Watch Lady Gaga’s Oscars performance of Hold My Hand

Lady Gaga really knows how to make a statement. Whether she’s championing the arts or just writing a deeply moving song, Gaga gives it her all. During her performance of “Hold My Hand” during the 95th Annual Academy Awards, the singer did just that.

The entertainer was not originally scheduled to perform, reportedly due to her busy schedule for the joker Continuing, Gaga surprised contestants in more ways than one. However, after walking the red carpet in a stunning low-waisted Versace gown, Gaga changed into something more comfortable and removed her makeup as she took the stage.

As the singer began the stripped-down performance of the track, she began with, “I think we all need each other, we need a lot of love to get through this life. And we all need a hero sometimes. All around us are heroes in humble places. But you may find that you can be our own hero even when you’re broken inside.”

Check out her full performance below.

When the camera panned out, the background screen showed an in memoriam message: “In memory of Tony Scott.” Scott was the director of the original top gun Movie released in 1986. The late director took his own life in August 2012.

When the song was released, Gaga took to Instagram to chronicle the creative process, writing, “When I was writing this song for Top Gun: Maverick, I didn’t even realize the many layers he was layering over the heart of the film, my own.” Psyche, strained, and the nature of the world in which we live.”

He adds: “I’ve been working on it for years, perfecting it and trying to make it ours. I wanted to make music for a song where we share our deep need to be understood and try to understand each other – a longing for closeness when we feel so far apart and an ability to celebrate life’s heroes .”