Lady Gaga's festive 'Carpool Karaoke' surprise with AC/DC's Brian Johnson

In a festive twist on the popular series, Apple TV+'s Carpool Karaoke Christmas special delighted viewers with an unexpected collaboration between pop sensation Lady Gaga and rock legend Brian Johnson of AC/DC.

This is in addition to other Apple TV+ fare, such as Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special. The episode, hosted by Zane Lowe, featured a surprise appearance by Johnson, who joined Gaga for a spirited rendition of AC/DC's classic "Highway to Hell."

Their dynamic performance was a seamless fusion of pop and rock, and they surely captivated audiences with their shared enthusiasm. During their interaction, Gaga revealed a lesser-known fact about her early career: at 17, she appeared as an extra in AC/DC's 2000 music video for "Stiff Upper Lip."

You can maybe spot her brief appearance(s) here in the official video:

She recounted her experience on set, mentioning that she was advised against headbanging to maintain a modern aesthetic, to which she humorously responded, "No, there’s only one move that I can do." This revelation surprised Johnson, who was unaware of Gaga's involvement in the video. Their shared history added a layer of nostalgia to the episode, highlighting the interconnectedness of artists across genres.

Why rock fans might love it

One of the problems rock fans might have nowadays? They might hate modern pop and only listen to it grudgingly. However, to have AC/DC's Brian Johnson singing with Lady Gaga doesn't seem like a bummer or him selling out. It just seems like they are having a good time listening to classic music, and sometimes that's all music has to be. Plus, of course, she does have the credibility of appearing as an extra in that video.

The episode actually gets a bit deeper, though. The special also included a heartfelt moment where Gaga shared a clip of her late grandmother singing along to "Highway to Hell," underscoring the personal significance of the song to her family. Music can indeed be one of those "ties that bind" people together, and that really is a special moment to this holiday special.

A Carpool Karaoke Christmas is available for streaming on Apple TV+, featuring additional performances by artists such as Dua Lipa and Chappell Roan. The episode has been praised for its unique pairings and festive spirit, offering viewers a memorable holiday experience. Also, the presence of an old school rocker prevents the episode from being excessively geared toward younger audiences.

This collaboration between Lady Gaga and Brian Johnson not only entertained fans but also highlighted the enduring appeal of AC/DC's music and Gaga's versatility as an artist capable of bridging diverse musical styles. It's respectable enough, right? Well, happy holidays in any case!