, which includes six French performances this fall, Gaga’s work on Wednesday and "The Dead Dance" underscores her versatility. Following her acclaimed roles in A Star is Born and House of Gucci, her embrace of the horror genre showcases her ability to merge music, acting, and storytelling. Available on streaming platforms since September 3, the single and its viral music video offer fans a spooky, early Halloween treat, cementing Gaga’s status as a trailblazing force in entertainment.