Lady Gaga went makeup-free for her Oscars performance so 'people can see the real her'

Oscars executive producer reveals Lady Gaga decided to go makeup free during her performance to show people the ‘real’ her.

Yesterday (March 13), the musician stunned viewers with a performance of the Oscar-nominated song ‘Hold My Hand’ from Top Gun: Maverick.

And while we’ve seen Gaga rock everything from a muppet gown to a meat dress and entering the Grammys red carpet in an eggshell, the artist decided to strip it back to basics.

Despite the ‘Applause’ singer initially turning down the gig due to scheduling conflicts with the Joker sequel Folie à Deux, she managed to make it after all.

First, she walked the red carpet in a stunning black Versace gown but then graced the stage in ripped pants, a dark tee and no makeup.

Valerie Goodloe/Media Punch/Alamy Live News

Executive producer Ricky Kirshner, who worked with Gaga during her Super Bowl halftime show, revealed that she wanted to ‘shake things up' for her set, as per PEOPLE.

"..Thursday, at four-something, we got a text that she wanted to try something, didn't have time to put together a big performance," Kirshner recalled.

"But wanted it to be raw and people to see the real Gaga, and, with a voice like that, you don't need much more than that."

Before the Star is Born actor belted out the ballad during the awards ceremony, she told the crowd that the song is ‘deeply personal’ to her,

She told the star-studded audience: "It's deeply personal for me.

"I think that we all need each other. We need a lot of love to walk through this life. We all need a hero sometimes — there's heroes all around us in unassuming places. But, you might find that you could be your own hero even if you feel broken inside."

And like many of Gaga’s performances, it was a tour de force.

One person wrote on Twitter: “Everyone expected a big production but lady gaga has once again proven that all she needs is her talent to stand out. all the glam being stripped away just an intimate performance with her voice.”

Another commented: “LADY GAGA! Holy s**t! She wiped her makeup off, changed into ripped jeans and converse, and gave the best performance of the Oscars.

“When she ripped her earpiece out and went for it —— I am dead.”

While a third marvelled: “I wonder how many people in the audience envied Lady Gaga for taking all the makeup, drip, and excess off for the performance and being so comfortable on stage.”