Entertainment

Proof That "Applause" Is Just Like "Born This Way"

by Kate Ward

The good news? The release of Lady Gaga's "Applause" music video marked the return of the pop star we knew and loved. The bad news? The release of Lady Gaga's "Applause" music video marked the return of the pop star we knew and loved.

Because, while no doubt entertaining enough to earn our applause, the new video for the single — the first off of Nov. 11's ARTPOP — looked familiar. Not necessarily a terrible thing when it comes to a chart-topping artist, but when that chart-topping artist is Lady Gaga — a singer who prides herself on reinvention — it's no doubt disappointing. And while "Applause" featured some looks we have yet to see from Gaga (oh, hello there black swan!), the result still mimicked the title track off her last album, Born This Way.

Granted, we understand why Gaga would choose to channel her previous hit — after a hip injury took her out of commission for months, the singer was driven to appease her fans more than ever. What better way to ensure they aren't disappointed by delivering something similar to a track that defines Gaga's Little Monsters?

Don't believe the videos look similar? Here are just some of the ways that "Applause" looked like an update of "Born This Way." (And watch both videos below.)

"Applause"

"Born This Way"

When the track begins to play in both of Gaga's music videos, the singer — clad in underwear — prepares herself by going on all fours.

"Applause"

"Applause"

"Born This Way"

Combine Gaga's crazy make-up with her colorful wig in "Applause," and you get Gaga's skeleton look in "Born This Way." (Plus, are those bones she's wearing in "Applause"?)

"Applause"

"Born This Way"

Writhing in your underwear against a monochromatic backdrop? Check.

"Applause"

"Born This Way"

Backed by a small pack of dancers? Double check.

"Applause"

"Born This Way"

True, Gaga flew in some new material for her "Applause" swan look, but it still featured a disembodied Gaga head, as seen in "Born This Way."

"Applause"

"Born This Way"

For both videos, Gaga kept her hands very much to herself.

"Applause"

"Born This Way"

Clearly, these two purple-hued creatures — the one colorful highlight to both music videos — came from the same Mother Monster.

"Applause"

"Born This Way"

And, finally, both music videos end with a runway full of smoke and glitter. Still, "Applause" is no doubt an entertaining music video — should we penalize the video for having the same DNA as "Born This Way"?