Lady Gaga Surprises Hurricane Benefit to Perform, Talk Mental Health

The Deep From the Heart: One America Appeal benefit at Texas A&M University was organized and attended by all five living former U.S. presidents: Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter.

During her appearance, Gaga revealed that she donated $1 million to the victims of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, specifically designated for a program focusing on emotional trauma and mental health.

"We must also recover mentally, as well as physically," she said. "We need to help these survivors recover from the trauma of losing their homes, losing their lives, watching everything get washed away… The response to these disasters must encompass the survivors' mental and emotional needs, as well as their physical well-being."

The singer introduced her solo piano rendition of "Million Reasons" by saying, "It's about pain, and sometimes life gives us a million reasons to want to give up, but we stick around." 

She also performed "You And I," taking time to address each former president, and "The Edge of Glory."

"The most special thing of all is how pain is such an equalizer, and in a time of catastrophe, we all put our differences aside and we come together," Gaga added. "Because we need each other, or we can't survive."

The concert also featured the country music band Alabama, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer "Soul Man" Sam Moore, gospel legend Yolanda Adams and Texas musicians Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen.

Photo: Getty Images


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