Lady Gaga surprised audiences on Sunday night with a stripped-down performance of “Hold My Hand,” the Oscar-nominated song from “Top Gun: Maverick,” at the 2023 Academy Awards. Initially expected to skip the show due to filming demands, Gaga was confirmed to perform by sources early Sunday morning.
The singer took a decidedly dressed-down approach, forgetting hair and makeup glam and donning a simple T-shirt and torn pants. The song was given a rootsy, rock-band production, which was a departure from the slicker soundtrack version. The audience was clearly captivated, with whoops and hollers interrupting the performance.
Gaga received a standing ovation at the end of the song, which was accompanied by a dedication to original “Top Gun” director Tony Scott on an overhead screen.
This isn’t the first time Gaga has been recognized at the Oscars. In fact, she is the first artist to receive three nominations in the best original song category. Her previous nominations were for “Til It Happens to You” from “The Hunting Ground” in 2016 and “Shallow” from “A Star Is Born” in 2019.
While Gaga’s stripped-down look was unexpected, it was still enormously effective. The singer showcased her vocal prowess, proving that she doesn’t need flashy costumes or elaborate production values to captivate an audience.
Gaga’s performance was a testament to the power of raw talent and the magic of a live performance. In a world where pre-recorded tracks and autotune are common, it was nice to see a performer embrace simplicity and honesty.