Bad Romance#Cover versions

File:RedOne 2017 press image.jpg (pictured in 2017) co-wrote and co-produced the song with Gaga.|alt=RedOne in all-black jacket, t-shirt, and ripped trousers]]

Lady Gaga and RedOne wrote, produced and arranged "Bad Romance"; they were also responsible for background vocals. RedOne solely handled instrumentation, programming and recording. He worked with Johny Severin on vocal editing, and Dave Russell and Eelco Bakker on audio engineering. The song was mixed by Spike Stent and mastered by Gene Grimaldi. "Bad Romance" was recorded at the Record Plant in Los Angeles and FC Walvisch in Amsterdam.{{cite AV media notes|author=Lady Gaga|title=The Fame Monster|year=2009|type=Liner Notes [CD, Vinyl]|publisher=Interscope Records|id=0602527252766}}

Before its official release, a demo version was published illegally on the internet on October 2, 2009, prompting Gaga to comment via Twitter that it "is makin[g] my ears bleed. Wait till you hear the real version."{{cite news |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=October 2, 2009 |title=New Lady Gaga Track 'Bad Romance' Leaks |publisher=MTV News |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1622947/20091002/lady_gaga.jhtml |url-status=dead |access-date=October 20, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091005081708/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1622947/20091002/lady_gaga.jhtml |archive-date=October 5, 2009}} Gaga performed a snippet of "Bad Romance" on Saturday Night Live on October 3, 2009, along with "Poker Face" and "LoveGame".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/lady-gaga-readies-new-single-for-snl-the-fame-re-release-20090929|title=Lady Gaga Readies New Single for SNL, The Fame Re-Release|date=September 29, 2009|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|magazine=Rolling Stone|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170608203837/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/lady-gaga-readies-new-single-for-snl-the-fame-re-release-20090929|archive-date=June 8, 2017}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/lady-gaga-fights-madonna-debuts-bad-romance-on-saturday-night-live-20091005|title=Lady Gaga Fights Madonna, Debuts 'Bad Romance' on Saturday Night Live|last=Pickman|first=Jonathan|date=October 5, 2009|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=October 7, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111014230354/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/lady-gaga-fights-madonna-debuts-bad-romance-on-saturday-night-live-20091005|archive-date=October 14, 2011}} The song's final version premiered during the finale of Alexander McQueen's 2010 Paris Fashion Week show titled Plato's Atlantis,{{sfn|Gray|Rutnam|2014|p=47}} which was his last work before his death a few months later.{{cite news |last2=Sonne |first1=Christina |last1=Passariello |first2=Paul |title=A Fashion Star Leaves the Stage |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703382904575059800459654826 |access-date=July 31, 2022 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=February 12, 2010 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=July 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731101414/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703382904575059800459654826 |url-status=live }} {{subscription required}} On October 19, "Bad Romance" was released as the lead single from the extended play (EP) The Fame Monster (2009), the reissue of Gaga's debut studio album, The Fame (2008).{{cite web |date=October 19, 2009 |title=Ooh-La-La! Lady Gaga's 'Bad Romance' |url=http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2009/10/ooh-la-la_lady_gagas_bad_romance_new_single.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100227103338/http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2009/10/ooh-la-la_lady_gagas_bad_romance_new_single.php |archive-date=February 27, 2010 |access-date=July 22, 2010 |work=Extra}}{{cite news |last1=Linder |first1=Brian |title=Lady Gaga – The Fame Monster Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/11/23/lady-gaga-the-fame-monster-review |access-date=June 13, 2022 |work=IGN |date=November 23, 2009 |archive-date=June 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613200628/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/11/23/lady-gaga-the-fame-monster-review |url-status=live }}

"Bad Romance" was one of the songs Gaga wrote in 2009 while touring. These songs were about the various abstract "monsters"—metaphors for her paranoias—she faced during the tour.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/lady-gaga-explores-seamy-side-of-fame-on-monster-re-release-20091009|title=Lady Gaga Explores Seamy Side of Fame on 'Monster' Re-Release|date=October 11, 2009|access-date=September 1, 2013|magazine=Rolling Stone|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202084703/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/lady-gaga-explores-seamy-side-of-fame-on-monster-re-release-20091009|archive-date=February 2, 2013}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/jun/11/lady-gaga-bad-romance|title=Lady Gaga writes 'Bad Romance' on the bus|date=June 11, 2011|access-date=September 1, 2013|last=Robinson|first=Peter|work=The Guardian|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030001128/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/jun/11/lady-gaga-bad-romance|archive-date=October 30, 2013}} Gaga explained that she generally felt lonely in her relationships and was attracted to unhealthy romances, which became the song's themes.{{cite magazine |last=Robinson |first=Lisa |date=September 2010 |title=Lady Gaga On Sex, Fame, Drugs, and Her Fans |magazine=Vanity Fair |page=34 |issn=0733-8899}} Gaga wrote the lyrics in Norway on her tour bus. She elaborated on the writing process in an interview with Grazia:

I was in Russia, then Germany, and spent a lot of time in Eastern Europe. There is this amazing German house-techno music, so I wanted to make a pop experimental record. I kind of wanted to leave the '80s a little bit, so the chorus is a '90s melody, which is what the inspiration was. There was certainly some whisky involved in the writing of the record. It's about being in love with your best friend.{{cite journal|last=Bryant|first=Ali|date=January 15, 2010|title=Going Ga-Ga|journal=Grazia|volume=2|issue=10|pages=56–58}}

{{Listen

| filename = Lady Gaga - Bad Romance.ogg

| title = "Bad Romance"

| description = A 30-second sample of the song where Gaga sings the latter part of the chorus leading up to the hook in the refrain

| pos = right

}}

"Bad Romance" is an electropop and dance-pop song with house, new wave and techno influences.{{cite web|last=Cragg|first=Michael|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2016/sep/14/lady-gaga-10-of-the-best|title=Lady Gaga – 10 of the best|work=The Guardian|date=September 14, 2016|access-date=July 19, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706162946/https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2016/sep/14/lady-gaga-10-of-the-best|archive-date=July 6, 2017}} Sociologist Mathieu Deflem recognized rock influences in the song.{{sfn|Deflem|2017|p=195}} BBC critic Paul Lester noted rave-inspired synthesizer sounds in the song.{{cite news |last=Lester |first=Paul |date=November 20, 2009 |title=Lady Gaga: The Fame Monster Review |publisher=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/fbd3 |url-status=live |access-date=November 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091126170527/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/fbd3 |archive-date=November 26, 2009}} Musicnotes published this song in common time with a tempo of 119 beats per minute in the key of A minor. Gaga's vocal range spans from the low-note of E₃ to the high-note of C₅. The song follows in the chord progression of Am–C–F–Am-C–G in the verses and F–G–Am–C–F–G–E–Am in the chorus.{{cite web|url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0080511|access-date=September 16, 2013|title=Digital Sheet Music – Lady Gaga – Bad Romance|date=January 8, 2010|publisher=Musicnotes.com. Sony/ATV Music Publishing|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224084249/http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0080511|archive-date=December 24, 2013}}

Describing Gaga's voice in "Bad Romance", Deflem wrote that it is "at times raw and raspy, not soft and smooth, and incorporates the contrast of gentle and harsh vocal styles, alternating singing softly with screaming loudly".{{sfn|Deflem|2017|p=195}} The song opens as Gaga sings a portion of the chorus, then transitions into the "Rah-rah—ah-ah-ah, Roma-roma-ma, Gaga-ooh-la-la" hook, which she says is an abbreviation of the word "romance".{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5Cfi7U4eL4|title=Lady Gaga Carpool Karaoke|date=October 26, 2016|access-date=October 26, 2016|via=YouTube|publisher=The Late Late Show with James Corden|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026163523/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5Cfi7U4eL4|archive-date=October 26, 2016|time=3:02}} The song then incorporates keyboard sounds. They are followed by the first verse and the pre-chorus as Gaga voices the lines, "You know that I want you / And you know that I need you". The "full-throated" chorus follows, where she sings, "You and me could write a bad romance ... / Caught in a bad romance."

File:Hitchcock, Alfred 02.jpg (pictured).|alt=Alfred Hitchcock looking to the camera]]

Critics noted the influence of others songs and artists on "Bad Romance". Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine noticed influences from 1980s music.{{cite news|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/oldurlredirect.php?type=music&ID=1929|title=Lady Gaga: The Fame Monster|last=Cinquemani|first=Sal|date=November 18, 2009|work=Slant Magazine|access-date=November 19, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606092751/http://www.slantmagazine.com/oldurlredirect.php?type=music&ID=1929|archive-date=June 6, 2011}} Simon Price from The Independent and Daniel Brockman of The Phoenix compared the song to works of the groups Boney M. and Depeche Mode, respectively.{{cite news |last=Brockman |first=Daniel |date=December 16, 2009 |title=Lady Gaga; The Fame Monster |work=The Phoenix |url=http://thephoenix.com/boston/music/94419-lady-gaga-the-fame-monster/ |url-status=dead |access-date=July 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103073156/http://thephoenix.com/boston/music/94419-lady-gaga-the-fame-monster/ |archive-date=November 3, 2012}} In the verse, "I want your psycho, your vertigo shtick, Want you in my Rear Window, Baby, you're sick", Gaga is listing Alfred Hitchcock films. She said, "What I'm really trying to say is I want the deepest, darkest, sickest parts of you that you are afraid to share with anyone because I love you that much."{{cite news |last=Anitai |first=Tamar |date=November 2, 2009 |title=Lady Gaga On MTV's 'It's On With Alexa Chung' |publisher=MTV News |url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2009/11/03/lady-gaga-on-mtvs-its-on-with-alexa-chung-see-the-photos-and-watch-the-interviews |url-status=dead |access-date=November 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091104210058/http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2009/11/03/lady-gaga-on-mtvs-its-on-with-alexa-chung-see-the-photos-and-watch-the-interviews/ |archive-date=November 4, 2009}} Price stated that the line "I want your ugly, I want your disease" established the grim tone of The Fame Monster.{{cite news |last=Price |first=Simon |date=November 22, 2009 |title=Album: Lady Gaga, The Fame Monster (Polydor) |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-lady-gaga-the-fame-monster-polydor-1825787.html |url-status=live |access-date=November 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124085219/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-lady-gaga-the-fame-monster-polydor-1825787.html |archive-date=November 24, 2009 |author-link=Simon Price}}

The lyrics address a bad relationship;{{cite magazine |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=October 2, 2009 |title=Is Lady Gaga's 'Bad Romance' Bound for SNL? New Track Hits the Web |magazine=Rolling Stone |volume=1095 |issue=9 |issn=0035-791X}} the Boston Public Health Commission included "Bad Romance" in its "Top 10 List of Songs with Unhealthy Relationship Ingredients".{{cite news |last=Contreras |first=Russel |date=December 12, 2009 |title=Boston teen panel: Lady Gaga, Jamie Foxx songs unhealthy |work=USA Today |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2009-12-01-gaga-unhealthy-songs_N.htm |access-date=December 29, 2009 |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716111836/http://musique.fnac.com/a2798015/Lady-Gaga-Bad-romance-CD-single?Fr=0&To=0&Nu=1&from=1&Mn=-1&Ra=-28 |url-status=live }} For Brockman, the song is a declaration of "liberation from a significant other". Explaining its title, author Robin James in the book Resilience & Melancholy: Pop Music, Feminism, Neoliberalism wrote it does not romanticize "bad" things but is only "pointing out the badness of conventionally-scripted pop song 'romance' itself".{{sfn|James|2015|p=140}}

Katrin Horn, a postdoctoral fellow in American studies, found that "Bad Romance" works on two levels. As gay and lesbian youth account for a large proportion of Gaga's fans, the line "I don't wanna be friends"—which explores the issue of falling in love with one's heterosexual best friend—resonates with them. On the other hand, the song thematizes Gaga's "bad romance" with fame and fortune. Horn interpreted the part "all your lovers' revenge" as Gaga referencing her fans' previous idols, and in the line "I want your love", she is seeking applause from her fans when performing live.{{sfn|Horn|2017|p=238}}

"Bad Romance" received widespread critical acclaim.{{Cite news |last=Ang |first=Angelica |date=November 23, 2024 |title=Viral hit Apt. performed live for first time: 10 other earworms to add to your playlist |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/life/viral-hit-apt-performed-live-for-first-time-10-other-earworms-to-add-to-your-playlist |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250211232525/https://www.straitstimes.com/life/viral-hit-apt-performed-live-for-first-time-10-other-earworms-to-add-to-your-playlist |archive-date=February 11, 2025 |access-date=March 12, 2025 |work=The Straits Times}} It was named the best song on The Fame Monster by Maureen Lee Lanker of Entertainment Weekly.{{cite magazine |last1=Lenker |first1=Maureen Lee |last2=Jones |first2=Marcus |last3=Lamphier |first3=Jason |title=The best song from every Lady Gaga album |url=https://ew.com/music/lady-gaga-best-song-every-album/?slide=9d864edb-1a02-4de4-a91d-e09332fc5169#9d864edb-1a02-4de4-a91d-e09332fc5169 |access-date=August 31, 2022 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=September 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831194816/https://ew.com/music/lady-gaga-best-song-every-album/?slide=9d864edb-1a02-4de4-a91d-e09332fc5169 |archive-date=August 31, 2022 |language=en}} It was included in lists of best songs of 2009 by Pitchfork—which called it "epic in construction"—MTV News and Rolling Stone.{{cite web|last=|first=|date=December 15, 2009|title=The Top 100 Tracks of 2009|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7742-the-top-100-tracks-of-2009/7/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091218112807/http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7742-the-top-100-tracks-of-2009/7/|archive-date=December 18, 2009|access-date=December 16, 2009|work=Pitchfork}}{{cite web |last1=Montgomery |first1=James |title=The Best Songs Of 2009, In 'Bigger Than The Sound' |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/79vyqv/the-best-songs-of-2009-in-bigger-than-the-sound |publisher=MTV News |access-date=August 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805154034/https://www.mtv.com/news/79vyqv/the-best-songs-of-2009-in-bigger-than-the-sound |archive-date=August 5, 2022 |date=December 8, 2009}}{{cite magazine|title=The Best 25 Songs Of 2009|date=December 31, 2009|magazine=Rolling Stone|issn=0035-791X|volume=1098|issue=98}} Calling it one of the "most memorable pop singles" of the late 2000s, NME credits the song with establishing Gaga as an icon.{{cite news |last1=Hunt |first1=El |date=October 23, 2019 |title=Lady Gaga's 'Bad Romance' at 10 – how the surreal single shook the pop landscape |work=NME |url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/lady-gagas-bad-romance-changed-pop-2560244 |url-status=live |access-date=April 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331190212/https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/lady-gagas-bad-romance-changed-pop-2560244 |archive-date=March 31, 2022}} In his review of the album, Scott Plagenhoef of Pitchfork found it "arguably the best pop single" of 2009.{{cite news |last1=Plagenhoef |first1=Scott |title=Lady Gaga: The Fame Monster |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13823-the-fame-monster/ |access-date=August 5, 2022 |work=Pitchfork |date=January 13, 2010 |archive-date=February 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214143551/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13823-the-fame-monster/ |url-status=live }}

"Bad Romance" was praised for its chorus, beat and hook. Kaufman lauded the drastic transition into a bombastic beat during the chorus, which was called catchy by Rolling Stone{{'s}} Jody Rosen,{{cite magazine |last1=Rosen |first1=Jody |date=May 28, 2011 |title=The Ultimate Ranking of Lady Gaga's Catalogue |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-ultimate-ranking-of-lady-gagas-catalog-20110525/bad-romance-19691231 |url-status=live |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110528114408/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-ultimate-ranking-of-lady-gagas-catalog-20110525/bad-romance-19691231 |archive-date=May 28, 2011 |access-date=May 28, 2011}} one of Gaga's best by

MusicOMH{{'s}} Michael Hubbard{{cite web |last=Hubbard |first=Michael |date=November 23, 2009 |title=Lady Gaga: The Fame Monster, track-by-track |url=http://blog.musicomh.com/musicomh/2009/11/lady-gaga-the-fame-monster-trackbytrack.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124075400/http://blog.musicomh.com/musicomh/2009/11/lady-gaga-the-fame-monster-trackbytrack.html |archive-date=November 24, 2009 |access-date=November 24, 2009 |publisher=MusicOMH}} and "so wonderfully big it dwarfs the industry of a million angry dudes with guitars" by NME{{'s}} Emily Mackay.{{cite news |last1=Mackay |first1=Emily |title=Album review: Lady Gaga – The Fame Monster (Polydor) |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-lady-gaga-10984-316246 |access-date=August 5, 2022 |work=NME |date=December 3, 2009 |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027233009/https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-lady-gaga-10984-316246 |url-status=live }} Christopher John Farley from The Wall Street Journal praised the "Jabberwockian" catchiness of the hook.{{cite news |last=Farley |first=Christopher John |author-link=Christopher John Farley|date=November 11, 2009 |title=Lady Gaga: 'Bad Romance' Plus Crowns, Kinkiness and Choreography |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-SEB-13562/ |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319194641/https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-SEB-13562/ |archive-date=March 19, 2022}} {{subscription required}} Other reviewers commented on the song's sex appeal,{{cite magazine |last=Herrera |first=Monica |date=November 13, 2009 |title=New Releases: Lady Gaga 'Bad Romance' |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/review/1070610/lady-gaga-bad-romance |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501175935/http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/1070610/lady-gaga-bad-romance |archive-date=May 1, 2013 |access-date=November 30, 2009}} praised it for making Gaga's name a "Teutonic chant",{{cite magazine |last=Dolan |first=Jon |date=November 23, 2009 |title=Lady Gaga: The Fame Monster Review |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/reviews/album/2746/20576 |url-status=dead |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100607132637/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/reviews/album/2746/20576 |archive-date=June 7, 2010 |access-date=November 23, 2009}} and called it a "turbocharged Euro-soul"{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/11/album-review-lady-gagas-the-fame-monster.html|title=Album review: Lady Gaga's The Fame Monster|last=Wood|first=Mikael|date=November 23, 2009|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=November 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091126030807/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/11/album-review-lady-gagas-the-fame-monster.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 26, 2009}} and a club-friendly tune that possessed a "sordid underbelly".{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2009-11-24-listen24_ST2_N.htm|title=Lady Gaga's Fame Monster is so cool, it's cold|last=Gunderson|first=Edna|author-link=Edna Gundersen|date=November 23, 2009|work=USA Today|access-date=November 24, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091127074140/http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2009-11-24-listen24_ST2_N.htm|archive-date=November 27, 2009}}

"Bad Romance" was compared to Gaga's previous singles (including "Just Dance" and "Poker Face") by reviewers, with the criticism that it was not on par with them and lacked their instant catch.{{cite news |last1=Levine |first1=Nick |title=Lady GaGa: The Fame Monster |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/album-reviews/a187843/lady-gaga-the-fame-monster/ |access-date=August 5, 2022 |work=Digital Spy |date=November 21, 2009 |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922174500/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/album-reviews/a187843/lady-gaga-the-fame-monster/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Sawdey |first1=Evan |title=Lady Gaga: The Fame Monster |url=https://www.popmatters.com/116603-lady-gaga-the-fame-monster-2496131191.html |work=PopMatters |access-date=August 5, 2022 |date=November 22, 2009 |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207080120/https://www.popmatters.com/116603-lady-gaga-the-fame-monster-2496131191.html |url-status=live }} Critics compared Gaga to other artists. Kitty Empire of The Guardian wrote "Bad Romance" made "this driven, uncharismatic Italian-American being [Gaga] the new Madonna",{{cite news |last=Empire |first=Kitty |date=November 22, 2009 |title=Lady Gaga: The Fame Monster |newspaper=The Guardian |author-link=Kitty Empire |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/nov/22/lady-gaga-the-fame-monster |url-status=live |access-date=November 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220032734/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/nov/22/lady-gaga-the-fame-monster |archive-date=December 20, 2013}} and Spin{{'s}} Josh Modell thought that with its "earworm nonsense lyric ('[r]a-ra-a-a-a, ra-ma, uh-uh-ah!')", the song "plays like the best Madonna song in ages".{{cite web|url=http://www.spin.com/2009/11/lady-gaga-fame-monster-cherrytreeinterscope/|title=Lady Gaga, The Fame Monster (Cherrytree/Interscope)|last=Modell|first=Josh|date=November 30, 2009|access-date=February 21, 2011|work=Spin|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103104531/http://www.spin.com/2009/11/lady-gaga-fame-monster-cherrytreeinterscope/|archive-date=January 3, 2022}} Jon Blistein from L Magazine believed it is an amalgamation of a Cher song, "faux-European accented verse" and "bland spoken-word bridge".{{cite journal |last=Blistein |first=Jon |date=November 25, 2009 |title=Monster of Pop? |url=http://www.thelmagazine.com/newyork/monster-of-pop/Content?oid=1409855 |url-status=live |journal=L Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930111715/http://www.thelmagazine.com/newyork/monster-of-pop/Content?oid=1409855 |archive-date=September 30, 2011 |access-date=December 31, 2010}}

In the US, "Bad Romance" debuted at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 on November 14, 2009, with 143,000{{nbsp}}digital downloads.{{cite magazine |last=Pietroluongo |first=Silvio |date=November 5, 2009 |title=DeRulo Tops Hot 100 But Swift Swoops In |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/derulo-tops-hot-100-but-swift-swoops-in-with-record-breaking-debut-sum-266815/ |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524094311/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266815/derulo-tops-hot-100-but-swift-swoops-in-with-record-breaking-debut-sum |archive-date=May 24, 2013 |access-date=November 5, 2009}} After two weeks, the song reached number two, holding the spot for seven non-consecutive weeks. It was barred from the top position by Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" (featuring Alicia Keys) and later Kesha's "Tik Tok" (both 2009). The movement to number two was first prompted by a 49% digital gain, which led to the song's top spot on the Hot Digital Songs chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266591/empire-entrenched-at-no-1-on-billboard-hot-100|title='Empire' Entrenched At No. 1 On Billboard Hot 100|last=Pietrolungo|first=Silvio|date=November 26, 2009|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 30, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524085527/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266591/empire-entrenched-at-no-1-on-billboard-hot-100|archive-date=May 24, 2013}} As of February 2019, "Bad Romance" has sold 5.9 million copies in the US, according to Nielsen Soundscan,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/lady-gaga-sales-streams-ariana-grande-ask-billboard/|title=Ask Billboard: Lady Gaga's Career Sales & Streams; Ariana Grande Takes '7' to 1|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=February 10, 2019|access-date=February 11, 2019|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=February 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190210184426/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8497475/lady-gaga-sales-streams-ariana-grande-ask-billboard|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}} {{subscription required}} making Gaga the second artist after Katy Perry to have three singles—along with "Just Dance" and "Poker Face"—each sell five million digital copies.{{cite web|url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-dec-4-2011-songs-katy-goes-020228383.html|title=Week Ending Dec. 4, 2011. Songs: Katy Goes On Sale|last=Grein|first=Paul|date=December 7, 2011|publisher=Yahoo! Music|access-date=December 13, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121142825/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-dec-4-2011-songs-katy-goes-020228383.html|archive-date=January 21, 2012}} After the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) started including video streams in their tabulation of the single certifications, "Bad Romance" was certified 11× platinum for 11{{nbsp}}million in sales and streaming.{{cite web|url=http://riaa.org/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&title=Bad%20Romance&perPage=25|title=RIAA – Gold & Platinum – Lady Gaga |publisher=Recording Industry Association of America|accessdate=2010-04-03}} According to Nielsen Broadcast Data Systems, it briefly set the record for most weekly plays in the 17-year history of the Pop Songs chart, registering 10,859{{nbsp}}plays from 130{{nbsp}}radio stations monitored for the chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/959706/lady-gaga-sets-latest-chart-record|title=Lady Gaga Sets Latest Chart Record|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=January 19, 2010|magazine=Billboard|access-date=January 21, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216055118/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/959706/lady-gaga-sets-latest-chart-record|archive-date=February 16, 2013}} Following Gaga's Super Bowl LI halftime show performance in 2017, "Bad Romance" re-entered the Hot 100 at number 50 and Digital Song Sales at number 9.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7686444/hot-100-ed-sheeran-shape-of-you-lady-gaga-million-reasons|title=Ed Sheeran's 'Shape' Tops Hot 100, Lady Gaga's 'Reasons' Returns at No. 4|magazine=Billboard|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=February 13, 2017|access-date=February 14, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213221900/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7686444/hot-100-ed-sheeran-shape-of-you-lady-gaga-million-reasons|archive-date=February 13, 2017|url-access=subscription}} {{subscription required}} On the Canadian Hot 100, "Bad Romance" debuted at number 58,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2009-11-07|title=Billboard Canadian Hot 100: Week of November 7, 2009|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 23, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224230038/http://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2009-11-07|archive-date=December 24, 2016}} and reached number one the following week.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2009-11-14|title=Billboard Canadian Hot 100: Week of November 14, 2009|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 23, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224231927/http://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2009-11-14|archive-date=December 24, 2016}} Replaced by "Tik Tok" for two weeks, "Bad Romance" returned to the top spot on the chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2009-12-05|title=Billboard Canadian Hot 100: Week of December 5, 2009|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 1, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712195448/http://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2009-12-05|archive-date=July 12, 2015}} Music Canada certified "Bad Romance" Diamond, denoting sales of 800,000{{Nbsp}}copies.

On the European Hot 100 Singles chart, "Bad Romance" spent two weeks at number one. It topped the charts in Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Sweden and Norway. In the UK, "Bad Romance" debuted at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20091101/7501/|title=Official Singles Chart Top 100|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=November 1–7, 2009|access-date=December 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170605214620/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20091101/7501/|archive-date=June 5, 2017}} In December 2009, the song reached the top spot with 72,919{{nbsp}}copies sold,{{cite web|url=http://www.musicweek.com/section.asp?navcode=228|title='Bad Romance' at number one|work=Music Week|date=December 14, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091216150603/http://www.musicweek.com/section.asp?navcode=228|archive-date=December 16, 2009|access-date=December 23, 2016}} making Gaga the first female artist to have three number-one singles in one year.{{efn|Gaga previously reached the top position with her singles "Just Dance" and "Poker Face" in 2009.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/artists/lady-gaga/news/170445-lady-gaga-scores-third-uk-number-1-single|title=Lady GaGa Scores Third UK Number 1 Single|publisher=MTV UK|date=December 14, 2009|access-date=July 22, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100126033331/http://www.mtv.co.uk/artists/lady-gaga/news/170445-lady-gaga-scores-third-uk-number-1-single|archive-date=January 26, 2010}}}} It attained multi-platinum certification by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). According to the British company Phonographic Performance Limited, the song was the UK's most played in 2010.{{cite news |last1=Corner |first1=Lewis |title=Lady GaGa 'Bad Romance' most played song in 2010 |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a323835/lady-gaga-bad-romance-most-played-song-in-2010/ |access-date=April 18, 2022 |work=Digital Spy |date=June 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418100008/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a323835/lady-gaga-bad-romance-most-played-song-in-2010/ |archive-date=April 18, 2022}} As of February{{nbsp}}2025, "Bad Romance" has sold 2.2{{nbsp}}million copies with 145{{nbsp}}million streams, making it Gaga's third best selling single in the UK.{{cite web |author1=George Griffiths |title=Lady Gaga's Official Top 40 biggest songs in the UK |website=Official Charts |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/lady-gagas-top-40-biggest-songs-on-the-official-uk-chart__29864/ |access-date=7 February 2025}}{{Cite web |last1=Griffiths |first1=George |title=Lady Gaga's Official Top 40 biggest songs in the UK |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/lady-gagas-top-40-biggest-songs-on-the-official-uk-chart__29864/ |access-date=July 25, 2022 |publisher=Official Charts Company |date=July 13, 2022 |archive-date=May 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529145041/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/lady-gagas-top-40-biggest-songs-on-the-official-uk-chart__29864/ |url-status=live }}

"Bad Romance" debuted at number 16 on the ARIA Singles Chart in Australia and at number 33 on the RIANZ Singles Chart in New Zealand, before peaking at number two in both countries. The song was certified eleven times platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association for shipment of 770,000{{nbsp}}copies. The song sold 9.7 million copies worldwide in 2010—making it the second best-selling of the year{{cite web|url=http://www.ifpi.com/content/section_resources/dmr2011.html|title=IFPI publishes Digital Music Report 2011|date=January 20, 2011|access-date=January 20, 2011|publisher=International Federation of the Phonographic Industry|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011144923/http://www.ifpi.com/content/section_resources/dmr2011.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 11, 2011}}—and 12{{nbsp}}million as of 2018, becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time.{{sfn|Deflem|2017|p=54}}{{cite news |title=Lady Gaga: her top 10 songs, ranked |url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/lady-gaga-top-10-songs-ranked-2385667 |access-date=April 18, 2022 |work=NME |date=October 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201101412/https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/lady-gaga-top-10-songs-ranked-2385667 |archive-date=February 1, 2022}}

File:SDCC 2015 - Francis Lawrence (19469985269) (cropped).jpg (pictured in 2015) directed the music video.|alt=Lawrence speaking on a mic]]

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Gaga confirmed Francis Lawrence as the director of the music video and said that she was impressed with the final version. She explained, "I knew [Lawrence's] ability as a director is so much higher than what I could [do]."{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1625848/lady-gaga-says-bad-romance-video-is-about-tough-female-spirit/|title=Lady Gaga Says 'Bad Romance' Video Is About 'Tough Female Spirit'|publisher=MTV News|date=November 9, 2009|access-date=May 21, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522071343/http://www.mtv.com/news/1625848/lady-gaga-says-bad-romance-video-is-about-tough-female-spirit/|archive-date=May 22, 2014}} Her creative team Haus of Gaga managed the art direction,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/inside-the-monster-ball-lady-gaga-reveals-plans-for-ambitious-new-tour-96836/|title=Inside The Monster Ball: Lady Gaga Reveals Plans for Ambitious New Tour|last=Hiatt|first=Brian|date=October 21, 2009|access-date=October 21, 2009|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301165852/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/inside-the-monster-ball-lady-gaga-reveals-plans-for-ambitious-new-tour-96836/|archive-date=March 1, 2022}} and the final video premiered on November 10, 2009. Gaga described her experience of working with Lawrence:

I wanted somebody with a tremendous understanding of how to make a pop video, because my biggest challenge working with directors is that I am the director and I write the treatments and I get the fashion and I decide what it's about and it's very hard to find directors that will relinquish any sort of input from the artist ... But Francis and I worked together ... It was collaborative. He's a really pop video director and a filmmaker ... I knew he could execute the video in a way that I could give him all my weirdest, most psychotic ideas ... But it would come across to and be relevant to the public.

Gaga and Lawrence developed the music video's concept. It was initially planned to be shot in New York City, with more elaborate sets and outdoor space. Owing to the low budget and a lack of product placement, this idea was scrapped. Because of Gaga's schedule, it was shot in Los Angeles over a two-day period. Lawrence was impressed with Gaga's work ethic and creativity during the video shoot; he praised her teamwork, punctuality and spontaneity.{{cite web|last1=Rosenberg|first1=Adam|title=Lady Gaga's 'Bad Romance' Director Recalls Video's 'Explosion'|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1647757/lady-gagas-bad-romance-director-recalls-videos-explosion/|date=September 13, 2010|publisher=MTV News|access-date=April 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713164245/http://www.mtv.com/news/1647757/lady-gagas-bad-romance-director-recalls-videos-explosion/|archive-date=July 13, 2017}}

File:Gagabadromancevideo.jpg. The white latex suits in the video were inspired by the wolf costume from the film Where the Wild Things Are.{{cite news|url=https://www.popmatters.com/116144-lady-gagas-bad-romance-video-wtf-2496125606.html|title=Lady Gaga's 'Bad Romance' Video: WTF?|work=PopMatters|first=Evan|last=Sawdey|date=November 12, 2009|access-date=April 18, 2022|archive-date=April 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418105123/https://www.popmatters.com/116144-lady-gagas-bad-romance-video-wtf-2496125606.html|url-status=live}}|alt=Gaga and six backup dancers wearing white latex suits with knee-high boots and moving their arms.]]

The video's main idea is that Gaga gets kidnapped by supermodels who drug her and sell her to the Russian mafia for a million rubles. It takes place in a fluorescent white bathhouse.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1625978/20091110/lady_gaga.jhtml|title=Lady Gaga Fans React To 'Bad Romance' Video|last=Dinh|first=James|date=November 11, 2009|publisher=MTV News|access-date=November 11, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091114060711/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1625978/20091110/lady_gaga.jhtml|archive-date=November 14, 2009}} The video begins as Gaga, wearing razor-blade glasses, sits on a white throne in a brightly lit white room while Johann Sebastian Bach's fugue BWV 869 (from The Well-Tempered Clavier Book 2) is playing in the background. As she plays "Bad Romance" on an iPod speaker, a dimly-lit bathhouse is shown, which has a sign reading "Bath Haus of GaGa" on its walls. As the song's first hook begins, Gaga and other women in latex suits crawl out of white, coffin-like pods, and begin dancing. A pastiche of ensuing scenes alternates between Gaga singing to herself in front of a mirror and lying in a bathtub.

During the chorus, two women pull Gaga out of the bathtub, rip her top clothing off and force her to drink a glass of vodka. As the second verse begins, Gaga, wearing a diamond-covered outfit and crown, seductively dances for men bidding for her. She performs a lap dance for one of them (played by Slovenian model Jurij Bradač),{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.si/novice/jurij-bradac-in-lady-gaga|title=Jurij Bradač in Lady Gaga|date=November 11, 2009|language=sl|publisher=MTV News|access-date=February 26, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100330051448/http://www.mtv.si/novice/jurij-bradac-in-lady-gaga|archive-date=March 30, 2010|trans-title=Jurij Bradač and Lady Gaga}} who becomes her highest bidder. When the chorus plays for the third time, Gaga is shown wearing a faux-polar bear hide jacket and walking toward the man, who is sitting on a bed and unbuttoning his shirt. Looking indifferent, she removes her jacket and sunglasses. The bed spontaneously combusts while he is still sitting on it, and Gaga sings sinisterly in front of the flames. The video ends as she lies beside a smoldering skeleton on top of the destroyed bed covered in ashes. With soot smeared across her body, she calmly smokes a cigarette as her pyrotechnic bra activates.

The video received general acclaim for its fashion, choreography, futuristic set-piece and costumes.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:{{sfn|Herbert|2010|p=215}}{{cite news |last1=Freeman |first1=Jon |title=The 100 Greatest Music Videos |url=https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-music-videos-28407/lady-gaga-bad-romance-28476/ |access-date=July 31, 2022 |work=Rolling Stone Australia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802164741/https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-music-videos-28407/lady-gaga-bad-romance-28476/|archive-date=August 2, 2022| date=August 3, 2021 |language=en-AU }}}} Gaga, described by Christopher John Farley of The Wall Street Journal as "one of the few pop stars of the present time who really understood spectacle, fashion, shock, choreography" like Madonna and Michael Jackson in the 1980s, was particularly praised by Jennifer Cady of E! for revitalizing performance art and putting thoughts and care into her products;{{cite news |last=Cady |first=Jennifer |date=November 11, 2009 |title=Lady Gaga Brings the Crazy in 'Bad Romance' Video |publisher=E! |url=http://uk.eonline.com/uberblog/b153038_lady_gaga_brings_crazy_in_bad_romance.html |url-status=live |access-date=November 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091112114128/http://uk.eonline.com/uberblog/b153038_lady_gaga_brings_crazy_in_bad_romance.html |archive-date=November 12, 2009}} Todd Martens of the Los Angeles Times expressed similar sentiments, believing the video to be "worthy of a feature-length film".{{cite news |last=Martens |first=Todd |date=November 9, 2009 |title=You want this drama: Lady Gaga's 'Bad Romance' video |work=Los Angeles Times |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/11/you-want-this-drama-lady-gagas-bad-romance-video.html |url-status=live |access-date=November 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429095924/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/11/you-want-this-drama-lady-gagas-bad-romance-video.html |archive-date=April 29, 2012}} Critics positively commented on her looks, as they found her minimal use of make-up and the appearance of a "stripped down" and "real" Gaga refreshing.{{cite magazine |last=Stack |first=Tim |date=November 11, 2009 |title=Lady Gaga's new 'Bad Romance' video: Her best yet?! |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2009/11/10/lady-gaga-bad-romance-official-video/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091113181540/http://music-mix.ew.com/2009/11/10/lady-gaga-bad-romance-official-video/ |archive-date=November 13, 2009}}{{cite news |last=Lapowsky |first=Issie |date=November 11, 2009 |title=Lady Gaga's on fire in her 'Bad Romance' video – or her man friend is, at any rate |work=New York Daily News |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/lady-gaga-fire-bad-romance-video-man-friend-rate-article-1.414669 |url-status=live |access-date=November 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020115006/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/lady-gaga-fire-bad-romance-video-man-friend-rate-article-1.414669 |archive-date=October 20, 2012}}

Media outlets noted the music video was reminiscent of the film Blade Runner (1982), Anubis Airlines from the television series True Blood (2008–2014), the works of filmmaker Stanley Kubrick and Michael Jackson's Thriller.{{cite magazine |last1=Chan |first1=Tim |last2=Shaffer |first2=Claire |last3=Spanos |first3=Brittany |title=Lady Gaga's 15 Greatest Music Videos |url=https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/lady-gaga-greatest-music-videos-13933 |access-date=April 2, 2022 |magazine=Rolling Stone Australia |date=July 9, 2020 |language=en-AU |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105200115/https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/lady-gaga-greatest-music-videos-13933/ |archive-date=January 5, 2022}}{{cite magazine |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=November 11, 2009 |title=Lady Gaga Premieres 'Bad Romance,' Her Craziest Video Yet |volume=1098 |magazine=Rolling Stone |issue=32 |issn=0035-791X}} The comparison to the lattermost was made because of the scene with the coffin pods, "twitchy [...] dance moves", and zombie-like arm movements. Farley thought the video's shock art resembled Jackson's work during the 1980s. For Evan Sawdey of PopMatters, it remained unclear whether Gaga deliberately paid homage to Thriller or used this as another excuse to wear "the {{sic|mostweirdass}} outfits ever designed by mankind".

Gaga said that the human trafficking in the video is a metaphor for the music industry's treatment of women as a "commodity".{{sfn|Lynch|2012|p=48}} In the book Lady Gaga: Behind the Fame, Emily Herbert drew comparisons between the underlying theme of the video and the theme of The Fame Monster—Gaga's relationship with fame. Herbert wrote, "Was this the price that Gaga had to pay for the fame she so desired? Did she feel as if she'd had to prostitute herself in some way? The themes were all based around sex, decadence, and corruption; alcohol and even cigarettes, twenty-first century society's biggest no-no, were present, and so by implication ... drugs."{{sfn|Herbert|2010|pp=216–217}}

Jocelyn Vena from MTV News and Troy Peterson of Slate believed that the video was symbolic. As it begins with Gaga around people representing her characters from The Fame videos, she is immediately kidnapped, drugged and changed into "the super-sexy, somewhat spooky Fame Monster version". Vena interpreted this as Gaga reinventing her image and being someone who likes to "push the boundaries and explor[e] all manner of sexual proclivities". She felt that the video was a testament to Gaga's brilliance as an artist who uses her videos to visualize the start of her career's next phase.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1625927/20091110/lady_gaga.jhtml|title=Lady Gaga Launches Her Next Phase With Eye-Grabbing 'Bad Romance Video|last=Vena|first=Jocelyn|date=November 11, 2009|publisher=MTV News|access-date=April 2, 2022|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091113084909/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1625927/20091110/lady_gaga.jhtml|archive-date=November 13, 2009}} Peterson found religious symbolism in the video. He believed, for example, that the scenes with Gaga in the bathtub represented baptism and the women with martini were performing communion.{{cite news |last1=Patterson |first1=Troy |title=Notes Toward a Close Reading of the New Lady Gaga Video |url=https://slate.com/culture/2009/11/notes-toward-a-close-reading-of-the-new-lady-gaga-video.html |access-date=April 2, 2022 |work=Slate |date=November 13, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331170616/https://slate.com/culture/2009/11/notes-toward-a-close-reading-of-the-new-lady-gaga-video.html |archive-date=March 31, 2022 |language=en}}

The video's style, fashion and items were subject to analysis. The pair of razor-blade sunglasses that Gaga wore portrayed tough female spirit; she explained, "It's meant to be, 'This is my shield, this is my weapon, this is my inner sense of fame, this is my monster." Author Robin James found Gaga's style in the video to be heavily inspired by goth fashion and aesthetics, including the Victorian-esque furniture and razor-blade eyeglasses. By visualizing "goth monstrosity", Gaga showcases sexual norms and identities to display the struggle she overcomes. For example, the words "Bath Haus of GaGa" in the video allude to English goth band Bauhaus, and her nude scene highlights her thin body's "grotesqueness" and vertebrae, which look like the ridges on a reptile's back.{{sfn|James|2015|pp=137–138}} James associated the "disgusting, distorted, monstrous bodies and movements" with the sexism Gaga faces. She described the video as Gaga's "conquest of the male gaze, the traffic in women and rape culture", which she felt was highlighted in Gaga's "insect" suit with Alexander McQueen's {{convert|12|in|mm|adj=on}} armadillo heels resembling lobster-claws—a reference to a female mantis who cannibalizes her male partner after copulation.{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/2009/11/11/2009-11-11_lady_gagas_on_fire_in_her_bad_romance_video__or_her_dude_is_at_any_rate.html|title=Lady Gaga's on fire in her 'Bad Romance' video|work=New York Daily News|first=Issie|last=Lapowsky|date=November 11, 2009|access-date=November 13, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091114090353/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/2009/11/11/2009-11-11_lady_gagas_on_fire_in_her_bad_romance_video__or_her_dude_is_at_any_rate.html|archive-date=November 14, 2009}}{{sfn|James|2015|p=139}} Mass media theorist Paul Hegarty saw Gaga's use of the heels as a combination of dominance and submission: their height restricts her movement, indicating submissiveness, but her ability to walk in them signifies a subversive dominance.{{sfn|Hegarty|2014|p=87}} In this way, the video "looks at complicity with controls as a way of surmounting them".{{sfn|Hegarty|2014|p=92}}

Critics analyzed the ending scene, in which Gaga defeats the villain. Gaga kills her captor using a sparkling, pyrotechnic bra after having had sex with him. According to Mathieu Deflem, the bra represents Gaga's thoughts on society perceiving female breasts as a "weapon" when they are simply part of a woman's body.{{sfn|Deflem|2017|p=180}} Author Annette Lynch found the bra a symbol for empowerment, writing that Gaga uses her sexuality to defeat the villain.{{sfn|Lynch|2012|pp=49–50}} During this scene, Gaga is seen calmly smoking a cigarette, which to Gilad Padva in the Journal of LGBT Youth indicated that she liked the sexual encounter with her captor, who dies after being exploited by a "voracious" Gaga—an "unruly woman"{{efn|The author cites Kathleen Rowe's Unruly Woman: Gender and Genres of Laughter to define an "unruly woman" as someone who refuses to adhere to her "proper place", assertively expresses her desire and is hated for her independent nature.{{sfn|Padva|2018|p=181}}}} prioritizing her own satisfaction over attempting to please her male partner. Padva found that this comically reversed "hegemonic [hetro]sexuality", where the submissive and exploited is now dominating and exploiting.{{sfn|Padva|2018|p=181}} In the book The Performance Identities of Lady Gaga: Critical Essays, Jennifer M. Santos believed by overpowering her captor, Gaga redefined gender roles and subverted male fantasies of "fetishistic scopophilia" and "sadistic voyeurism" as evident in the scene where Gaga is forced to strip almost naked and dance for her buyers.{{sfn|Santos|2012|p=57}}

{{see also|List of awards and nominations received by Lady Gaga}}

In 2011, "Bad Romance" won the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.{{cite news|url=http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/13/53rd-annual-grammy-awards-the-winners-list/|publisher=CNN|title=53rd annual Grammy awards: The winners list|access-date=January 23, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708172128/http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/13/53rd-annual-grammy-awards-the-winners-list/|archive-date=July 8, 2011}} In 2015, Billboard called the song "the Biggest Hot 100 Hit to Peak at No. 2", describing it as a "modern classic".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/959606/the-biggest-hot-100-hits-to-peak-at-nos-25-1?page=0%2C4|title=The Biggest Hot 100 Hits to Peak at Nos. 25–1|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=January 27, 2015|access-date=January 29, 2015|magazine=Billboard|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131015000/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/959606/the-biggest-hot-100-hits-to-peak-at-nos-25-1?page=0%2C4|archive-date=January 31, 2015}} A 2017 journal published by Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts studying structural patterns in the melodies of earworm songs compiled lists of catchiest tracks from 3,000{{nbsp}}participants, in which "Bad Romance" ranked number one.{{sfn|Jakubowski|Finkel|Stewart|Müllensiefen|2017|pp=122–135}} In 2018 and 2021, Rolling Stone named "Bad Romance" one of the 100 Greatest Songs of the 21st-century and 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, respectively.{{cite magazine |last1=Hoard |first1=Christian |last2=Weingarten |first2=Christopher R. |last3=Dolan |first3=Jon |last4=Leight |first4=Elias |last5=Spanos |first5=Brittany |last6=Exposito |first6=Suzy |last7=Grow |first7=Kory |last8=Grant |first8=Sarah |last9=Vozick-Levinson |first9=Simon |last10=Greene |first10=Andy |last11=Hermes |first11=Will |title=The 100 Greatest Songs of the Century – So Far |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/the-100-greatest-songs-of-the-century-so-far-666874/bad-romance-lady-gaga-667037/ |access-date=9 January 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=28 June 2018 |archive-date=January 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109215229/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/the-100-greatest-songs-of-the-century-so-far-666874/bad-romance-lady-gaga-667037/ |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine|date=September 15, 2021|title=The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-of-all-time-1224767/|access-date=September 15, 2021|magazine=Rolling Stone|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915162053/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-of-all-time-1224767/|archive-date=September 15, 2021}} Billboard listed it as one of the 100 Best Karaoke Songs of All Time in 2022 and 500 Best Pop Songs of All Time in 2023.{{cite magazine |title=The 100 Greatest Karaoke Songs of All Time: Staff List |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-karaoke-songs-all-time/lady-gaga-bad-romance-2009/ |access-date=October 16, 2022 |magazine=Billboard |date=October 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016143533/https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-karaoke-songs-all-time/lady-gaga-bad-romance-2009/ |archive-date=October 16, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Aniftos |first1=Rania |last2=Atkinson |first2=Katie |last3=Bain |first3=Katie |last4=Chan |first4=Anna |last5=Christman |first5=Ed |last6=Dailey |first6=Hannah |last7=Daw |first7=Stephen |last8=Denis |first8=Kyle |last9=DiGiacomo |first9=Frank |last10=Duffy |first10=Thom |last11=Eggertsen |first11=Chris |last12=Fajardo |first12=Ingrid |last13=Flores |first13=Griselda |last14=Glicksman |first14=Josh |last15=Green |first15=Quincy |last16=Grein |first16=Paul |last17=Havens |first17=Lyndsey |last18=Johnston |first18=Rylee |last19=Kaminsky |first19=Becky |last20=Kaufman |first20=Gil |last21=Lamarre |first21=Carl |last22=Leight |first22=Elias |last23=Lipshutz |first23=Jason |last24=Lynch |first24=Joe |last25=Mahar |first25=Meghan |last26=Marshall |first26=Elizabeth Dilts |last27=Milzoff |first27=Rebecca |last28=Mims |first28=Taylor |last29=Mitchell |first29=Gail |last30=Newman |first30=Melinda |last31=Nicholson |first31=Jessica |last32=Pascual |first32=Danielle |last33=Peoples |first33=Glenn |last34=Raygoza |first34=Isabela |last35=Brown |first35=Eric Renner |last36=Robinson |first36=Kristin |last37=Rys |first37=Dan |last38=Schneider |first38=Marc |last39=Unterberger |first39=Andrew |last40=Werthman |first40=Christine |title=The 500 Best Pop Songs: Staff List |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-pop-songs-all-time-hits/100-del-shannon-runaway-2/ |access-date=October 26, 2023 |magazine=Billboard |date=October 19, 2023}}

{{Quote box

| width = 25%

| align = right

| quote = "If there's one song that defines Lady Gaga, it's this one. A highly successful blend of pop and synth maximalism, 'Bad Romance' was a tour de force by all accounts: brilliant lyrics; a shimmery, fashion-forward music video; record-breaking sales; and Lady Gaga's singular voice at its most guttural and raw."

| author = —Britt Julious

| source = Elle (2019){{cite magazine |last1=Julious |first1=Britt |title=Lady Gaga's Outrageous Career in 20 Songs |url=https://www.elle.com/culture/music/g29028/lady-gaga-iconic-songs/ |access-date=April 18, 2022 |magazine=Elle |date=March 5, 2019 |archive-date=April 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417101837/https://www.elle.com/culture/music/g29028/lady-gaga-iconic-songs/ |url-status=live }}

}}

A writer for the Official Charts Company wrote that the song "indisputably turned Gaga from a pop girl of the moment into an undeniable superstar{{nbsp}}[...] A strange and malformed pop song, 'Bad Romance' was the ultimate vessel for Gaga's unlimited and unbridled ambition." Media outlets Rolling Stone, Billboard, The Guardian, The Independent, Vulture, Uproxx and Glamour ranked "Bad Romance" as Gaga's best song.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:{{cite magazine |last=Lipshutz |first=Jason |date=March 28, 2019 |title=Lady Gaga's 15 Best Songs: Critic's Picks |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/lady-gaga-best-songs-7881101/ |magazine=Billboard |accessdate=March 28, 2022 |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328152450/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/lady-gaga-best-songs-7881101/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Cragg |first=Michael |date=April 23, 2020 |title=Lady Gaga's 30 greatest songs – ranked! |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/apr/23/lady-gagas-30-greatest-songs-ranked |work=The Guardian |accessdate=March 28, 2022 |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328152450/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/apr/23/lady-gagas-30-greatest-songs-ranked |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=White |first=Adam |title=Lady Gaga's 84 songs ranked, from 'Born This Way' to 'Rain on Me' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/lady-gaga-best-songs-ranked-list-chromatica-rain-on-me-bad-romance-lyrics-a9536916.html |access-date=August 25, 2022 |work=The Independent |date=May 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706154119/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/lady-gaga-best-songs-ranked-list-chromatica-rain-on-me-bad-romance-lyrics-a9536916.html |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |url-access=registration |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=He |first=Richard S. |date=August 30, 2020 |title=Every Lady Gaga Song, Ranked |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/best-lady-gaga-songs-ranked.html |website=Vulture |accessdate=March 28, 2022 |archive-date=September 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912130347/https://www.vulture.com/article/best-lady-gaga-songs-ranked.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Gracie |first1=Bianca |title=The Best Lady Gaga Songs, Ranked |url=https://uproxx.com/pop/lady-gaga-best-songs-ranked/ |access-date=April 18, 2022 |work=Uproxx |date=May 27, 2021 |archive-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308091749/https://uproxx.com/pop/lady-gaga-best-songs-ranked/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=The 10 Best (and Worst) Lady Gaga Songs of All Time |url=https://www.glamour.com/story/best-and-worst-lady-gaga-songs-of-all-time |access-date=April 18, 2022 |work=Glamour |date=December 31, 2019 |archive-date=January 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130183351/https://www.glamour.com/story/best-and-worst-lady-gaga-songs-of-all-time |url-status=live }}}} For Vulture, it defined the late 2000s and "completed her transformation into a truly fearless, all-encompassing artist". Rolling Stone believed the song epitomized the "essence of Gagaism"{{efn|Described as "a relentlessly catchy chorus and a pummeling club beat power a song that's grand and tawdry and joyful and melancholy"}} and Billboard opined it captured "her grandiose aesthetic, daring songwriting, lyrical flourishes and dramatic vocal flair". According to Uproxx, the song had elements that influenced Gaga's later work—"pure pop melodies, nods to her love for '80s and '90s dance, pop culture references{{nbsp}}[...] a radio-friendly chorus that sticks on the charts like honey, and a hefty dose of 'WTF' weirdness that keeps the singer in her own lane". Author Constantine Chatzipapatheodoridis cited "Bad Romance" as one of the signature songs on The Fame Monster, in which Gaga immersed in "her stylized profile of the 'mad artist{{' "}}, who challenged traditional gender norms and sexuality.{{sfn|Chatzipapatheodoridis|2021|loc=207}}

In May 2010, "Bad Romance" became the first video to reach 200{{nbsp}}million views on YouTube, briefly becoming the most-viewed video there.{{cite news |last1=Wei |first1=Will |title=Lady Gaga's 'Bad Romance' Will Be YouTube's First Video To Hit 200 Million Views |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/lady-gagas-bad-romance-will-be-youtubes-first-video-to-200-million-views-2010-5 |access-date=July 30, 2022 |work=Business Insider |date=May 7, 2010 |archive-date=June 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612012932/https://www.businessinsider.com/lady-gagas-bad-romance-will-be-youtubes-first-video-to-200-million-views-2010-5 |url-status=live }} In January 2019, the video reached 1 billion views.{{cite web |last1=Fernando |first1=Romar |title=Lady Gaga's 'Bad Romance' hits 1 billion views on Youtube |url=https://www.easyrock.com.ph/news/lady-gagas-bad-romance-hits-1-billion-views-youtube/ |publisher=Easy Rock |access-date=July 30, 2022 |date=January 9, 2019 |archive-date=August 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802164743/https://www.easyrock.com.ph/news/lady-gagas-bad-romance-hits-1-billion-views-youtube/ |url-status=live }} It received 10 nominations at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, including Best Art Direction, Best Special Effects and Best Cinematography, winning Video of the Year, Best Female Video, Best Pop Video, Best Dance Video, Best Direction, Best Editing and Best Choreography.{{cite magazine |title=MTV Video Music Awards: The Complete Winners List |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/mtv-video-music-awards-the-complete-winners-list-250381/ |access-date=August 1, 2022 |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=September 13, 2010 |archive-date=June 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608043109/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/mtv-video-music-awards-the-complete-winners-list-250381/ |url-status=live }} It tied with Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer" for the record of most nominations for a single video in the history of the MTV Video Music Award.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/957071/lady-gaga-earns-record-13-mtv-vma-nominations-eminem-nabs-eight|title=Lady Gaga Earns Record 13 MTV VMA Nominations|date=August 4, 2010|access-date=August 4, 2010|magazine=Billboard|last=Herrera|first=Monica|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523101123/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/957071/lady-gaga-earns-record-13-mtv-vma-nominations-eminem-nabs-eight|archive-date=May 23, 2013}} "Bad Romance" received the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video. Time magazine included "Bad Romance" on its list of best music videos since the 1980s. Its author Claire Suddath said that even if Gaga's subsequent videos were more elaborate, "Bad Romance" was Gaga at her best.{{cite magazine |url=https://entertainment.time.com/2011/07/28/the-30-all-time-best-music-videos/slide/lady-gaga-bad-romance-2009/ |title=The 30 All-TIME Best Music Videos – Lady Gaga, 'Bad Romance' (2009) | last=Suddath |first=Claire |date=July 26, 2011 |magazine=Time |access-date=October 19, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129075613/http://entertainment.time.com/2011/07/28/the-30-all-time-best-music-videos/slide/lady-gaga-bad-romance-2009/ |archive-date=January 29, 2012}}

Writing about the impact of Gaga's 2011 song "Born This Way" in the 2010s, Stephen Daw of Billboard called the "Bad Romance" music video a "culture-breaking moment".{{cite magazine |last1=Daw |first1=Stephen |title=Songs That Defined the Decade: Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/lady-gaga-born-this-way-songs-that-defined-the-decade-8544099/ |access-date=June 14, 2022 |magazine=Billboard |date=November 21, 2019 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519173122/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/lady-gaga-born-this-way-songs-that-defined-the-decade-8544099/ |url-status=live }} In 2011, it was voted the best video of the 2000s by readers of Billboard, narrowly beating Britney Spears's "Toxic".{{cite magazine|title=The 10 Best '00s Music Videos: Poll Results|last=Mapes|first=Jillian|date=July 27, 2011|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 27, 2011|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/468680/the-10-best-00s-music-videos-poll-results|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130214064714/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/468680/the-10-best-00s-music-videos-poll-results|archive-date=February 14, 2013}} The magazine ranked it first in its list of 100 greatest music videos of the 21st century and credited it with establishing Gaga's fan base, known as Little Monsters. "It offered a glimpse into an entire cinematic world that thrilled and disturbed in equal measure, expanding the possibilities of what a music video could achieve — and challenging other stars to step their game up at the same time", wrote Billboard in its listing. "With 'Bad Romance,' she took the old standard for great music videos and set it aflame, then got to work building a new one."{{cite magazine |title=The 100 Greatest Music Videos of the 21st Century: Critics' Picks |url=https://www.billboard.com/media/lists/100-greatest-music-videos-of-the-21st-century-8466543/ |access-date=June 14, 2022 |magazine=Billboard |date=July 24, 2018 |archive-date=November 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123225702/https://www.billboard.com/media/lists/100-greatest-music-videos-of-the-21st-century-8466543/ |url-status=live }} In 2021, Rolling Stone Australia listed it as one of the 100 greatest music videos of all time.

{{see also|List of Lady Gaga live performances}}

Gaga first performed "Bad Romance" on Saturday Night Live in October 2009. She wore an outfit called "The Orb". She performed it on the television show Gossip Girl in the episode "The Last Days of Disco Stick",{{cite magazine |last=Futterman |first=Erica |date=November 4, 2009 |title=Exclusive: Behind the Scenes as Lady Gaga Hits Gossip Girl |magazine=Rolling Stone |volume=1099 |issue=43 |issn=0035-791X}} where she wore a {{convert|35|ft|m|adj=on}} long dress.{{cite news |last1=Vena |first1=Jocelyn |last2=Calloway |first2=Sway |date=November 5, 2009 |title=Lady Gaga Describes Her Gossip Girl 'Crazy Performance-Art Piece' |publisher=MTV News |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1625589/20091105/lady_gaga.jhtml |url-status=dead |access-date=November 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091108064821/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1625589/20091105/lady_gaga.jhtml |archive-date=November 8, 2009}} In an interview with MTV, Gaga explained that she did not want the performance to be out of tune with the show's storyline, so she worked with the scriptwriters to incorporate it into the plot. Occurring at a private party arranged by the character Blair Waldorf,{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20421719,00.html|title=First Look: Lady Gaga's Gossip Girl Performance|work=People|date=November 12, 2009|access-date=July 1, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110111140/http://www.people.com/people/article/0%2C%2C20421719%2C00.html|archive-date=November 10, 2010}} the episode features Gaga as she emerges from two giant doors and climbs up a ladder, which symbolizes bad luck.{{cite news |last=Vena |first=Jocelyn |date=November 17, 2009 |title=Lady Gaga Performs 'Bad Romance' in Gossip Girl Cameo |publisher=MTV News |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1626416/20091117/lady_gaga.jhtml |url-status=dead |access-date=November 19, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091120052827/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1626416/20091117/lady_gaga.jhtml |archive-date=November 20, 2009}}

File:The Monster Ball - Bad Romance revamped3.jpg in a mirrored dress and headpiece (2010)|alt=Gaga and her male backup dancers]]

Gaga performed "Bad Romance" at the 2009 American Music Awards. She was dressed in a flesh-colored bodysuit wrapped with white piping and embedded with flashing lights, imitating rib cage and a spine. During her performance, she broke open a glass door with the microphone stand.{{cite news|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2009/11/22/american-music-awards-2009-adam-lambert-lady-gaga-dazzle-jennifer-lopez-performs-new-song-louboutins/|title=American Music Awards 2009: Adam Lambert, Lady Gaga Dazzle|last=Kung|first=Michelle|date=November 22, 2009|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=November 23, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124082554/http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2009/11/22/american-music-awards-2009-adam-lambert-lady-gaga-dazzle-jennifer-lopez-performs-new-song-louboutins/|archive-date=November 24, 2009 |url-access=subscription}} {{subscription required}} Gaga sang the song on television shows, including The Jay Leno Show in November 2009,{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1626952/20091124/lady_gaga.jhtml|title=Lady Gaga Brings S&M 'Bad Romance' to 'Jay Leno Show'|last=Dinh|first=James|date=November 24, 2009|publisher=MTV News|access-date=November 25, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091127002749/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1626952/20091124/lady_gaga.jhtml|archive-date=November 27, 2009}} The Ellen DeGeneres Show in November 2009,{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1627085/20091125/lady_gaga.jhtml|title=Lady Gaga Tells Fans 'It's OK' To Be A Freak|last=Vena|first=Jocelyn|date=November 25, 2009|publisher=MTV News|access-date=November 30, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091201051047/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1627085/20091125/lady_gaga.jhtml|archive-date=December 1, 2009}} The X Factor in December 2009,{{cite news|title=Simon Cowell 'genuinely upset' by Danyl's exit from X Factor|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/film-tv/news/simon-cowell-genuinely-upset-by-danyls-exit-from-x-factor-28505284.html|work=Belfast Telegraph|date=December 7, 2009|access-date=April 6, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406232107/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/film-tv/news/simon-cowell-genuinely-upset-by-danyls-exit-from-x-factor-28505284.html|archive-date=April 6, 2021}} The Oprah Winfrey Show in January 2010,{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1629858/20100115/lady_gaga.jhtml|last=Vena|first=Jocelyn|title=Lady Gaga Pledges Haiti Earthquake-Relief Donation On Oprah|publisher=MTV News|date=January 15, 2010|access-date=September 17, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722083932/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1629858/20100115/lady_gaga.jhtml|archive-date=July 22, 2010}} and Today in July 2010.{{cite magazine |date=July 9, 2010 |title=Lady Gaga Plays Today Show, Announces 'Remix' U.S. Release |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/viral-videos/957464/lady-gaga-plays-today-show-announces-remix-us-release |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524083954/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/viral-videos/957464/lady-gaga-plays-today-show-announces-remix-us-release |archive-date=May 24, 2013 |access-date=September 17, 2010}} In May 2011, she performed it at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Carlisle, Cumbria and Good Morning America.{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a319632/lady-gaga-closes-radio-1s-big-weekend-video.html|title=Lady GaGa closes Radio 1's Big Weekend|last=Sperling|first=Daniel|date=May 16, 2011|access-date=May 16, 2011|work=Digital Spy|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518164920/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a319632/lady-gaga-closes-radio-1s-big-weekend-video.html|archive-date=May 18, 2011}} For the latter, she entered the stage flying on a harness as steam billowed from center-stage. As the song started, she changed to red fishnet stockings with black felt pieces, a red leotard and black lace boots. Katie Kindelan of ABC News commented on Gaga's "trademark outrageous fashion".{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/lady-gaga-makes-zipline-arrival-good-morning-america/story?id=13694695|title=Lady Gaga Wows Crowd, Ziplines onto Good Morning America Concert Stage|last=Marikar|first=Sheila|date=May 27, 2011|access-date=May 27, 2011|page=2|publisher=ABC News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530001502/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/lady-gaga-makes-zipline-arrival-good-morning-america/story?id=13694695|archive-date=May 30, 2011}}

"Bad Romance" was the last song in the set list of Gaga's worldwide concert series, The Monster Ball Tour (2009–2011). On the early version of the show, she wore a 1980s-inspired white power suit with high shoulders and high-waisted pants.{{cite news |last=Stevenson |first=Jane |date=November 29, 2009 |title=Lady Gaga puts on a Monster show |newspaper=Toronto Sun |url=http://www.torontosun.com/entertainment/columnists/jane_stevenson/2009/11/29/11967326-sun.html |url-status=dead |access-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705020653/http://www.torontosun.com/entertainment/columnists/jane_stevenson/2009/11/29/11967326-sun.html |archive-date=July 5, 2017}} In the revamped 2010–2011 shows of the tour, she appeared on stage inside a gyroscope while wearing a mirrored dress and headpiece. Remarking on Gaga's "tremendous ambition and passion for her fans", Diana Benati of The Riverfront Times wrote, "Few people on this little blue marble have the ability or the opportunity to affect so many people on a daily basis. She stole{{nbsp}}[...] hearts".{{cite news |last=Benanti |first=Diana |date=July 18, 2010 |title=Show Review + Photos + Setlist: Lady Gaga Burns Down the Scottrade Center, Saturday, July 17, 2010 |work=The Riverfront Times |url=https://www.riverfronttimes.com/musicblog/2010/07/18/show-review-photos-setlist-lady-gaga-burns-down-the-scottrade-center-saturday-july-17-2010?page=3 |url-status=dead |access-date=February 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310170125/https://www.riverfronttimes.com/musicblog/2010/07/18/show-review-photos-setlist-lady-gaga-burns-down-the-scottrade-center-saturday-july-17-2010?page=3 |archive-date=March 10, 2018}} Gaga emerged from an egg for the performance of "Bad Romance" at the Born This Way Ball (2012–2013).{{cite web|url=https://vancouversun.com/entertainment/music/review-lady-gaga-rules-over-her-little-monsters-in-vancouver|date=January 12, 2013|first=Francois|last=Marchand|title=Review: Lady Gaga rules over her little monsters in Vancouver|work=The Vancouver Sun|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116110339/http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/music/Review%2BLady%2BGaga%2Brules%2Bover%2Blittle%2Bmonsters%2BVancouver/7809844/story.html|archive-date=January 16, 2013|url-status=live}} Miguel Dumaual of ABS-CBNnews.com felt Gaga's performance "suffers from a little too much auto-dancing, -singing, and all-around hip gyrating".{{cite web |last1=Dumaual |first1=Miguel |title=Review: Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way Ball' |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/05/23/12/review-lady-gagas-born-way-ball |publisher=ABS-CBNnews.com |access-date=June 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827132931/https://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/05/23/12/review-lady-gagas-born-way-ball |archive-date=August 27, 2016 |date=May 23, 2012}} Gaga also performed the track on her 2014 ArtRave: The Artpop Ball tour in a rave-inspired outfit.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/lady-gaga-at-verizon-center-a-feel-good-spectacle-of-ear-candy-and-eye-candy/2014/05/12/9337d62a-da1f-11e3-bda1-9b46b2066796_story.html|title=Lady Gaga at Verizon Center: A feel-good spectacle of ear candy and eye candy|newspaper=The Washington Post|first=Chris|last=Richards|date=May 13, 2014|access-date=May 13, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513085011/http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/lady-gaga-at-verizon-center-a-feel-good-spectacle-of-ear-candy-and-eye-candy/2014/05/12/9337d62a-da1f-11e3-bda1-9b46b2066796_story.html|archive-date=May 13, 2014}} The same year, she sang a country version of "Bad Romance" at South by Southwest, and strapped on a rose-covered keytar while performing the song at her residency show, Lady Gaga Live at Roseland Ballroom.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2014/03/14/lady-gaga-sxsw-vomit-tribute/|title=Lady Gaga dedicates encore to SXSW accident victims, gets puked on|first=Kyle|last=Anderson|access-date=April 3, 2014|date=March 14, 2014|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322062911/http://www.ew.com/article/2014/03/14/lady-gaga-sxsw-vomit-tribute|archive-date=March 22, 2015}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/6029314/lady-gaga-kicks-off-roseland-ballrooms-closing-shows|title=Lady Gaga Kicks Off Roseland Ballroom's Closing Shows|date=March 29, 2014|magazine=Billboard|access-date=October 22, 2017|first=Andrew|last=Hampp|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151205010528/http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/6029314/lady-gaga-kicks-off-roseland-ballrooms-closing-shows|archive-date=December 5, 2015}}

File:GagaSpurs290722 (1 of 39) (52251236648) (cropped) (cropped).jpg, a choice Nick Lavine of NME considered "daring".]]

In July{{nbsp}}2016, Gaga performed it in a piano medley along with "You and I" and the Beatles' "Come Together" at a concert at the BB&T Pavilion in Camden, New Jersey, which was part of the 2016 Democratic National Convention.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/07/28/lady-gaga-concert-democratic-national-convention-camden-rising-covers-the-beatles-neil-young/87677404/|title=Lady Gaga covers the Beatles, Neil Young at Democratic convention concert|date=July 28, 2016|work=USA Today|access-date=October 22, 2017|first=Maeve|last=McDermott|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022200420/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/07/28/lady-gaga-concert-democratic-national-convention-camden-rising-covers-the-beatles-neil-young/87677404/|archive-date=October 22, 2017}} In November{{nbsp}}2016, she appeared in the Carpool Karaoke segment of The Late Late Show with James Corden, and sang the track in the car with its host.{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2016/10/26/entertainment/lady-gaga-carpool-karaoke/|title=Lady Gaga's glorious 'Carpool Karaoke'|date=October 26, 2016|access-date=December 9, 2016|publisher=CNN|last=Respers|first=Lisa|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220122351/http://edition.cnn.com/2016/10/26/entertainment/lady-gaga-carpool-karaoke/|archive-date=December 20, 2016}} Gaga closed her set at the Super Bowl LI halftime show with "Bad Romance", wearing a silver, sequined Versace outfit with a shoulder pad-inspired jacket and hot pants.{{cite news |last1=Chabbott |first1=Sophia |title=Lady Gaga wears Atelier Versace for Super Bowl performance |url=https://www.latimes.com/fashion/la-ig-wwd-lady-gaga-versace-superbowl-20170206-htmlstory.html |access-date=July 30, 2022 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=February 6, 2017 |archive-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730161050/https://www.latimes.com/fashion/la-ig-wwd-lady-gaga-versace-superbowl-20170206-htmlstory.html |url-status=live }} The song was performed alongside "Poker Face" as an encore during both weekends that Gaga headlined Coachella in 2017.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/watch-lady-gaga-debut-new-single-the-cure-at-coachella-w477048|title=Watch Lady Gaga Debut Surprise New Single 'The Cure' at Coachella|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=April 16, 2017|first=Daniel|last=Kreps|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170714112256/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/watch-lady-gaga-debut-new-single-the-cure-at-coachella-w477048|archive-date=July 14, 2017}} On the Joanne World Tour (2017–2018), Gaga performed "Bad Romance" wearing a white origami-like jacket and a crystal embellished bodysuit with a matching white feathery masquerade mask and Giuseppe Zanotti booties.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/lady-gaga-wears-custom-giuseppe-zanotti-for-her-joanne-world-tour/|title=Lady Gaga Wears Custom Giuseppe Zanotti For her Joanne World Tour: Exclusive|first=Nicole|last=Saunders|magazine=Billboard|date=August 4, 2017|access-date=July 30, 2022|url-access=subscription|archive-date=July 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730161006/https://www.billboard.com/pro/lady-gaga-wears-custom-giuseppe-zanotti-for-her-joanne-world-tour/|url-status=live}} {{subscription required}}{{cite web|url=http://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment/lady-gaga-reigns-supreme-in-wrigley-field-headlining-debut/|title=Lady Gaga reigns supreme in Wrigley Field headlining debut|work=Chicago Sun-Times|date=August 26, 2017|access-date=September 8, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908203204/http://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment/lady-gaga-reigns-supreme-in-wrigley-field-headlining-debut/|archive-date=September 8, 2017|url-access=subscription}} {{subscription required}} She did a piano rendition of the song at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival, before the world premiere of her documentary, Gaga: Five Foot Two.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/toronto-lady-gaga-performs-bad-romance-at-film-festival-1037018|first=Etan|last=Vlessing|title=Toronto: Lady Gaga Performs 'Bad Romance' at Film Festival|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=September 8, 2017|access-date=September 9, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909021056/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/toronto-lady-gaga-performs-bad-romance-at-film-festival-1037018|archive-date=September 9, 2017}}

Gaga sang "Bad Romance" during her residency show, Lady Gaga Enigma + Jazz & Piano (2018–2022), which was divided into two shows. On Enigma, she performed it in a champagne-hued gold outfit,{{cite magazine|last=Spanos|first=Brittany|title=Review: Lady Gaga Maintains 'Poker Face' During Stellar Vegas Debut|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/review-lady-gaga-las-vegas-residency-opening-night-773628/|access-date=December 29, 2018|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 29, 2018|archive-date=December 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230011954/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/review-lady-gaga-las-vegas-residency-opening-night-773628/|url-status=live}} and on Jazz & Piano, she did a stripped-down version.{{cite web|url=https://www.idolator.com/7690965/lady-gaga-jazz-and-piano-opening-night|title=Opening Night! Lady Gaga Launches Second Vegas Residency – 'Jazz & Piano'|last=Nied|first=Mike|publisher=Idolator|date=January 21, 2019|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-date=June 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612160501/https://www.idolator.com/7690965/lady-gaga-jazz-and-piano-opening-night|url-status=live}} "Bad Romance" was the opening number for The Chromatica Ball, Gaga's 2022 stadium tour, where she performed it from inside a leather sarcophagus-type garment.{{cite news|first=Lauren|last=O'Neill|url=https://inews.co.uk/culture/lady-gaga-chromatica-ball-stockholm-review-pop-performer-european-return-onstage-persona-uk-dates-1753362|title=Lady Gaga, The Chromatica Ball, Stockholm, review: one of pop's great performers continues her European return|date=July 21, 2022|access-date=July 21, 2022|newspaper=i|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220724124034/https://inews.co.uk/culture/music/lady-gaga-chromatica-ball-tour-stockholm-review-pop-performer-european-return-onstage-persona-uk-dates-1753362|archive-date=July 24, 2022|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=DeLuca|first=Dan|date=August 29, 2022|title=Review: Lady Gaga brings her over-the-top Chromatica Ball tour to Hershey|url=https://www.inquirer.com/entertainment/lady-gaga-chromatica-ball-tour-hershey-review-setlist-20220828.html|website=The Philadelphia Inquirer|access-date=August 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829181322/https://www.inquirer.com/entertainment/lady-gaga-chromatica-ball-tour-hershey-review-setlist-20220828.html|archive-date=August 29, 2022|url-status=live}} Nick Levine from NME opined that opening the concert with "Bad Romance", and her previous hit songs—"Poker Face" and "Just Dance"—showed that Gaga had "gumption" and the choice was "clever and daring".{{cite magazine|last=Levine|first=Nick|title=Lady Gaga live in London: a thrilling, high-concept return from pop's finest|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/live/lady-gaga-live-in-london-a-thrilling-high-concept-return-from-pops-finest-3280081|access-date=October 11, 2022|magazine=NME|date=July 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730162039/https://www.nme.com/reviews/live/lady-gaga-live-in-london-a-thrilling-high-concept-return-from-pops-finest-3280081|archive-date=July 30, 2022|url-status=live}} "Bad Romance" next appeared on Gaga's 2025 promotional concerts for Mayhem, including a headlining set at Coachella 2025. After leaving the stage at the end of "Vanish into You", she was brought back in on a table by her dancers dressed as plague doctors. Resurrected in an elaborate feathered costume, she performed "Bad Romance" as the final number of the concert.{{cite web |first=Jason P.|last=Frank|title=Lady Gaga Played Chess with Her 'Poker Face' at Coachella|url=https://www.vulture.com/article/lady-gaga-coachella-2025.html |website=Vulture |access-date=April 12, 2025 |date=April 12, 2025 |archive-date=April 12, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250412083148/https://www.vulture.com/article/lady-gaga-coachella-2025.html |url-status=live }}

On March 29, 2010, Thirty Seconds to Mars covered the song in BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge,{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/livelounge/artist/100329_30secondstomars.shtml|title=BBC Radio 1 – Live Lounge – 30 Seconds To Mars|publisher=BBC|first=Fearne|last=Cotton|author-link=Fearne Cotton|date=March 29, 2010|access-date=April 1, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401124220/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/livelounge/artist/100329_30secondstomars.shtml|archive-date=April 1, 2010}} which reached number 11 on the UK Rock Chart.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/rock-and-metal-singles-chart/20101205/111/|title=Top 40 Rock & Metal Singles – 11th December 2010|access-date=May 31, 2011|publisher=Official Charts Company|archive-date=August 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808233201/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/rock-and-metal-singles-chart/20101205/111/|url-status=live}} The song was covered by American rock band Halestorm as part of their EP Reanimate: The Covers EP, with their cover certified Gold by the RIAA.{{cite certification |region=United States |artist=Halestorm |access-date=June 6, 2022}} Singer Lissie posted a cover of the song on YouTube, which received praise from filmmaker David Lynch.{{cite web|last1=Ray|first1=Austin L.|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2010/08/in-case-you-were-wondering-david-lynch-loves-lissi.html|title=In Case You Were Wondering, David Lynch Loves Lissie|access-date=August 6, 2010|date=August 2, 2010|work=Paste|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100804162648/http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2010/08/in-case-you-were-wondering-david-lynch-loves-lissi.html|archive-date=August 4, 2010}} The cast of the musical television series Glee performed it on an episode as a group number for which the actors donned Gaga outfits.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1635151/20100331/lady_gaga.jhtml|title=Glee Cast Will Take On Lady Gaga's 'Bad Romance,' 'Poker Face'|last=Vena|first=Jocelyn|date=March 31, 2010|publisher=MTV News|access-date=April 19, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100403211222/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1635151/20100331/lady_gaga.jhtml|archive-date=April 3, 2010}} The song reached number 54 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 2010.{{cite magazine |title=Billboard Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2010-06-12/ |access-date=August 11, 2022 |magazine=Billboard |date=January 2, 2013 |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923025622/https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2010-06-12/ |url-status=live }} At the 46th Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards, Linda Perry sang the song in a slowed down rendition, before Tony Bennett presented the Contemporary Icon Award to Gaga.{{cite magazine |last1=Aswad |first1=Jem |title=Lady Gaga Sings Linda Perry, Stephen Colbert Honors Toby Keith, Zac Brown Fetes the Grateful Dead At Songwriters Hall Of Fame Ceremony |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/lady-gaga-sings-linda-perry-stephen-colbert-honors-toby-keith-zac-brown-fetes-6605278/ |access-date=July 30, 2022 |magazine=Billboard |date=June 19, 2015 |archive-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730140430/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/lady-gaga-sings-linda-perry-stephen-colbert-honors-toby-keith-zac-brown-fetes-6605278/ |url-status=live }} "Bad Romance" was briefly played on violin by Geoffrey Rush, portraying Albert Einstein in a promo for the National Geographic Channel historical anthology series Genius. The ad aired during Super Bowl LI immediately after Gaga's halftime performance.{{cite web|title=Geoffrey Rush as Albert Einstein: Nat Geo Channel Releases Super Bowl Spot for Genius (Watch)|url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/genius-trailer-albert-einstein-lady-gaga-video-watch-super-bowl-1201977405/|work=Variety|access-date=February 6, 2017|date=February 3, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206165100/http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/genius-trailer-albert-einstein-lady-gaga-video-watch-super-bowl-1201977405/|archive-date=February 6, 2017}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

Digital download{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/bad-romance/336388428?i=336388462|title=Bad Romance – Single|date=January 2009 |publisher=Interscope Records|via=iTunes Store|access-date=November 14, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091113042818/http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bad-romance/id336388428?i=336388462&ign-mpt=uo%3D2|archive-date=November 13, 2009}}

1. "Bad Romance" – 4:54

Digital EP{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/bad-romance-ep/341082020|title=Bad Romance – EP|date=January 2009 |publisher=Interscope Records|via=iTunes Store|access-date=November 19, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091204182146/http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/bad-romance-ep/id341082020|archive-date=December 4, 2009}}

1. "Bad Romance" – 4:54
2. "Bad Romance" (Hercules & Love Affair Remix) – 5:11
3. "Bad Romance" (Chew Fu Remix) – 7:14
4. "Bad Romance" (Starsmith Remix) – 4:55
5. "Bad Romance" (Music Video) – 5:14

European CD single

1. "Bad Romance" (Radio Edit) – 4:24
2. "Bad Romance" (Main) – 4:54

German digital download – remix version{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/de/album/bad-romance-germany-remix-version/id342169826|title=Bad Romance – German release|access-date=December 8, 2009|publisher=Interscope Records|via=iTunes Store|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105123742/https://itunes.apple.com/de/album/bad-romance-germany-remix-version/id342169826|archive-date=November 5, 2012}}

1. "Bad Romance" (Radio Edit) – 4:21
2. "Bad Romance" (Chew Fu Remix) – 7:13
3. "Bad Romance" (Starsmith Remix) – 4:55
4. "Bad Romance" (Grum Remix) – 4:50
5. "Bad Romance" (Bimbo Jones Radio Remix) – 3:58
6. "Bad Romance" (Hercules & Love Affair Remix) – 5:11
7. "Bad Romance" (Hercules & Love Affair Dub Remix) – 5:11
8. "Bad Romance" (Music Video) – 5:14

{{col-2}}

US digital EP – The Remixes

1. "Bad Romance" (Chew Fu H1N1 Fix) – 7:14
2. "Bad Romance" (Kaskade Remix) – 4:20
3. "Bad Romance" (Bimbo Jones Radio Remix) – 3:58
4. "Bad Romance" (Skrillex Remix) – 4:23

US CD single – The Remixes{{cite web |title=Bad Romance – The Remixes |url=https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Romance-Remixes-Lady-Gaga/dp/B00316DE0S |publisher=Interscope Records |access-date=July 17, 2022 |via=Amazon.com |asin=B00316DE0S |archive-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717155515/https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Romance-Remixes-Lady-Gaga/dp/B00316DE0S |url-status=live }}

1. "Bad Romance" (Chew Fu H1N1 Fix) – 7:14
2. "Bad Romance" (Kaskade Remix) – 4:20
3. "Bad Romance" (Bimbo Jones Remix) – 3:58
4. "Bad Romance" (Skrillex Remix) – 4:23
5. "Bad Romance" (Grum Remix) – 4:51
6. "Bad Romance" (Richard Vission Remix) – 5:23
7. "Bad Romance" (Hercules & Love Affair Remix) – 5:12

US digital EP – The Remixes Pt. 2{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bad-romance-the-remixes-pt-2-ep/id353181297|title=Bad Romance (The Remixes, Pt. 2)|access-date=February 9, 2010|publisher=Interscope Records|via=iTunes Store|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216055402/http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bad-romance-the-remixes-pt-2-ep/id353181297|archive-date=February 16, 2010}}

1. "Bad Romance" (Grum Remix) – 4:50
2. "Bad Romance" (Richard Vission Remix) – 5:22
3. "Bad Romance" (Hercules & Love Affair Remix) – 5:12
4. "Bad Romance" (Hercules & Love Affair Dub Remix) – 5:12
5. "Bad Romance" (DJ Dan Remix) – 3:44

{{col-end}}

Credits adapted from the liner notes of The Fame Monster.

Recording locations

• Recorded at Record Plant Studios (Los Angeles) and FC Walvisch (Amsterdam)
• Mastered at Oasis Mastering (Burbank, California)

Credits

• Lady Gaga – lead vocals, co-producer, vocal arrangement, background vocals
• Nadir "RedOne" Khayat – producer, vocal editing, vocal arrangement, background vocals, audio engineering, instrumentation, programming, recording
• Johny Severin – vocal editing
• Dave Russell – audio engineering
• Eelco Bakker – audio engineering
• Mark "Spike" Stent – audio mixing
• Gene Grimaldi – audio mastering

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for "Bad Romance"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Lady Gaga|title=Bad Romance|type=single|region=Australia|award=Platinum|number=11|relyear=2009|certyear=2024|access-date=March 8, 2024|refname=ariacertification}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Austria|type=single|title=Bad Romance|artist=Lady Gaga|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2009|certyear=2024|access-date=November 20, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Lady Gaga|title=Bad Romance|type=single|region=Belgium|award=Gold|relyear=2009|relmonth=7|certyear=2010|access-date=May 9, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Lady Gaga|title=Bad Romance|type=single|region=Brazil|award=Diamond|relyear=2009|certyear=2024|access-date=April 18, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Lady Gaga|title=Bad Romance|type=single|region=Canada|relyear=2009|certyear=2024|certmonth=02|award=Diamond|access-date=February 27, 2024|refname=canadacertification}}

{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Lady Gaga|title=Bad Romance|type=single|region=Denmark|relyear=2009|certyear=2025|award=Platinum|number=2|id=15571|access-date=June 24, 2025}}

{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Lady Gaga|title=Bad Romance|type=single|region=France|certyear=2010|award=Platinum|source=archive|access-date=July 8, 2025}}

{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Lady Gaga|title=Bad Romance|type=single|region=Germany|relyear=2009|certyear=2018|award=Gold|number=3|access-date=April 27, 2018}}

{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Lady Gaga|title=Bad Romance|type=single|region=Italy|relyear=2009|award=Platinum|number=2|access-date=May 9, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Lady Gaga|title=Bad Romance|type=single|region=Japan|relyear=2009|award=Gold|certyear=2011|certmonth=1|digital=true|note=Digital single|access-date=August 19, 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Lady Gaga|title=Bad Romance|type=ringtone|region=Japan|relyear=2009|award=Gold|certyear=2010|certmonth=5|note=Ringtone|access-date=August 19, 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Lady Gaga|title=Bad Romance|type=single|region=New Zealand|relyear=2009|certyear=2024|award=Platinum|number=4|source=radioscope}}

{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Lady Gaga|title=Bad Romance|type=single|region=Norway|certyear=2021|award=Platinum|number=8|access-date=November 19, 2021}}

{{certification Table Entry|type=single|region=South Korea|artist=Lady Gaga|title=Bad Romance)|certyear=2009|relyear=2010|nocert=true|salesamount=217,706|salesref=

• {{cite web |url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/digital_chart/download.php?nationGbn=E¤t_year=2010&chart_Time=year |title=Gaon - 2010 Year-end International Download Chart |work=Gaon Chart |publisher=Korea Music Content Industry Association |access-date=July 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015174122/http://gaonchart.co.kr/digital_chart/download.php?nationGbn=E¤t_year=2010&chart_Time=year |archive-date=October 15, 2013 |url-status=dead}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Lady Gaga|title=Bad Romance|type=single|region=Spain|relyear=2009|certyear=2025|certmonth=3|award=Platinum|number=2|access-date=March 10, 2025}}

{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Lady Gaga|title=Bad Romance|type=single|region=Sweden|certyear=2011|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2009|access-date=May 9, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Lady Gaga|title=Bad Romance|type=single|region=Switzerland|certyear=2010|award=Platinum|relyear=2009|access-date=July 8, 2025}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Lady Gaga|title=Bad Romance|type=single|region=United Kingdom|certyear=2023|award=Platinum|number=3|id=8545-2312-1|refname=bpi|salesamount=2,200,000|salesref=|access-date=January 13, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|relyear=2009|certyear=2015|title=Bad Romance|artist=Lady Gaga|type=single|award=Platinum|number=11|access-date=February 25, 2025|refname=RIAA}}

{{Certification Table Summary}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Worldwide|nocert=true|salesamount=12,000,000|salesref={{sfn|Deflem|2017|p=54}}}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}}

{{div col}}

• List of best-selling singles
• List of best-selling singles in the United States
• List of number-one hits of 2009 (Austria)
• List of Hot 100 number-one singles of 2009 (Canada)
• List of number-one hits in Denmark
• List of number-one singles (Sweden)
• List of number-one singles of 2009 and 2010 (Finland)
• List of number-one hits of 2009 (Italy)
• List of number-one singles of 2009 and 2010 (Ireland)
• List of number-one singles of 2009 and 2010 (UK)
• List of European number-one hits of 2010
• List of number-one hits of 2010 (France)
• List of number-one hits of 2010 (Germany)
• List of number-one singles of 2010 (Hungary)
• List of Romanian Top 100 number ones of the 2010s
• List of number-one dance singles of 2009 (U.S.)
• List of number-one dance singles of 2010 (U.S.)
• List of number-one dance airplay hits of 2010 (U.S.)
• List of Mainstream Top 40 number-one hits of 2010 (U.S.)
• List of number-one singles of 2010 (Spain)
• List of most-viewed YouTube videos
• List of highest-certified singles in Australia

{{div col end}}

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{refbegin|30em}}

• {{cite book |last1=Chatzipapatheodoridis |first1=Constantine |title=The Music Diva Spectacle: Camp, Female Performers, and Queer Audiences in the Arena Tour Show |year=2021 |publisher=Intellect Books |isbn=978-1-789-38437-6}}
• {{cite book |last1=Deflem |first1=Mathieu |title=Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame: the Rise of a Pop Star in an Age of Celebrity |year=2017 |isbn=978-1-137-58468-7 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan}}
• {{Cite book|title=Lady Gaga: Behind the Fame|last=Herbert|first=Emily|publisher=The Overlook Press|year=2010|isbn=978-1-590-20423-8|chapter=A Glimpse of Genius|pages=213–224}}
• {{cite book |last1=Horn |first1=Katrin |title=Women, Camp, and Popular Culture: Serious Excess |year=2017 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |isbn=978-3-319-64845-3 |pages=193–252 |chapter=Taking Pop Seriously: Lady Gaga as Camp}}
• {{Cite book |title=Lady Gaga and Popular Music: Performing Gender, Fashion, and Culture |year=2014 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-134-07987-2 |editor-last1=Iddon |editor-first1=Martin |series=Routledge Studies in Popular Music |editor-last2=Marshall |editor-first2=Melanie L. }}
• {{cite encyclopedia |last1=Gray |first1=Sally |last2=Rutnam |first2=Anusha |title=Lady Gaga and Popular Music : Performing Gender, Fashion, and Culture |year=2014 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-134-07987-2 |pages=43–66 |chapter=Her Own Real Thing: Lady Gaga and the House of Fashion}}
• {{Cite encyclopedia |last1=Hegarty |first1=Paul |title=Lady Gaga and Popular Music: Performing Gender, Fashion, and Culture |year=2014 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-134-07987-2 |series=Routledge Studies in Popular Music |pages=82–93 |chapter=Lady Gaga and the Drop: Eroticism High and Low |author-link=Paul Hegarty}}
• {{cite journal |last1=Jakubowski |first1=Kelly |last2=Finkel |first2=Sebastian |last3=Stewart |first3=Lauren |last4=Müllensiefen |first4=Daniel |title=Dissecting an Earworm: Melodic Features and Song Popularity Predict Involuntary Musical Imagery. |journal=Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts |date=May 2017 |publisher=American Psychological Association |volume=11 |issue=2 |pages=122–135 |doi=10.1037/aca0000090 |url=http://dro.dur.ac.uk/20274/1/20274.pdf |access-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004141210/https://dro.dur.ac.uk/20274/1/20274.pdf |url-status=live }}
• {{cite book |last1=James |first1=Robin |title=Resilience & Melancholy: Pop Music, Feminism, Neoliberalism |date=2015 |publisher=John Hunt Publishing |isbn=978-1-782-79461-5|chapter=(Little) Monsters & Melancholics|pages=133–173}}
• {{cite book |last1=Lynch |first1=Annette |title=Porn Chic: Exploring the Contours of Raunch Eroticism |year=2012 |publisher=A & C Black|isbn=978-1-472-52013-5|chapter=The Birth of Pop Culture Porn Chic|pages=37–54}}
• {{cite journal |last1=Padva |first1=Gilad |title=Queer Nostalgia in Cinema and Pop Culture|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|isbn=978-1-137-26633-0 |journal=Journal of LGBT Youth |date=January 2, 2018 |volume=15 |issue=1 |pages=173–199 |doi=10.1057/9781137266347}}
• {{cite book |editor-last=Gray II |editor-first=Richard |last=Santos|first=Jennifer M.|pages=52–73|chapter=Body Language and 'Bad Romance': The Visual Rhetoric of the Artist |title=The Performance Identities of Lady Gaga |publisher=McFarland & Company |year=2012|isbn=978-0-786-46830-0}}

{{refend}}

{{Lady Gaga songs}}

{{Navboxes

|title = Awards for "Bad Romance"

|titlestyle = background: lightblue

|list1 =

{{Grammy Award for Best Music Video}}

{{MTV Europe Music Award for Best Song}}

{{MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year}}

{{MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video}}

{{MTV Video Music Award for Best Pop Video}}

}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2009 songs

Category:2009 singles

Category:Lady Gaga songs

Category:Canadian Hot 100 number-one singles

Category:European Hot 100 Singles number-one singles

Category:Franglais songs

Category:Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance

Category:Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video

Category:Cherrytree Records singles

Category:Interscope Records singles

Category:Irish Singles Chart number-one singles

Category:Monitor Latino Top Inglés number-one singles

Category:Music videos directed by Francis Lawrence

Category:MTV Video of the Year Award

Category:MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video

Category:MTV Video Music Award for Best Direction

Category:Number-one singles in Austria

Category:Number-one singles in the Commonwealth of Independent States

Category:Number-one singles in Denmark

Category:Number-one singles in Finland

Category:SNEP Top Singles number-one singles

Category:Number-one singles in Germany

Category:Number-one singles in Greece

Category:Number-one singles in Hungary

Category:Number-one singles in Iceland

Category:Number-one singles in Israel

Category:Number-one singles in Italy

Category:Number-one singles in Norway

Category:Number-one singles in Romania

Category:Number-one singles in Russia

Category:Number-one singles in Scotland

Category:Number-one singles in Spain

Category:Number-one singles in Sweden

Category:Song recordings produced by Lady Gaga

Category:Song recordings produced by RedOne

Category:Songs written by Lady Gaga

Category:Songs written by RedOne

Category:UK singles chart number-one singles

Category:Works about slavery

Category:Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time