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Have you ever been blinded by love? In “How Dare You”, Rachel Grae reflects on a relationship and how she should have left but overlooked red flags. She goes as far as to state that she was so oblivious to her ex’s true nature, that they feel like a different person in the aftermath of their relationship. The singer’s unguarded lyrics are complemented by gorgeous vocals that are reminiscent of artists like Demi Lovato and Adele. Overall, this is a beautiful track that you will be singing at the top of your lungs and playing on repeat. The song begins with a stunning piano melody. Grae begins singing with a smooth and tender delivery. As the track continues, harmonized layered vocals and an upbeat melody are added to create a catchy and unforgettable chorus. A stand-out moment of the track is the bridge. The bridge has dramatic instrumentals and added vocals. The title of the single “How Dare You” is chanted while the drums play theatrically, the piano plays wildly, and Grae shows off her vocal range while singing a breathtaking “whoa” that confirms that this singer has an incredible voice. Rachel Grae grew up in New York where her passion for music began. The vocalist released her first song in 2021 titled, “Bad Timing” which was co-written with Mike Campbell and Jeremy Silver, and has released multiple singles since and has gained over 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify in just 2 years. This track sets the tone for Grae’s musical journey with amazing vocals and raw lyrics. The singer’s goal is to have herself and her listeners confront their emotions with vulnerable lyricism. Through TikTok, she has been able to achieve her goal by amassing a large supportive following. Written By Stephanie Berning FOLLOW RACHEL GRAE:

If there was ever case for the existence of maximalist ballads, I'd submit Oliver Pinder's excellent, latest single as an unofficial flagbearer. The aptly titled, "Beautiful Second," is anchored by the hallmarks of contemporary balladry: sparse piano chords, bittersweetly romantic lyricism, and killer vocals, all soaked in reverb. But it's the pacing and little production flourishes that elevate the single beyond that. Focus in and you'll notice how spatially located the percussion feels, how light waves of distortion sound like a disconnected phone call, or how the corners of the portrait seem to burn and singe into ash as Pinder's voice quivers with passion. It's like staring into someone's eyes for too long, then blinking away the after image. "Do I really want to know if something's coming out of it?" Pinder asks in the song's most striking moment. Much of the lyricism feels inexplicably connected by some unspoken, connective context: sparse detailing of dates, questions with more questions, and heartbreak meeting new beginnings. Interestingly, "Beautiful Second" begins at its lowest point, emotionally. "An emotional wreck and I'm stuck in the midst of it all. Was I to know what you're wanting from me really?" The song drills into this space between where you hope things go and where they're fated to. In the end, the most comfort Pinder is able to extract from the whirlwind is its beauty while it lasts. Uk-based singer/songwriter, Oliver Pinder, is gearing up for a big year. Prior to now, he released the single "Stressed" in October. The singer has previously released a 4-track EP, titled "Island Rain," in 2015. Pinder just announced his debut headline tour in the UK, with dates featured on his website. All this supports the upcoming release of his upcoming EP. Pinder describes writing "Beautiful Second" three years ago on an old, out of tune piano he'd bought for 50 quid. His upcoming EP is primarily described to be about "growing up, dealing with stress, anxiety, falling in and out of love." Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Oliver Pinder:

Congratulations on the release of your new fantastic single “Courtroom Headtrip”!! What is the message you’re hoping to get across to your fans about toxic relationships with this new track? MICALL: The main message I'm hoping to get across is that you are not alone if you are going through a toxic relationship or if you have been in one. There is so much fear in talking about this and I just wanted to put a stop to it through music and education. Unfortunately, not everyone has the patience or compassion to understand the ROOT behind two people's dynamic in a toxic relationship; it goes beyond "victim" and "villain" and that's important to consider. Healing from a toxic relationship--a nightmare, truly--taught me who I can really count on during dark times, and the simplicity of giving someone a hug who is healing from a toxic relationship. What inspired you to finally pursue your lifetime dream of making your own music? MICALL: After my dad died in June of 2020, it was a very dark time for me because I was very close to him. I had lost the closest person to me and had also lost the patriarch of the family, which caused its own upheaval. Part of honoring his legacy, for me, was to live my life to the fullest with nothing to hold me back. Who would you say are your main influences when it comes to your music and writing style? MICALL: My main influences are Tori Amos, Nirvana, Alanis Morissette, Linkin Park, Evanescence, Madonna, Shakira, and of course middle eastern music that I grew up listening to thanks to my parents. I can’t wait to see your new music video for this single! Can you give us a few hints on what we can expect from it? And what was the shoot like? MICALL: I'm excited for you and everyone else to see it! You can expect to see a subtle portrayal of the toxic relationship I speak about in this song and the "Hollywood ending" that we all want to see in reality. I know you’re only just getting started, but I love to ask artists this question so they can maybe look back on it one day! What would you say are a few items at the top of your bucket list for your career? MICALL: An international tour throughout Europe - especially Italy, where I used to live! I am so genuinely impressed with your music already, it’s shocking to hear you’re just getting started!! What can we expect next from you in this new, exciting journey? MICALL: Thank you so much! I have been writing and singing songs on the piano since age 4, so it's nice to come out of the "musician's closet" as I like to call it. In other words, you can expect to see me come out of my shell more and more as this journey continues, exploring themes of sexuality, unity, love, and community! Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW MICALL:

Fantasizing about your crush and all the wonderful parts of who they are is so fun. But at what point do your emotions and reality start to blend? How do you know that the person you’ve fallen for in your head is the person standing in front of you? QUIETLOVE seeks to answer this question in his new single "Honest" . This track is an exciting listen. treating your ears to some amazing vocals but also incredible lyrics that really make you feel at home. This single is the first of many to come in 2023 and it's an amazing way to start the year. QUIETLOVE uses synth and hip-hop influence to masterfully create this catchy track. His vocals effortlessly match the tone of the song. With an explosive chorus and fun, dancey verses, he perfectly captures the feelings that come with trying to organize your thoughts about a crush. "Honest" has this sticky hook that is amplified by QUIETLOVE’s lyrical prowess. He amplifies his voice at some of the tracks' stand-out moments in a way that is so tasty. Keeping the energy alive from beginning to end. QUIETLOVE has that golden era pop sound to his music that makes it sound so warm. "Honest" is an earworm for sure. You won’t be able to get enough of this fun and relatable bop. Toronto based singer/songwriter QUIETLOVE has been making music for as long as he remembers. Starting his musical journey on Myspace he has been expanding his fan base and his sound since then. Hew signed his first publishing agreement at the age of 17 and has been soaring ever since. Taking his musical abilities all over North American he has performed with talents such as Tokyo Police Club, Tyler Shaw, and Strumbellas. He is incredibly creative with his sound and his grind is not going to stop. QUIETLOVE will be releasing more music throughout the year. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW QUIETLOVE:

Charlotte Sands' new track “Alright” is the quintessential anthem for us misfits. She profoundly professes that it’s okay to not be okay. Try as we may, there’s no clear remedy for feeling out of place. We can envision ourselves in a far away land, let the stars dictate our daily emotions, exude confidence hoping one day it sticks, or clasp our hands together and send a prayer to an unknown location. We convince ourselves it’s situational, and when we finally move to this place, quit that job, get in a better relationship, everything will feel different… but that’s not always the case. Sometimes we have to be comfortable in the uncomfortable. We are who we are, and just because we don’t seem on the same track as everyone else, we are exactly where we need to be. Everyone has things in their life they wish they could change, whether it be internal or external, but some people are just better at plastering a fake smile and convincing the world they are perfect. Those masks that people wear can make the rest of us feel inadequate, lost, and hopeless, but sometimes its better to wear your emotions on your sleeve, face your issues head on, and be exactly who you are instead of pretending. Pretending prevents healing. It’s okay to not be okay. It’s alright to not feel alright. Our time is coming, and acknowledging yourself at your worst means appreciating yourself with every little victory. Charlotte wrote “Alright” when she was in a very low place in life. She felt hopeless for the future, and that feeling began to isolate her. She was alone in the pandemic with nothing but her thoughts and a melody. “Alright” shows a clear evolution in her music. Instead of pop and rock, she released her inhibitions and created a beautiful song seeped in vulnerability. This is a song that everyone can relate to. There is such comfort in knowing you are not alone in feeling alone. Fitting in is something so many people yearn for just to realize you should never conform your identity. Being exactly who you are is the only way to feel free. The most sought after group is the one made up of all the misfits who know their greatest power is not changing for anyone. People always want to fit a mold or be perceived a certain way, but when we’re chasing what someone else has, they’re scoping the room trying to find something to replace that with. Our quirks are our magic. You can search high and low in this universe, and one day, no matter how long it takes, you will find the thing you’ve been searching for has been inside you all along. Charlotte Sands is a pop/rock singer/songwriter from Nashville. She was inspired from a young age by artists, like Michelle Branch, who could convey a story in so much detail and captivate their audience from start to finish. Charlotte has always wanted to create a safe space at her shows where people can escape reality for a while and be free to dance and sing in a crowd surrounded by other people who are there for the exact same reason. Originally from Massachusetts, Charlotte moved to Nashville at 18 to chase her dreams, and although it was challenging at times, she claims it was the best decision she’s ever made. She used the pandemic to perfect her craft and release incredible music that gave her fans a bright escape in a dark world. With over 135 million streams and completely selling out her headline tour, Charlotte is changing the game of music and the lives of so many people who finally have their feelings put down in words. Charlotte Sands is certainly one to watch out for, and we are more than “Alright” with watching her voyage to the stars. Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW CHARLOTTE SANDS:

London based artist, Samfire released her first single this year and it's layered with an encouraging message. "My Potential" is a optimistic track about overcoming self doubts and recognizing your own potential. Many of us have felt insecure at times, and during these times it can be easy to start comparing yourself to others and to strive to be perfect. If you have ever felt this way, I highly recommend listening to her new single as Samfire's open and honest lyrics may relate to you. This latest single is upbeat followed with hopeful lyrics that leave listeners empowered by the end. I couldn't help as a listener but to feel good every time she sings the line, “I'll believe in my potential”. When it comes to her recently released single this artist has said, "I know there are a lot of people that, like me, are always trying to better themselves. This song is for them - offering the words that have got me through moments of self doubt". You can now listen to "My Potential" through the video below. Samfire's latest single is a personal reflection that aims to Inspire others to believe in themselves. "My Potential" is a vocal forward track that kicks off with her powerful voice singing, “I believe in my potential but not in where I am”. The inner monologue continues throughout the song as the arrangement builds with anticipation for the chorus. Samfire's voice alone is enough to leave you hanging on to every word. I was reminded of the impressive tone and powerful range of artists like Billie Eilish and Sabrina Carpenter. The alt-pop artist often relies on her authenticity and relatability that reflects in her songwriting and it can definitely be seen here as well. With the release of her new single, Samfire wants her listeners to feel hopeful and overcome their own self doubts as she has. Samfire is a Singer, Songwriter, and Producer based in London. "My Potential” is her 4th single to date alongside her debut EP ”Time” which was released earlier in 2022. This artist is well known for moving her listeners through her songwriting. The promising up-and- coming artist is being noticed through her YouTube channel where she has impressively reached over 100,000 thousand views collectively. Her video covering Kate Bush's “Running Up That Hill” received over 80,000 alone. Samfire has got big plans for the upcoming year for her music so keep your eyes out for potential new releases. Written By Jenna Barton FOLLOW SAMFIRE:

Chloe J’s, "Top 10" is a song that many singers around the world may relate to. It’s her point of view of the music industry, and how difficult it might be to navigate it and become more recognized. She wants her music out there, and she’d love to be on the top of the charts, but how far is she willing to go in order for that to happen? She’s aware of the sacrifices she might have to make to her character, as well as having to give things up in her personal life, but is it worth it? Are the possibilities of inauthentic friendships, the pressure, and changing who you once were worth it for the money and fame? Top 10 is a super poppy song, with a loud bass and drums that you definitely won’t miss. In the first verse, Chloe states that “They say just to be a superstar, you're gonna have to change who you are.” In the hook, she answers the big question and says that she wants her experience in the industry to be “real.” She doesn’t want to be taken advantage of, or lose things along the way in order to be at the top of the charts. She wants to feel happy and well deserving of that. What might come with being a superstar, to Chloe, is a change in your character, losing your true friends, and feeling pressured to do things that don’t feel right in order to get more recognition as an artist. She wants no part in this. In the hook, she asks, “What are you willing to give away to have everybody know your name?” Here, she projects her voice in order to emphasize what truly comes with trying to get far in the music industry. According to Chloe, a lot of the time there will be instances where people will make you sacrifice things in order to get that assistance in getting yourself out there more. She's letting other aspiring artists out there know that they should keep this question in mind too. However, she states that, “It’s gotta be real, no fakin" for her. Chloe J is a 16 year old singer-songwriter and actress from Las Vegas, Nevada. She has over 12,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Her most popular song is “So Perfect” with over 300,000 streams. Besides releasing songs and music videos, she has been seen on Nickelodeon, in commercials, and performing at events, such as singing the National Anthem for the NHL Golden Knights and NBA Summer League games. She’s been singing from a very young age and continues to grow as an artist. She began writing original songs at the age of 8, released her first song at the age of 12, and continues to prosper at the age of 16. Check out Chloe J’s new single “Top 10”, out now on Spotify and Apple Music! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW CHLOE J:

“Should’ve Been Us” explores the heart wrenching narrative of longing for a lost love and keeping it in your memory forever. The beautiful ballad is composed of gloomy lyrics that expose the intensity of NEVE’s broken heart. In the first verse, she describes her experience with trying to move on with someone else, but her mind always goes back to her former partner. She sings, “Am I the bad guy// For holding his hand// Imagining walking with you// Walking with you// Should I be alone tonight// If I’m roaming my mind for memories tryna feel something.” She acknowledges that her heart is not in the right place if she is with someone else but is still picturing her former partner. NEVE brilliantly parallels these lyrics in the second verse with her wondering if they are missing her as well. In this verse she sings, “How’s your new girl// Do you run into ghosts of us in places we never should’ve left// Tell me have you called her my name// And laughed it off// Like a thought of me could ever be an honest mistake.” The contrast between both verses is an excellent example of NEVE’s unmistakable talent. She guides the listener through the emotional story that paints a vivid image of her heartbreak. “Should’ve Been Us” is a clever track that further enhances NEVE’s musical portfolio and highlights her natural artistry. NEVE effortlessly evokes feelings of sorrow and regret through the mesmerizing production in “Should’ve Been Us”. The track begins with NEVE’s angelic vocals paired with the soft piano that sets the gloomy tone. As the song progresses, a subtle violin is added, further enhancing the ethereal atmosphere. When the first chorus hits, the production intensifies, bringing out the emotional element of the track. Then in the second chorus, a steady synth beat is introduced, wrapping up the track with the powerful climax of the production. Throughout the song, NEVE’s vocals are filled with such a deep passion that the listener cannot help but feel the pain she is suffering. “Should’ve Been Us” is an astounding track that utilizes vulnerable lyrics and a melancholy production to generate strong emotions within the listener, illustrating NEVE’s impressive songwriting. NEVE is a pop singer-songwriter from Ireland. She has been writing relatable music in her bedroom since she could remember. Her debut track, “guy friends” was released in April 2022, introducing her to the industry. “Should’ve Been Us” marks her 1st single of 2023, and her 8th single overall. Despite making her debut less than a year ago, NEVE has already garnered a large number of dedicated fans. She has 508.6K followers on TikTok and 22.4K followers on Instagram. In this past year, she has gone on tour as a supporting act for Lilla Vargen and has played a handful of small standalone shows. Currently, she is the supporting act for Betty Who on the European leg of the tour. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW NEVE:

Queen Cult’s newest single, “Lollipop” is an electric rock anthem that serves to vocalize the honest and visceral frustration of not knowing how to approach a changing situation. The song’s hard-hitting lyrics tackle the topics of compulsive behavior, guilt, rage and mischief. Queen Cult aims to prove that the rock genre has its place within 2023 and “Lollipop” only furthers that goal. It’s infectious thrash vibe and high energy is reminiscent of the early 2000’s rock scene while simultaneously incorporating elements of current trends such as indie sleaze and electric pop. Lyrics such as “You stole my lollipop, so suck on it” and “pick it up, don’t cower” communicate the order to not back down and own your decisions and urges. “Lollipop” is introduced with vibrant synth beats soon meshed with booming drums and powerful guitar. The song’s intense instrumentation and vocals create an exhilarating listening experience for audiences. Lead singer, Maisie Johnson brings rich and thrilling vocals to the track, hitting powerful notes throughout the piece. The “Lollipop” official music video was released on February 1st and features stunning cinematography, with heavy motion videography, aesthetically pleasing artificial light and colorful closeups of the band members. The video alternates between black & white and colored sequences, which provides a unique, artistic vibe. The videos’ fun and eccentric shots reflect the song’s messaging perfectly and makes for an entertaining viewer experience. Based in Macclesfield, Cheshire, Queen Cult is an up-and-coming rock band. The music group is comprised of three members, Maisie Johnson (lead vocalist and guitarist), Brodie Carson (drummer) and Piers Jarvis (bassist). Queen Cult made their debut in 2019 with the single, “Shindigger” which has amassed over 16k streams on Spotify alone. Since then, the band has released a plethora of hits, most notably “Beautiful Psycho”, “Woman That I Know” and “Show and Tell”. They have had multiple songs featured on BBC radio, Kerrang and Primordial Radio. Luckily for fans, you can catch Queen Cult live at YES (The Basement) in Manchester on February 17th. Thereafter, they have two more performances scheduled for late February in both Portsmouth and Bristol. Keep an eye out for Queen Cult’s new EP, “For Now, Not Forever” dropping on February 10th. Written By Julia Hooper FOLLOW QUEEN CULT:

When we find ourselves in a state of mind that isn't necessarily the best or most healthy, we often seek out something that will distract us from the thoughts and feelings that are trying to pull us down. Unfortunately, distractions don't last forever and we are forced to face our emotions at the end of the day when we're all alone. 'Catharsis' by Adeline V. Lopez is about exactly what it's name means; trying to find relief from the strong emotions we suppress on a daily basis. The best thing to do when your brain is in a funk is to keep reminding yourself that the bad feelings will end. The moment you realize that you've survived the storm is the most rewarding feeling of all. Soft piano, bass and acoustic guitar sets the scene and emotion for this song right off the bat. Adeline's angelic and beautifully light vocals tell us a story of what most of us have experienced - pretending you're okay when your not. "You find a way to co-exist with life when you're walking the borderline." This lyric stood out to me the most because it's just too relatable and true. Adeline talks of going out and screaming club songs to drown out the sound of your dreadful thoughts, but you still end back up in the quiet and alone with your mind when it's time to go home. The hardest part is when you don't even know why you feel the way you do, and all you can do is keep waiting and searching for the moment you can be relived from the burden. Adeline V. Lopez is a teenage singer-songwriter from New York City. Her sound is what she describes as an 'eclectic blend' - being inspired by NYC's urban style and having a big variety of influences from Billy Joel and Elvis Presley, all the way to Billie Eilish and Sabrina Carpenter. Adeline found herself writing a lot these past few years to cope with the difficult times we've been facing as the human race including topics of mental health (like Catharsis!), relationships and teenage life. Catharsis was released early due to it's attention gained on TikTok when Adeline posted a snippet of the song which accumulated over 50,000 likes. Stay tuned, because there's more music coming including a brand new EP to be released this March. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW ADELINE:

Natalie Shay’s song, “The Edge,” is an upbeat pop song about learning a life lesson. In Shay’s case, it was being in a toxic romantic relationship. One of the aspects that makes this song so great though is how relatable it is. Even if it’s not in romance, we all have been too close to the edge in some situations. For instance, you may have waited too long to complete an important task for work or school. Our actions have a tendency to catch up with us and put us into unfavorable territory. However, the relief that comes from making things right means that we will know better in the future. The overall mood of the song is very bright and happy. The instrumentation is reminiscent of an early 2000's pop song. The upbeat feel of the song really matches Natalie's message well. In the verses, Shay reflects on her situation and how negative it was. By the time the chorus comes around, the relief of getting out of the toxic relationship and finding herself again makes Shay want to get up and dance. Additionally, I feel that emotion was also displayed in Shay’s voice. She has very strong vocals throughout the whole song. I personally really enjoy her strength in the chorus. Natalie Shay is a critically acclaimed and award-winning pop artist from North London who is known for her incredible live performances and incredibly catchy and relatable ballads. In her time at the BRIT School, Shay perfected her craft of writing and producing music. It is safe to say that her hard work paid off because you can definitely hear her musical talent on this track. If you want to hear a different side of Shay, listen to “everything’s been happening.” The song views romance in a different light compared to “The Edge.” Instead of being happy that the relationship has ended, Shay is struggling to move forward and sings out her negative emotions. Whether you're feeling good or bad, Natalie has a song that you can relate to. She has an upcoming headline show in London on March 3rd 2023 at Omeara, so check out her socials below for more details! Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW NATALIE SHAY

photo credits: Billboard/getty images I’ve been a major fan of Lady Gaga since I was 8 years old. Ever since I heard Poker Face for the first time on my Maw Maws living room TV I was obsessed with her sound and her vibe. Everything she does presents me with a whirlwind of emotions. From her incredible stage designs and her experiments with fashion to the unique sounds of her music, Gaga blends the worlds of standard pop music with the weird and eccentric cultures of raves and underground dance clubs. Her artistry has always been near and dear to my heart. Though every performance she has ever done has been phenomenal, these ten are the pinnacle of who Lady Gaga is as an artist. 10. Muppets Venus Performance This is the DEFINITION of camp. The Muppets add a certain flavor to this song that is just amazing. The Muppet band Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem are acting as her backup band in this performance. Watching Animal beat on drums while Lady Gaga dances around in an oversized wig with bare feet is an unforgettable experience. Gaga is so consistent with the way she presents her over-the-top and strange stage sets and costumes. However, in this performance, the Muppets are the strange stage set. Yet, somehow, they fit in perfectly with the theme. Never once do you question why the Muppets are there, they just are and it's accepted instantly. Gaga has this cool vibe about her entire performance that adds to this insane experience. It’s just intoxicating. You can see how much fun everyone is having with this whole experience. 9. Grammys 2022 This is a perfect example of not only the growth Gaga has had in her career but also the powerhouse that is her voice. She is always showing us how strong her vocal abilities are but in this performance, it's intense. Her ability to make dynamic changes from nasally tones to full ones is amazing Her voice lends itself so well to the energy of this genre. Her versatility with her performances and voice goes unmatched. Her presence on this stage is so captivating. I genuinely cried while watching her belt out these classics. The tribute to her friend Tony Bennett is such a beautiful one and it just shows how timeless and talented Lady Gaga truly is. 8. Graham Norton Judas Performance This performance is so raunchy and cool. Judas has some of the best choreography Gaga has done. Talk show performances are rarely taken as seriously as this one. Gaga puts on an unforgettable show with both Judas and Born This Way. During her performance of Born This Way, she climbs into a vat of glue-like substance with her dancers and splashes around while maintaining those signature vocals we all know and love. Nothing quite like it has been brought to a talk show stage like this. 7. Brit Awards 2010 Here she performs a beautiful acoustic version of her hit song Telephone . She plays piano so passionately with an elaborate costume wrapping her and her stark white piano. This version of Telephone was so unexpected and truly set her apart from any other artist at this time. A truly brilliant way to show her vocal abilities so early in her career. No one knew what to expect from such a wild card performer and that was made even more clear in this performance when she made the sudden switch from piano acoustics to electronic performance. Blending classical and electronica was so strange at the time but for Gaga it came so naturally. 6. 2016 Academy Awards Til It Happens To You WONDERFUL PERFORMANCE! Though Gaga is known for her over-the-top and dramatic performances, she replaces the theatrics for a tear-jerking tribute. At the 88th annual Academy Awards, she did something so powerful that it brought the nation to its knees. Performing her song Til It Happens To You, she brought over 50 sexual assault survivors to the stage. She wanted to dedicate her performance to survivors. To give them the recognition they deserve. She wrote this powerful ballad for the documentary hunting ground. The documentary focuses on campus sexual assaults. Gaga uses her moment to highlight the strength these survivors have. This performance was powerful and emotional. 5. La Vie En Rose (Tony Bennett 90th Birthday Celebration) Gaga loves showing off her knowledge of the French language. In this show, she gives her all to this song. Singing as if there's not a single person in the room but her and her dear friend Tony. She is a shining beam of light dazzling everyone who has the chance to watch her perform this song. Her voice meshed so well with the gentle Jazz piano and it was unlike anything else. Her tributes to Tony Bennett are always some of her best performances. She truly loves that man and gives her all anytime she gets to express her love through song to and for him. 4. Joe Calderone VMA 2011 This is performance was a cultural rest. When everyone heard Gaga was performing for the VMAs once again we all were expecting something similar to her 2009 performance. We instead got introduced to her ex-boyfriend and alter ego Joe Calderone. This performance is amazing in the fact that it brings together Gaga's love for theater and acting with her musical performance. The monologue that comes before the actual performance showcases her talents. She speaks about herself in such a way that you almost start to forget you are listening to Gaga herself. Joe then goes to play the piano and brings a raunchy rockstar vibe to the incredibly iconic VMA stage. Joe splashing beer everywhere and smoking cigarettes while giving a monologue about how Gaga is on and off stage isn't even the end. To top off this absurd scene of rock and roll antics; the guitarist of Queen is featured in this! Brian May comes out and shreds on guitar while Joe slams on piano. This performance is etched in my brain and it's criminal that it isn’t recognized. 3. VMA 2013 Applause Artpop is often ignored by the masses. I can't for the life of me understand why. I firmly believe this was one of her best eras. She puts her all into every visual of this album and creates a whole world her fans can live in through her art. this performance is only an aspect of this world she built. She uses every second she is allotted to cycle through her previous eras. She does this by switching rapidly through various costumes and wigs. Attributing this cycle to the love of applause she is singing for. During these quick changes, she is maintaining her amazing vocals and keeps up with her fast-paced choreography. Once she finally emerges with her final outfit she is fitted in an Aphrodite-inspired outfit. Dawning massive hair and a seashell bikini. This is the climax she was building up to. A goddess-like feeling she receives from the sound of applause. The thought that is put into this performance is absolutely incredible and extremely fun to watch. 2. Super Bowl Half Time Show Everyone brings their A-game to the super bowl halftime show. We all know about the iconic Prince performance and the scandalous Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson performances. But people rarely talk about this one. Lady Gaga brought all types of theatrics and acrobatics to this stage. She began with a homage to the country. Standing on top of the stadium belting a beautiful rendition of God Bless America and This Land is Your Land. She then leaps off the stadium and is shown propelling down while performing some of her top hits. That's just the beginning. This stunt, combined with some of her best vocals and dance routines, lead to some of her best work overall on stage. At this point, she was pretty seasoned as a pop star. She has solidified herself as someone who goes big and stays big with her performances and she doesn’t stray away from that idea whatsoever. 1. Paparazzi VMA 2009 This was, no exaggeration, LIFE CHANGING. Lady Gaga brought to the stage something no one had ever seen before. The drama, the horror, and the story all changed the way we see, and even interact, with art today. Fame can be all-consuming and monstrous. Having her background dancers (her fans) string her up and leave her hanging was intense and the best way for her to show the fear and excitement that comes along with massive success. Gaga was only 23 when she created such a masterpiece. She left a mark on VMA history that could never be erased. She has continued to bring this level of artistry to the VMA stage every single year she has performed. This was a testament to who she is as an artist and what we, the audience, were in for while watching her grow into her fame. She was still relatively new to being a star and yet the story she told through this performance will certainly outlive her. It is rooted in history. Do you agree with this list? What’s your favorite Gaga performance? We want to hear your thoughts! Follow us on our socials to tell us your opinion! Written By Kaiana Lee Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.