After a week of tantalizing teasers, the wait is finally over: Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars have unveiled their much-anticipated duet, “Die With a Smile”, and it’s every bit as grand as one would expect from this powerhouse collaboration.

The song, which dropped on Thursday night, is a soulful ballad that harkens back to the smooth, nostalgic vibes of Mars’ acclaimed 2021 project, Silk Sonic. “Die With a Smile” is a masterclass in vocal chemistry, featuring soaring melodies, a powerful chorus, and delicate guitar work that culminates in a breathtaking final crescendo. Mars takes the lead on the first verse, setting the stage with his trademark smooth vocals, while Gaga’s voice shines as she delivers the second verse. From there, the two iconic artists seamlessly weave their voices together, creating a harmonious blend that highlights their individual strengths while enhancing the song’s emotional depth.

The accompanying music video, directed by Bruno Mars and Daniel Ramos, is a visual throwback to the 1970s, evoking the charm of classic Nashville television performances. The duo, along with their band, are dressed in matching light blue suits with red shirts, perfectly capturing the retro aesthetic. Gaga channels a Dolly Parton-esque look with her hair piled high, while Mars complements the vibe with a white cowboy hat and a vintage hollow-body electric guitar. One of the most striking moments comes when Gaga delivers the final verse with a cigarette between her lips, adding a rebellious flair to the polished production. The video concludes on a whimsical note, as the two are encased inside an animated heart, symbolizing the soulful connection they’ve forged through the song.

In a press release, both artists shared their excitement about the collaboration. Gaga reflected on how the project came to be, revealing that it was born out of a late-night studio session. “Bruno and I have a lot of mutual respect for each other and were talking about collaborating. I was finishing up my own album in Malibu and one night after a long day he asked me to come to his studio to hear something he was working on. It was around midnight when I got there and I was blown away when I heard what he had started making. We stayed up all night and finished writing and recording the song. Bruno’s talent is beyond explanation. His musicianship and vision is next level. There’s no one like him,” Gaga said.

Mars echoed her sentiments, expressing his admiration for Gaga’s artistry. “Getting to work with Gaga has been an honor. She’s an icon and she makes this song magical. I’m so excited for everyone to hear it,” he added.

The song’s production team is as impressive as the artists themselves, with Grammy-winning producer Andrew Watt and D’Mile at the helm. Watt, known for his work with Post Malone, Elton John, and Miley Cyrus, played lead guitar, while D’Mile, who co-produced the Silk Sonic album, handled bass and drums. The songwriters include Gaga, Mars, D’Mile, Watt, and the prolific James Fauntleroy, whose credits span a who’s who of modern music, from Rihanna to Beyoncé.

As Gaga gears up for her role in the upcoming comic book musical “Joker: Folie À Deux”, where she stars alongside Joaquin Phoenix, “Die With a Smile” offers fans a taste of her musical prowess that stands apart from her acting endeavors. While the song doesn’t directly tie into her role as Lee, a reimagined Harley Quinn, its title does seem fitting for the dark, twisted themes often associated with the Joker.

“Die With a Smile” is more than just a song; it’s a testament to the unique artistic synergy between two of the biggest names in music today. With its soulful sound and striking visuals, this duet is set to be one of the year’s most memorable musical moments.

Check it out below!