"A Very Gaga Holiday" is a live EP released by American singer Lady Gaga on November 22, 2011. The EP features performances from Gaga's ABC holiday special, A Very Gaga Thanksgiving, which aired on November 24, 2011. It includes jazz covers of classic songs such as "Orange Colored Sky" and "White Christmas," along with acoustic renditions of her own hits "You and I" and "The Edge of Glory." The release also features Gaga's signature conversational style, with the singer often pausing midway through the songs to share personal anecdotes and background stories with her audience.
The live performances featured on the EP were recorded during the taping of A Very Gaga Thanksgiving at The Convent of the Sacred Heart in New York City. Gaga had previously covered "Orange Colored Sky" at a surprise appearance at The Oak Room in 2010, and the song became part of her regular setlist, even including trumpet guest performances by Brian Newman. She also performed "White Christmas" during the special, adding her own twist with a second verse, which she explained was to extend the song, which she felt was "too short." This added verse features Gaga describing a snowman and Santa Claus, ending with a humorous acknowledgment of the lack of snow outside.
The four tracks that made it onto the EP were all performed live during the special, which aired as a one-hour television event. The songs were made available for download on the iTunes Store and Amazon starting November 22, 2011, with a global release on iTunes four days later.
"Orange Colored Sky" is a jazz standard performed with a lively, big-band arrangement that highlights Gaga's vocal ability. The track features her playful, dynamic vocal delivery with Brian Newman's trumpet adding a jazzy flair. Gaga's version of "White Christmas" is a jazzy rendition where she adds her signature style. About halfway through, she pauses to introduce an additional verse about a snowman and Santa Claus, calling the original song "too short." Her vocals are sultry and relaxed, emphasizing the jazz feel of the song.
The acoustic version of "You and I," originally from her Born This Way album, strips away the lavish production of the original in favor of a minimalist piano and trumpet arrangement. Gaga often shouts "America!" during the performance, infusing the track with her distinctive energy and personality. For the acoustic version of "The Edge of Glory," Gaga dedicates the song to her late grandfather, explaining how the song was written in his memory. The performance is emotionally charged, with Gaga pausing after the first chorus to tell a story about Italian cookies, connecting with her audience in a deeply personal way.
The EP received mixed reviews from music critics. Some praised the jazzy covers of "Orange Colored Sky" and "White Christmas," while others felt the release was more of a novelty than a substantial addition to her discography. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic noted that "White Christmas" and "Orange Colored Sky" were standout moments on the EP. Despite the mixed reception, A Very Gaga Holiday charted in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and France. The single "White Christmas" also gained attention, charting in Belgium, Japan, and the UK.
While A Very Gaga Holiday was not a major commercial release, it demonstrated Gaga's versatility as an artist and her ability to reinterpret classic songs in her own style. The EP also marked another moment in her ongoing relationship with her fans, as the personal stories and casual moments between songs gave listeners a deeper connection to the artist behind the persona.
The EP reflects Gaga's broader exploration of different musical genres and her playful, engaging stage presence. Though it wasn’t as heavily promoted as some of her other releases, it added a unique, festive touch to her discography, showing a more intimate side of the artist during the holiday season.
