Top 20 Greatest Lady Gaga Live Performances

At the 2014 Kennedy Center Honors, English singer-songwriter Sting was one of five individuals recognized for their contributions to American culture. The ceremony featured heartfelt tributes to the honorees, including a remarkable rendition of Sting’s 1993 hit “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You” by Lady Gaga. Decked in a platinum wig, with matching eyeshadow of course, Gaga commanded the attention of the room, delivering an impressive vocal showcase infused with some extra soulful growls. The pop star managed to embody Sting, while still maintaining her signature high-energy style. Unsurprisingly, Gaga left such a profound impression that she brought tears to Sting’s eyes. And that’s how you know a tribute was perfectly executed.

Absolutely no one could have predicted this astonishing spectacle. Following the release of her polarizing album “Artpop,” Lady Gaga took the South by Southwest music festival by storm, delivering a mesmerizing mix of her hits and deep cuts. But it was her rendition of “Swine” that got everyone talking. Gaga first invites a strange lady named Millie onstage, who just stands awkwardly drinking a green liquid while she sings. However, as the dubstep-laden chorus kicks in, Millie regurgitates all of the green substance onto Gaga’s body. Then, the two climb onto a mechanical bull and repeat the process with black paint. It was equal parts impressive and unsettling, and we couldn’t think of a better description of Lady Gaga.

Throughout the years, Lady Gaga has proven to be not only a music sensation, but also a fashion trendsetter. So there was no one more appropriate to perform at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2016. Gaga kicks things off with a stirring rendition of “Million Reasons,” belting out impressive notes as she interacts with the runway models. Transitioning to “A-Yo,” she dazzles in a glittering catsuit, flanked by dancers executing a flawless routine. For the last number, “John Wayne,” Gaga dons her iconic “Joanne” hat, employing every element onstage for a show-stopping finale. And what better way to wrap things up than by strutting down the runway like a true fashion icon would. No doubt about it, she owns the world.

Simplicity can sometimes be incredibly powerful. You need not look further than this performance for proof. While the studio version of “Speechless” has a rock-heavy sound, Gaga opted for a stripped-down rendition at the VEVO launch event in December 2009. Armed with just her piano and her extraordinary voice, Gaga treated the audience to a raw showcase of emotions they would be hard pressed to find anywhere else. This song holds special meaning for Gaga as it is dedicated to her father, and her performance beautifully captures that personal connection. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Gaga show without the signature ‘leg up on the piano’ move. We dare you to watch this without being moved to tears.

In 2016, Lady Gaga was nominated for the Best Original Song Oscar for “Til It Happens to You,” off the documentary “The Hunting Ground,” which shed light on sexual assaults in college campuses. During the ceremony, Gaga, clad in an all-white ensemble, sat at a white piano and delivered an emotional rendition straight from the heart. To describe it as “incredibly moving” would be an understatement. Gaga’s solo performance would have been poignant all on its own, but when she was joined onstage by dozens of sexual assault survivors, it became a remarkably powerful moment unlike any the Oscars stage had ever seen before. She may have lost the award that night, but she undoubtedly won our hearts.

“Bad Romance” is arguably the most iconic song in Lady Gaga’s discography, and one of the first times she ever performed it live was at the 2009 American Music Awards. Whatever expectations the audience must have had going in were completely shattered. Incorporating signature moves from the music video, Gaga elevated the spectacle with a dystopian-inspired costume and sensual floor gyrations. To segue into her next song, the pop star took a decidedly non-subtle approach. She smashed a glass box housing a piano with her microphone stand, before launching into a fiery rendition of “Speechless.” This was one of the moments that defined Lady Gaga as an artist, and it’s great to see she still hasn’t lost that essence.

Lady Gaga typically puts on the most elaborate performances, but she opted for simplicity when performing for the British royal family in 2016. Dressed in an elegant, floor-length pink gown, Gaga took to the stage to deliver a stirring rendition of “Million Reasons,” accompanied by a live orchestra. While the studio version of the song is powerful, the orchestra’s backing here elevates her voice, infusing each word with a myriad of emotions. Gaga has proven to be a real master at rearranging her songs to suit different settings. Whether she’s performing for British royalty or at a tiny dive bar in Nashville, she always gives us more than a million reasons to fall in love with her.

To promote their 2014 album “Cheek to Cheek,” Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett organized a TV special featuring live performances of the songs, as well as a few additional surprises. The show-stopping number of the night was arguably Gaga’s jazzed-up cover of the Cher classic “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down).” The original song was praised for its dramatic tension, but something about Gaga’s rendition truly ups the ante, with her sky high notes and masterful interpretation of the lyrics. This shouldn’t be surprising, anyway. She is a trained actor and singer, after all. In the future, when we reflect on Gaga’s groundbreaking career and wide array of performances, this one will surely stand out as a highlight.

After losing the Oscar for Best Original Song in 2016, Gaga was nominated again for “Shallow,” the hit single from the “A Star Is Born” soundtrack. During the ceremony, Gaga and her co-star Bradley Cooper delivered their first-ever performance of the song on television. The pair began on opposite ends of a piano, gazing into each other’s eyes as they sang. As the tune reached its explosive climax, Cooper joined Gaga at the keyboard, wrapping her up in a soft embrace as they closed out the number. Their performance was captivating, displaying as much, if not more, chemistry as their characters in the film. There could be 100 people in a room, and only these two would have given us such an electrifying show.

Today, Lady Gaga has performed multiple times at the Academy Awards, but her debut at the 87th edition in 2015 remains arguably her best. That night, she faced a challenging task: performing a medley of songs from the beloved family classic “The Sound of Music.” At the time, Gaga was mostly known for her eccentric persona and had only recently begun earning respect among industry veterans with 2014’s “Cheek to Cheek.” But on that stage, her evolution from pop oddity to revered musician became complete. Despite the immense pressure and complexity of the songs, Gaga delivered a flawless performance, earning a thunderous applause at the end. To top it off, she received the seal of approval from Julie Andrews herself.

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.

“Telephone” & “Dance in the Dark,” “30th BRIT Awards” (2010)
Gaga Gives a Subdued Performance in Honor of the Late Alexander McQueen

“Imagine”, European Games Opening Ceremony (2015)
Staying Largely True to the Original, Gaga Still Put Her Own Spin on This Classic

David Bowie Tribute, “58th Annual Grammy Awards” (2016)
An Iconic Decades-Long Career Condensed into This Spectacular Homage

Her Greatest Hits, “The Late Late Show with James Corden” (2015-23)
Gaga Chronicles Her Entire Career in a Pitch-Perfect Carpool Karaoke Performance

After her impressive rendition of the National Anthem at Super Bowl 50, 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.

What is your personal favorite Lady Gaga live performance? Let us know in the comments below.