Lady Gaga is one of the most outspoken artists to ever embrace pop culture. Aside from her insane vocal range, the powerhouse singer has been the subject of constant controversies in the media. Her 2008 debut album, The Fame, introduced us to the quirky side of Gaga, while reviving electronic dance in mainstream music.
Gaga is also well known for her stage presence and out-of-the-box taste in fashion. From the time she hatched from an egg at the 2011 Grammy Awards to the moment her presence drove an entire country to protest, here are the top ten of Lady Gaga's wildest on-stage moments.
10 When She Arrived As An Egg At The 2011 Grammy Awards
In 2011, Lady Gaga pulled up to the Grammy Awards in a literal egg carried by four half-dressed attendees. She even spoke to the famous TV host Ryan Seacrest on the red carpet through the egg. As The Hollywood Reporter recalled, this publicity stunt was a nod to her single "Born This Way," which she premiered during the show.
9 When She Performed As A Literal Box At The 2013 MTV VMAs
Why would you wear a glamorous costume when you're Lady Gaga and could rock any costume you put on—even if it is a box? Gaga kicked off the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) in a bizarre and creepy head-in-a-box costume. As her performance progressed, Gaga did go through a series of more recognizable "Gaga Looks," according to Us Weekly. During the show, the pop phenomenon debuted her single "Applause" from her third studio Artpop.
8 When She Let Someone Puke On Her On-Stage
In 2014, Gaga outdid every other publicity stunt she had done thus far, when she took to the stage with an unusual demonstration speaking out against rape. During her rendition of "Swine" from her album Artpop at the Doritos SXSW stravaganza, the controversial singer rode a mechanical pig while Millie Brown, a hired performance artist, puked neon green liquid all over her. Her performance wasn't taken as intended, and she received backlash for "glamorizing eating disorders."
7 When She Got Bloody At The 2009's MTV VMAs
Kanye West's interruption of Taylor Swift's acceptance speech wasn't the only major highlight at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Thanks to fake drops of blood that she smeared all over her body, Lady Gaga's "Pokerface" and "Paparazzi" performance became one of the most memorable parts of the night.
6 When She Set Her Chest On Fire At the Much Music Awards In Toronto
No, this isn't Katy Perry's music video of "Firework." This is Lady Gaga's Glastonbury show in 2009 when the pop provocateur spit flames from the chest of her costume. After the performance, as NME recalled, Lady Gaga told a story about her run-in with Iggy Pop at a festival and how she once watched the singer while topless.
5 When She Dressed As A Man And Hit On Britney Spears At The 2011 MTV VMAs
In 2011, Lady Gaga went all out as she portrayed the alter ego Jo Calderone to pay tribute to fellow pop star Britney Spears. She even hit on the "Baby One More Time" singer while Spears was on stage receiving MTV's "Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award." The character jokingly told the crowd that he "doesn't want Gaga to find out."
4 When She Got Banned In Indonesia
Unfortunately, a lot of Lady Gaga's controversial behavior backfired on her when the Indonesian authorities refused to issue a permit for one of her shows in 2011. As the BBC reported, the hardline Islamic Defenders Front declared protests in Jakarta, the country's capital, and the promoters had to issue refunds. This isn't the first time Gaga had to cancel her show due to religious-based objections. Similar protests among Christian groups also took place in the Philippines.
3 When Her Rendition Of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' Received Polarizing Receptions
For many singers, performing the U.S. national anthem can be difficult. Its wide range makes the song notoriously hard to perform, even for a singer of Lady Gaga's caliber. She sang the national anthem during the 2021 inauguration of President Joe Biden.
Many fans praised Gaga's efforts, noting she sung the song beautifully.
2 When She 'Delivered' A Baby During The Saturday Night Live
In 2011, Lady Gaga caused quite the uproar for her Saturday Night Live performance, as she delivered gold liquids with a crucifix out of her body. The then 25-year-old singer took the stage to promote her latest album, Born This Way, and it worked because the dance-pop album went platinum during its very first week.
1 When She Pulled Up With A Meat Dress At The 2010 MTV VMAs
Who could forget Lady Gaga and that meat dress from the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards? She delivered a major fashion statement during the show. Lady Gaga dominated the night with eight different VMA wins. She was inspired to replicate the costume during her "Born This Way Ball" world tour.