Videos: Watch Lady Gaga’s stunning, bare-bones performances

All she needs is a microphone and piano.

Christian Augustin

Lady Gaga performs during the Bambi Awards in Germany.

Lady Gaga has been a polarizing figure since she hit the spotlight. Her fans follow her in complete adoration as their “Mother Monster,” while her detractors have no qualms bashing her, mainly because of her eccentricity and style. But one thing is hard to deny, Lady Gaga is talented.

I wasn’t always a fan of Lady Gaga. I still remember the first time I saw her perform and thought I was looking at just another overly-produced pop star lacking in the “talent department.” But a few weeks later, I saw an acoustic performance of Gaga’s "Poker Face" (below), and realized that this girl could really sing and play the piano. I still consider myself a big fan of her music, her writing, her theatricality, the way she deals with fame, and her efforts in empowering youth through her Born This Way Foundation.

So, as a treat for Little Monsters everywhere and those willing to see past the theatrics of Gaga, here are my top 5 Lady Gaga stripped-down performances.

Lady Gaga - "Poker Face"