Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper delivered a performance at the 2019 Oscars that left audiences captivated, with body language expert Judi James describing it as 'notably intimate and passionate'. The pair performed their hit song 'Shallow' from the film 'A Star Is Born' at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, earning a standing ovation and widespread praise on social media.
According to James, the duo's on-stage chemistry was carefully crafted. As the song progressed, Cooper moved closer to Gaga, turning his torso towards her and inclining his head. Gaga responded with a subtle backward head tilt, almost resting her head on his shoulder, and a smile that suggested she was 'purring like a cat'. The pair maintained softened eye contact, with Gaga pouting her lips at Cooper while he placed one hand around her waist and the other on her arm.
Despite the passionate display, James emphasised that the performance was strictly professional, as both stars are in relationships with other people. Gaga had been dating Christian Carino since 2017 (though reports of a split have emerged), while Cooper has been with Irina Shayk since 2015, and the couple welcomed their first child in March 2017.
James noted that the actors 'role-played their on-screen passion for the close-up camera', with Cooper in particular showing a 'pained by love' expression that could have been due to reaching for high notes. After the song ended, they stayed in character rather than breaking apart, demonstrating their professionalism. The performance went viral and became one of the most memorable moments of the night.
