From performing the Oscar-nominated “Till It Happens to You” at the 2016 Academy Awards and feting The Sound of Music via a medley at the previous year’s ceremony, Lady Gaga is no stranger to the Oscars. But 2019 is something special: Not only is she nominated for best original song for “Shallow,” but she’s up for best actress for her performance in A Star Is Born.
At Sunday (Feb. 24) night’s ceremony, Gaga and her ASIB co-star and director Bradley Cooper took the stage to duet on “Shallow,” a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 that’s given us countless memes thanks to Gaga’s soul-shaking, wordless bellow at the climax.
Seated in the front row as the opening acoustic chords rang out, Gaga and Cooper ascended the stairs and placed themselves at a radiant Steinway piano. They performed the song without breaking eye contact, which was especially impressive considering that Gaga was playing piano throughout.
Gaga’s pipes were in full force at the 2019 Academy Awards, and while Cooper acquitted himself nicely, she stole the show when she plumbed the depths of that money note.
At the very end of the duet, Cooper joined Gaga behind the piano to sing the final chorus into one microphone.
Watch the full performance below.