Like she did two years ago, Lady Gaga opened the 2013 MTV VMAs tonight (Aug. 25), only she left her alter ego Jo Calderone at home. It was all Gaga as she took the stage to perform her new single. She was met with a round of boos (likely intentional and for effect) and then she brought the 'Applause' herself. She also changed costumes five times live.

To start, Mommy Monster was wearing a white gown with a square headpiece that made her look like some weird, warped weird version of the Flying Nun. There was also crazy in her eyes, which we LURVED!

Gaga ditched the boring white attire in favor of a sparkly black catsuit and a black cap atop her head.

She then donned a shimmery blue two piece, paired with a blonde bob, a look that recalled her early 'The Fame' days. Her dancers helped her change her outfits mid-perf, so they pulled double duty as dancers and costumers. They were a full service dance crew.

Mama Monster then rocked a lemon yellow wig, another look we've seen before. She showed this style during 'The Fame Monster' period. Her face was smeared with makeup, similar to the 'Applause' album art. So Gaga past and present combined in one look.

For her final costume change, Gaga was cloaked in only a white, g-string bikini with a tumble of long, brown Godiva-like waves!

So that was five outfits in five minutes. No one does it like Gaga.

It was better than we imagined and hoped.

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