Lewis Capaldi has built his reputation on powerhouse vocals and raw, heartfelt performances, but his recent appearance on BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge may have set a new standard. The Scottish singer-songwriter took on “Shallow”—the Oscar-winning ballad made famous by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in A Star Is Born—and the result was nothing short of breathtaking.
Capaldi stripped the track back to its emotional core, delivering the verses with his signature raspy tenderness before launching into the soaring choruses with unflinching intensity. Backed only by piano and subtle strings, his rendition highlighted the song’s vulnerability and longing, making the performance feel as if it were being sung to each listener individually.
For fans watching live, the cover was already a standout moment. But what truly sent the internet into overdrive was Lady Gaga’s reaction. Within hours of the performance going viral, Gaga herself took to social media to praise Capaldi’s version. Sharing a clip of the performance, she wrote: “This moved me so much. What a beautiful soul and an incredible voice. Thank you, Lewis, for giving ‘Shallow’ new life.”
The message quickly spread across platforms, with fans celebrating the crossover between two of music’s most beloved voices. Many called it “the collaboration the world didn’t know it needed,” while others urged the pair to record a duet together.
Capaldi, never one to shy away from humor, responded in his usual self-deprecating style during a follow-up interview. “Lady Gaga saying anything nice about me is mad enough,” he joked. “I’d retire today if it meant I could keep that tweet forever.” Still, he admitted he was deeply touched by her words, calling her “one of the greatest artists of all time.”
Critics were equally impressed, with several outlets noting how Capaldi managed to honor the original while making the song entirely his own. Where Gaga and Cooper’s rendition is steeped in cinematic intimacy, Capaldi’s version leaned into his raw, unpolished delivery—transforming “Shallow” into a confession as much as a performance.
The cover comes at a time when Capaldi is continuing to cement his reputation as one of the most emotionally resonant performers in contemporary pop. His ability to reinterpret iconic songs while maintaining his authenticity has become a hallmark of his artistry. Fans were quick to point out that the Live Lounge performance echoed the vulnerability he brought to his own hits, like “Someone You Loved” and “Wish You the Best.”
As for Lady Gaga, her public reaction underscored the mutual respect between two artists from different musical worlds who share one thing in common: a gift for turning emotion into unforgettable music. Whether this will lead to an actual collaboration remains to be seen, but for now, fans are content replaying the Live Lounge session—and Gaga’s heartfelt response—on repeat.
One thing is clear: Lewis Capaldi didn’t just cover “Shallow.” He made it his own, and in doing so, earned the admiration of the very artist who brought it to life.
