Don’t Call My Name: Lady Gaga Performs “Alejandro” on American Idol

by Bradley Stern
filed under: Lady Gaga

And so, on this Holy night of Cinco de Mayo, the performance of Lady Gaga‘s next single, “Alejandro” hath cometh.

Honestly, I think I loved the idea of this performance so much more than the actual execution. The stage design and choreography were immense, moody and gorgeous. Loved the Gothic-meets-Latin imagery. Loved the smoke. Loved the fact that the outfit was (for once) almost understated.

But where was Gaga? Her body was moving on stage, her voice (somewhat) delivered, but the spark remained noticeably unlit. It almost evoked memories of the Britney performance from the 2007 VMAs, no?

The thing is, Gaga’s been performing and touring for nearly three years straight now. Like…in a row. The bitch doesn’t stop, and it’s become increasingly exhausting to even watch her perform–let alone to imagine maintaining her lifestyle.

Whether it be a case of world weariness, exhaustion, or a little bit of both, Gaga was simply not present in this performance tonight.

Slow down, Gaga…slow down.

EDIT: Well, we all know by now that the performance shown on Idol was actually watered down from a six-minute production. While I can’t say that it’s entirely redeeming, it’s always important to watch a show as originally intended.

Click here to download the entire, unedited performance from iTunes.

pixel Dont Call My Name: Lady Gaga Performs Alejandro on American Idol

  • http://www.freshyesh.com Shan

    I agree, all the elements seemed to be there but the delivery was lacking.

  • http://www.teentoday.co.uk/ Oliver Meakings

    Sad to say I totally agree. It was flat and the blame can’t solely lie on the admittedly rather major sound and camera direction.

  • popmuse

    I hate it when you talk “bad” about gaga, then you love her again… You remind me of that fat thing PEREZ. I think she did a great job. BRAVISIMO!

  • ERIC

    Honestly, the bitch isn’t god. People need to stop bowing down to her and realize she’s on the same level as every other mainstream artist. She fucks up too.
    I can’t wait til the next big thing comes and shadows her for awhile.

  • http://justinyourmind.com Justin

    Here’s what I’m sick of – the continued need to prove that she can play piano. WE GET IT ALREADY! The overdramatic intros and then the skipping back in the middle of the bridge to tinker around for 15 seconds is so pointless. We all know she’s got the talent, to your point – can’t she just give it a rest? Also, I’m getting tired of all the shit she’s putting on. Maybe she’s just doing all this and pissing everyone off to a point where when she does strip this all away (which I’ve said she will do all along), she’ll be able to just be a talented woman without all the artifice.

  • Rob

    American Idol cut her performance and Lady Gaga tweeted a link to an uncut performance which is amazing. http://chainsawedit.com/qt/935A_Lady_Gaga_Perf.mov The difference is evident.

  • http://Karenkittycatclaws@yahoo.com Anonymous

    Well i loved it be i didnt really see lady gaga because i was way to busy looking at all the hot guys behind her! Dam when they guys started dancing with each other and touching each other i almost scarem i loved it!

  • Sylfi

    I think she needs to take a break from touring after this one. Maybe even wait until next year to release the album. She’s working herself way to hard. As other people said, all the elements were there, but she felt like she just wanted to get through it. Although, the sound and camera direction (or lack thereof) didn’t help at all.

  • Sylfi

    P.S. I found the full version on Youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boICyNiHml0 I watched it again, and with the whole thing, she seemed a lot more into it. Either that, or I just love it when she plays piano. :D

  • http://replacementdogbedcovers.com Omar Disla

    I sincerely adore Lady Gaga with her unusual costumes nevertheless she really let herself down this time going out in see through underwear.

  • http://www.5min.com/Category/Food Shonta Romance

    I’d have to give green light with you one this subject. Which is not something I typically do! I love reading a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to speak my mind!