Top 10 Greatest Lady Gaga Live Performances

To promote her sixth album “Chromatica,” Lady Gaga and her team had planned an extensive campaign that was mostly abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But while the world was still reeling from the lockdowns, she performed some of its songs at the 2020 VMAs, where she received the Tricon award. Starting off with the string interlude “Chromatica II,” Gaga effortlessly transitions into an electrifying rendition of “911.” The Mother Monster then transports us to her cyberpunk world with a flawlessly choreographed performance of the chart-topper “Rain on Me” alongside Ariana Grande. She closes the epic affair by singing “Stupid Love” at the top of her lungs, proving that she is, indeed, a Tricon.

The 2013 VMAs will remain notable for Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke’s highly controversial display. But long before the twerking and grinding began, Lady Gaga kicked off the ceremony like only she can. Performing the lead single from her third album “Artpop,” she got everyone’s attention with perfect vocals and mesmerizing choreography, flanked by an array of dancers in identical bodysuits. And what a story she told through a series of colorful wigs and costumes! We felt like we were watching as Gaga shed off her previous personas to usher in the sheer absurdity that was the “Artpop” era. And we couldn’t love her more for it.

At the 2015 “All-Star Grammy Concert,” Lady Gaga joined a star-studded lineup to pay homage to the late entertainer Frank Sinatra. Donning the legend’s signature tuxedo and fedora, she proves herself to be a true New Yorker, belting out the Sinatra standard her way. For this tribute, she leaves behind her intricately choreographed numbers and eccentric costume choices, showing off a different, then lesser known side of herself. Everything about it - from her pitch-perfect vocals to the dazzling Sinatra-esque mannerisms - proves what a top-notch entertainer Gaga is. We’re sure the “Chairman of the Board” would’ve been proud.

Singing the National Anthem is a huge task – especially at the Super Bowl. The chosen singer’s performance tends to be closely scrutinized, after all. But Lady Gaga’s delivery of “The Star-Spangled Banner” ahead of the game between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers certainly proved any naysayers wrong. Decked in a gorgeous red ensemble and rocking glittery eyeshadow, Gaga delivers a near-perfect rendition of the revered song. Even though she keeps things relatively simple here, you can’t help but feel the emotion she puts into every word. It’s an impeccable performance that’s only made better by the positive reaction she receives from the crowd.

On June 17th 2011, Lady Gaga appeared on “Paul O’Grady Live” for a performance of her promotional single “Hair,” pretty much without any of it. The singer looked completely bald on the show, belting out a stripped down version of the disco jam. Surrounded by smoke and fire, Gaga is accompanied only by the black and white keys of her piano, which is covered in brown hair. She then puts on a turquoise wig, and powers through the song’s poignant conclusion. Gaga uses all the elements on stage to her advantage, making a powerful statement about using our hair, or the lack thereof, as a form of self-expression.

After making waves in an outfit made entirely out of meat the previous year, Lady Gaga stormed the 2011 VMAs as her male alter ego Jo Calderone. During the show, Calderone walks on-stage and delivers an Oscar-worthy monologue complaining about his relationship with Gaga. Just so we don’t lose you, Gaga is dressed in drag as a man, pretending to date Gaga the woman. Well, the performer then proceeds to deliver an epic performance of “Yoü and I,” the fourth single from the “Born This Way” album. The show is complete with hard-hitting vocals, expertly executed choreography, and a surprise appearance from Queen guitarist Brian May. Is there anything Gaga can’t do?

For her first ever showing at the Grammys, Lady Gaga performed a medley of songs from her hit “The Fame” album and “The Fame Monster” EP. Gaga, who was nominated for multiple Gramophones that night, kicked things off with her chart-topping single “Poker Face” before being put into a fire pit labeled “Rejected.” Then, like a phoenix rising from the music industry’s ashes, she re-emerged on stage - this time on the opposite end of a piano from Elton John. The two greats delivered a perfectly harmonized mash-up of Gaga’s “Speechless” and John’s “Your Song,” all the while covered in soot. The only thing better than one legend on stage is two, and this performance is proof of that.

This was Lady Gaga’s VMA debut, yet she pulled off a show that most veteran performers wouldn’t have dared to. Set to her dance-pop hit “Paparazzi,” the world got to meet Gaga in the most extreme, powerful way possible. It wasn’t only the major debut for the Mother Monster, but also for some of her well-known moves - from the clean choreography to her signature leg on the piano. And just when we thought it couldn’t get any more intense, the blood came rushing, and Gaga was hoisted up. Naturally, this was all done to the palpable horror of the audience. This was a career-defining performance. And that’s saying a lot, considering she was still a new artist at the time.

You have to give it up for Lady Gaga. She’s deeply committed to her craft, and that’s kept her going throughout the years. Case in point: she arrived at the 2011 Grammys in an egg-shaped receptacle! And she kept the theme going for her performance, getting wheeled onto the stage inside a similar vessel. Soon, Gaga, in her brand new era, appeared fully formed as she sang “Born This Way.” Armed with her remarkable voice, incomparable dance moves, and an unforgettable organ solo, she doles out a message of freedom and empowerment. This wasn’t just Lady Gaga at the Grammys, this was the Grammys at a Lady Gaga concert! You’re welcome, Recording Academy.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down),” “Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga: Cheek to Cheek Live!” (2014)
You Can’t Help but Be Jazzed Up by This Rendition of the Cher Classic

“Telephone” & “Dance in the Dark,” “30th BRIT Awards” (2010)
Gaga Honors the Late Alexander McQueen & It’s Absolutely Beautiful

“Speechless,” VEVO Launch Event (2009)
With the Rawest of Emotions in Her Voice, Gaga Leaves Us Speechless

“Teeth,” “Today” (1952-)
Pouring Rain Can’t Stop Gaga From Doing Her Thing

“Marry the Night,” “Alan Carr: Chatty Man” (2009-16; 2017)
Gaga Only Needs a Piano & Her Voice to Blow Our Minds

After her impressive rendition of the National Anthem at Super Bowl 51, Lady Gaga unsurprisingly was asked to headline the following year’s halftime show. Gaga worked on her routine for months, detailing the entire process on social media. And clearly, all of that hard work paid off! She starts the performance atop the NRG Stadium in Texas, with a mashup of “God Bless America” and “This Land Is Your Land.” Gaga then dives hundreds of feet down to the stage, where she delivers a medley of hits from her various albums. She sings live for roughly 13 minutes, flying in the air, dancing, and changing costumes while maintaining pitch perfect vocals. Needless to say, she’s not only a pop star, but THE pop spectacle.