The Year of Lady Gaga continued at the 88th annual Academy Awards on Sunday night.
Coming off an incredible Star-Spangled Banner performance at the Super Bowl, which preceded a memorable tribute to David Bowie at the Grammys, the artist took to the stage at the Oscars to sing "Til It Happens to You."
The track is from The Hunting Ground and it may have failed to win Best Song at the ceremony, but it succeeded in sending a powerful message.
First, Gaga was introduced by Vice President Joe Biden, who said the following to those in attendance and those watching at home:
“Tonight, I’m asking you to join millions of Americans including me, President Obama, the thousands of students I’ve met on college campuses and the artists here tonight to take the pledge.
"The pledge says I will intervene in situations where consent has not or can not be given. Let’s change the culture, we must and we can change the culture."
Gaga then performed the moving ballad while dressed in all white and sitting at a piano, often growing emotional while belting out lyrics about how no one understands sexual assault… until it happens to you.
She is sadly one of several celebrities who has been raped.
Toward to the end of this rendition, Gaga was joined on stage by other women who have suffered through this horrible ordeal, as they surrounded the singer and had message scrawled on their arms such as "Survivor" and "It"s Not Your Fault."
The women raised their hands as one when the performance ended, leading to a standing ovation and many people crying in the audience.
Watch for yourself:
