What Happens in One Last Time: An Evening with Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga?
The complete story of One Last Time: An Evening with Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, from the first scene to the last, in 301 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
The special begins with Lady Gaga taking the stage in a dramatic crystal and feathered dress. She opens the show with a performance of “Luck Be a Lady,” inviting the audience to join in celebrating the 95th birthday of Tony Bennett. She follows this with “Orange Colored Sky,” a meaningful choice as it was the song Bennett first heard her sing when they met.
Changing into a black, French maid-inspired cocktail dress, Lady Gaga performs “Let’s Do It” from their Love for Sale album. She discusses how Cole Porter served as a long-time inspiration for her, transitioning the song from a soft piano piece into a rousing version. To conclude her solo set, she dons a top hat and performs the classic “New York, New York” while encouraging the crowd to make Bennett laugh.
Following a curtain drop, Tony Bennett makes his appearance, leaning on the piano of his musical director, Lee Musiker. He delivers a series of solo performances, including “Watch What Happens,” “Steppin’ Out with My Baby,” and a quiet, jazz-inspired rendition of “Fly Me to the Moon,” each earning a standing ovation.
The two icons reunite on stage for a celebratory performance of “Happy Birthday.” They continue their set with several duets, including their first recorded collaboration, “The Lady Is a Tramp,” as well as “Love for Sale” and “Anything Goes.” After Bennett closes the night with his signature song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” Gaga returns for a heartfelt farewell:
“Tony, we’re all so grateful to have witnessed your talent, your generosity, your creativity, and your kindness, and your service throughout all these years. Mr. Bennett, it would be my honor to escort you off the stage.”
The event concludes with the two artists slowly exiting the stage together as the band plays them off.
One Last Time: An Evening with Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
16 key events in the order they happen, from “Gaga Opens the Show” to “A Grateful Farewell”.
- 1
Gaga Opens the Show
Lady Gaga takes the stage wearing a striking dress that is half crystal-embellished and half feathered, complete with a dramatic slit. She kicks off the special with a performance of "Luck Be a Lady", setting an elegant tone for the evening.
- 2
Celebrating Bennett's 95th Birthday
Early in the set, Gaga enlists the entire audience in celebrating Tony Bennett's 95th birthday. The crowd joins in the tribute, turning the opening moments of the show into a heartfelt birthday celebration.
- 3
"Orange Colored Sky"
Gaga performs "Orange Colored Sky", a song with special meaning for the duo. Bennett first heard her sing it on the very day the two of them met, making the performance a touching nod to the origin of their friendship.
- 4
A French Maid-Inspired Costume Change
Gaga switches into a shiny, black "French maid-inspired cocktail" dress for the next portion of her set. The sleek new look signals a shift in mood as she moves toward the Cole Porter-inspired part of the evening.
- 5
"Let's Do It" from Love for Sale
Performing "Let's Do It" from the duo's Cole Porter-tribute album Love for Sale, Gaga recounts how Porter was a longtime inspiration for her. The song begins as a soft, piano-driven rendition before building into a rousing version that energizes the crowd.
- 6
"New York, New York"
Before her final solo number, Gaga encourages the audience to make Bennett smile and laugh. She then dons a top hat and delivers a spirited performance of "New York, New York", closing out her solo set in style.
- 7
Bennett Takes the Stage
After a curtain drop, Tony Bennett makes his appearance, leaning on the piano of his musical director Lee Musiker. His arrival marks the start of his solo segment, and the audience greets the legendary singer with enthusiasm.
- 8
"Watch What Happens"
Bennett opens his solo set with "Watch What Happens", performing beside Musiker's piano. The number showcases his enduring voice and is warmly received by the audience.
- 9
"Steppin' Out with My Baby"
Continuing his solo segment, Bennett performs "Steppin' Out with My Baby". The classic number keeps the momentum going and further demonstrates his lasting vocal talent.
- 10
"Fly Me to the Moon"
Bennett's next number is a quiet rendition of "Fly Me to the Moon", accented by jazz guitar plucking. Like all of his solo performances, the tender song ends with the audience rising in a standing ovation.
Show the other 6 events of One Last Time: An Evening with Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga Hide the last 6 events
- 11
"Happy Birthday" Serenade
Gaga rejoins Bennett on stage wearing a gold sequin frock with a matching capelet. Together with the audience, she sings "Happy Birthday" to him, giving the celebration from the top of the show a deeply personal payoff.
- 12
"The Lady Is a Tramp"
The duo performs "The Lady Is a Tramp", the first song they ever recorded together as a duet back in 2011. Revisiting the track highlights more than a decade of musical partnership between the two artists.
- 13
"Love for Sale"
Gaga and Bennett return to the Cole Porter songbook with a performance of "Love for Sale". The title track from their tribute album gives the pair another chance to honor the legendary composer's work.
- 14
"Anything Goes"
The pair continues their Cole Porter tribute with "Anything Goes". The duet keeps the classic songbook celebration going, filling the night with timeless standards.
- 15
"I Left My Heart in San Francisco"
Bennett closes out the special with his signature song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco". The beloved standard serves as a fitting finale for one of the most celebrated singers of his generation.
- 16
A Grateful Farewell
Gaga returns to the stage to address Bennett directly, expressing gratitude for his talent, generosity, creativity, kindness, and years of service, and says it would be her honor to escort him off the stage. The two slowly leave together as Bennett waves goodbye to the audience and the band plays them off.
Quiz
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