Following the discussion with students, which was filmed at Hauser Studio inside Widener Library, the Harvard Foundation honored Lady Gaga for her contributions to music, performance, fashion, mental health advocacy, and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Associate Dean of Students for Inclusion and Belonging Alta Mauro said the foundation was grateful for Gaga’s commitment and excited to see what good trouble she got into next.

To kick off the show, Cultural Rhythms directors Mariana Haro ’23 and Leslie Arroyo ’23 welcomed the audience back for the first in-person show since the pandemic began. Danoff Dean of Harvard College Rakesh Khurana offered opening remarks.

“This is so affirming,” he said. “Because it demonstrates that our uniqueness is our universality, that our diversity is our source of infinite possibility.”

The night’s performances “show us how each of our unique experiences, all the multitudes that make up our identity, contribute to a sense of possibility, and create the hope for a better future,” Khurana added.

Student performances included a spectacular act by Bhangra, a festive musical recital by Mariachi Veritas, and electric dance by crowd favorite Omo Naija x The Wahala Boys. LyLena D. Estabine, Athena Capo-Battaglia, and Bryant Valenzuela performed solo acts that paid homage to their roots through original songs and choreography. Harvard College Deepam, Candela Latin Dance Troupe, Kuumba Singers, and Asian American Dance Troupe also performed.

Cultural Rhythms began in 1986 to bring the Harvard community together and celebrate the vibrant cultural and ethnic diversity of the student body. Each year, an artist is honored for his or her contributions to the arts and society. Past Artist of the Year recipients include Taraji P. Henson, Rubén Blades, Salma Hayek, Viola Davis, and Janet Mock.