Perfect Illusion

Following the release of her third studio album, Artpop (2013), Gaga changed management and joined Artist Nation—an artist management division of Live Nation Entertainment—along with her manager Bobby Campbell. She also underwent an image overhaul, showcasing more stress on her vocal prowess and subdued image in the media.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/6494560/inside-lady-gaga-reinvention-long-term-plan|title=Inside Lady Gaga's Latest Reinvention (It's All Part of a Long-Term Plan)|last=Hampp|first=Andrew|date=March 8, 2015|access-date=August 9, 2016|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=March 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308080718/http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/6494560/inside-lady-gaga-reinvention-long-term-plan|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/cp/oscars-2015/show|title=Oscars 2015: The Show|first=Patrick|last=Fallon|work=The New York Times|date=February 22, 2015|access-date=February 23, 2015|archive-date=February 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223080026/http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/cp/oscars-2015/show|url-status=live}} Among other musical endeavors, Gaga released a collaborative jazz record with American singer Tony Bennett titled Cheek to Cheek in 2014,{{cite press release|url=http://www.universalmusic.ca/press-releases/tony-bennett-lady-gaga-cheek-to-cheek-album-of-classic-jazz-standards-to-be-released-september-23/|title=Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga: Cheek to Cheek Album of Classic Jazz Standards To Be Released September 23|date=July 29, 2014|access-date=July 30, 2014|publisher=Universal Music Canada|location=Toronto|archive-date=August 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808051628/http://www.universalmusic.ca/press-releases/tony-bennett-lady-gaga-cheek-to-cheek-album-of-classic-jazz-standards-to-be-released-september-23/|url-status=live}} which won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/08/grammy-winners-list-2015_n_6600948.html|title=Grammy Winners List For 2015 Includes Beyoncé, 'Frozen' & Kendrick Lamar|last=Rosen|first=Christopher|date=February 8, 2015|access-date=February 8, 2015|work=The Huffington Post|archive-date=February 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209033006/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/08/grammy-winners-list-2015_n_6600948.html|url-status=live}} In January 2016, Gaga confirmed that she would be releasing her fifth studio album later that year, with her working on the logistics and aspects—including the looks she would portray for the record.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/6836499/lady-gaga-hints-2016-album-release|title=Lady Gaga Hints at New Album Release in 2016|date=January 11, 2016|access-date=August 18, 2016|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918015828/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/6836499/lady-gaga-hints-2016-album-release|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2725982/lady-gaga-new-album-2016/|title=Lady Gaga Confirms New Album in 2016, And A New Look|last=Bell|first=Crystal|date=January 11, 2016|access-date=August 18, 2016|publisher=MTV News|archive-date=September 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914052748/http://www.mtv.com/news/2725982/lady-gaga-new-album-2016/|url-status=dead}}

Throughout the majority of 2015 and 2016, Gaga teased the creative and recording process of the album on her social media accounts. It was also reported that she was seen collaborating with longtime producer RedOne, Giorgio Moroder, Mark Ronson, and Nile Rodgers, among others.{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/feature/a672050/lady-gagas-new-album-everything-you-need-to-know-from-the-2016-release-to-stars-including-redone-and-elton-john/|title=Lady Gaga's new album: Release date, songs, credits, collaborations and everything else you need to know|last=Corner|first=Lewis|date=August 3, 2016|access-date=August 15, 2016|work=Digital Spy|archive-date=August 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812001044/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/feature/a672050/lady-gagas-new-album-everything-you-need-to-know-from-the-2016-release-to-stars-including-redone-and-elton-john/|url-status=live}} Ronson confirmed their collaboration and added that the music recorded with Gaga was "some of [his] favorite music [he has] really ever worked on. It's incredible – [he loves] it. [He] can't wait until you can hear it because the music speaks for itself – it's some of [his] favorite musicians of all time are working on it."{{cite news|url=http://www.nme.com/news/mark-ronson/95439|title=Mark Ronson says Lady Gaga's new album is 'incredible'|last=Daly|first=Rhian|date=August 3, 2016|access-date=August 15, 2016|work=NME|archive-date=August 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806100401/http://www.nme.com/news/mark-ronson/95439|url-status=live}} The producer additionally hinted the involvement of Kevin Parker, the frontman for the Australian psychedelic rock band Tame Impala, which BBC Music later confirmed to be true.{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/37007527/this-is-what-we-know-about-lady-gagas-upcoming-album|title=This is what we know about Lady Gaga's upcoming album|date=August 9, 2016|access-date=August 15, 2016|publisher=BBC Music|archive-date=August 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815001704/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/37007527/this-is-what-we-know-about-lady-gagas-upcoming-album|url-status=live}} In an interview with fashion website Buro247, Ronson claimed that it was one of his favourite recording that he had worked, and commended the associated musicians and writers.{{cite web|url=http://www.buro247.sg/culture/insiders/mark-ronson-interview-singapore-2016.html|title=Interview with Mark Ronson on Lady Gaga's Perfect Illusion: 'It's been one of my favourite records to work on'|last=Philips|first=Tracy|work=BURO. |date=August 19, 2016|access-date=August 30, 2016|publisher=Buro247|archive-date=August 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825184426/http://www.buro247.sg/culture/insiders/mark-ronson-interview-singapore-2016.html|url-status=live}}

{{multiple image|caption_align=center|header_align=center

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| image1 = Tame Impala @ Metropolis Fremantle (27 5 2010) (4702471053).jpg

| alt1 = Kevin Parker playing a white electric guitar onstage, decked in purple light.

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| image2 = Mark Ronson and Jennifer Su, 2011 (cropped).jpg

| alt2 = Mark Ronson looking towards the camera.

| footer = Kevin Parker (left) and Mark Ronson (right) co-wrote and co-produced "Perfect Illusion" with Gaga and BloodPop.

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Gaga co-wrote and co-produced "Perfect Illusion" with Parker and Ronson, with additional production from BloodPop.{{cite news|url=http://www.nme.com/news/lady-gaga/95747|title=Lady Gaga announces new single and release date|last=Earls|first=John|date=August 17, 2016|access-date=August 17, 2016|work=NME|archive-date=August 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819141616/https://www.nme.com/news/lady-gaga/95747|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/67618-lady-gaga-announces-new-single-produced-by-tame-impalas-kevin-parker-mark-ronson/|title=Lady Gaga Announces New Single Produced With Tame Impala's Kevin Parker, Mark Ronson|last=Lozano|first=Kevin|date=August 18, 2016|access-date=August 18, 2016|work=Pitchfork Media|archive-date=September 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902062158/http://pitchfork.com/news/67618-lady-gaga-announces-new-single-produced-by-tame-impalas-kevin-parker-mark-ronson/|url-status=live}} The song fruited from a demo called "Illusion" which Parker developed and presented to Gaga and Ronson. The latter recruited BloodPop at the end of May 2016, after liking an album he was working on at the time for another singer.{{cite magazine|last=Knopper|first=Steve|date=September 9, 2016|title=Lady Gaga Producer BloodPop Details 'Perfect Illusion' Creation|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/lady-gaga-producer-bloodpop-details-perfect-illusion-creation-w438828|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=September 10, 2016|archive-date=September 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910013834/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/lady-gaga-producer-bloodpop-details-perfect-illusion-creation-w438828|url-status=live}} They met up in Malibu and completed "Perfect Illusion" within the first few days of their recording sessions. According to BloodPop, there was no conversation about what the song should sound like, they "all kind of spoke a similar language". The track's arrangement was done by Ronson who played synths and guitar with Parker. They were joined by Josh Homme on the guitar, while BloodPop developed the rhythm and synthesis, alongside Parker playing drums. Ronson and BloodPop's production were bridged together through Parker's use of Ableton.

At the session, Gaga led the direction of the production based on her preferences and influences, and used a piano and guitar to compose the song. Ronson explained that during their sessions Gaga was deeply involved with the technicalities of the music being recorded. Concerning this he confessed, "[Gaga] loves just sitting at a piano and barking orders at a drummer and she has an incredible voice," further clarifying that they would begin with the songs first and then go with the other aspects of the composition.{{cite web|url=http://www.idolator.com/7624105/mark-ronson-lady-gaga-new-album-beats-1-interview|last=Daw|first=Robbie|title=Mark Ronson Opens Up About Working On Lady Gaga's New Album|date=February 18, 2016|access-date=August 15, 2016|publisher=Idolator|archive-date=May 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531084714/http://www.idolator.com/7624105/mark-ronson-lady-gaga-new-album-beats-1-interview|url-status=live}} In an interview for Rolling Stone, BloodPop recalled the singer being omnipresent always and it was her decisions which finalized the track's sound.

Gaga wrote the lyrics using her Underwood typewriter. They were developed several hours into the session, though according to BloodPop, "Every few days, a lyric would change and it'd get better and better". In an interview for BBC Radio 1, Gaga explained that they "would bounce lyrics back and forth", adding: "We stripped everything away. Changed the melody, shifted it. I sat at a piano, Kevin was on guitar, Mark was on the bass." Recording took place at various studios across the United States to fit in with each contributor's schedule. In Malibu, they recorded at Shangri-La Studios, which BloodPop preferred since it was outside the influence of city life. A few days of recording also took place at Gaga's home, and her vocals were recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York City.

"Perfect Illusion" is a pop, synth-pop,{{Cite web|url=https://thequietus.com/articles/21304-lady-gaga-joanne-album-review|title=The Quietus | Reviews | Lady Gaga|website=The Quietus|date=November 11, 2016 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2016/10/lady_gaga_strips_down_musicall.html|title=Lady Gaga strips down musically for 'Joanne' (Review)|first=Cleveland com|last=Troy L. Smith|date=October 20, 2016|website=cleveland|access-date=January 5, 2024|archive-date=January 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105153516/https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2016/10/lady_gaga_strips_down_musicall.html|url-status=live}} dance-rock{{cite magazine|first=Althea|last=Legaspi|title=Hear Lady Gaga's New, Driving Song 'Perfect Illusion'|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=September 8, 2016|access-date=November 28, 2017|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-lady-gagas-new-driving-song-perfect-illusion-w438789|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040637/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-lady-gagas-new-driving-song-perfect-illusion-w438789|url-status=live}}{{cite news|first1=Jon|last1=Pareles|author-link1=Jon Pareles|first2=Nate|last2=Chinen|title=The Playlist: Lady Gaga Returns Lovelorn, and Zack de la Rocha Returns Furious|newspaper=The New York Times|date=September 9, 2016|access-date=November 28, 2017|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/10/arts/music/playlist-lady-gaga-zack-de-la-rocha.html|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043830/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/10/arts/music/playlist-lady-gaga-zack-de-la-rocha.html|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |last1=Lipshutz |first1=Jason |title=Lady Gaga Finally Returned to the Dancefloor & Scored Her Best Chart Debut in Nine Years |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9331039/lady-gaga-stupid-love-top-10-analysis |magazine=Billboard |access-date=March 10, 2020 |date=March 9, 2020 |archive-date=March 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312225945/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9331039/lady-gaga-stupid-love-top-10-analysis |url-status=live }} and pop rock{{cite web |last1=Wass |first1=Mike |title=Lady Gaga Rocks Out In Frenetic "Perfect Illusion" Video |url=https://www.idolator.com/7646485/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-video |website=Idolator |access-date=March 22, 2020 |date=September 21, 2016 |archive-date=October 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017230355/https://www.idolator.com/7646485/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-video |url-status=live }} track, which is composed around a building chord sequence, which BBC music reporter Mark Savage felt leads to a "compelling sense of urgency". The singer's vocals are kept raw and untreated on the song, eschewing Auto-Tune.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-37316663|title=Lady Gaga wrote her new single, Perfect Illusion, on a typewriter|last=Savage|first=Mark|date=September 9, 2016|access-date=September 9, 2016|publisher=BBC Music|archive-date=September 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909113248/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-37316663|url-status=live}} The composition consists of "pulsing verses" and a guitar-and-vocal breakdown before the final chorus, with Gaga singing the main title multiple times. Around the two minute mark, there is a key change before the final chorus. Lewis Corner from Digital Spy felt that the track alluded to Gaga's previous album eras. He called its core a "simple pop song" which harked back to the singer's initial releases like "Just Dance" and "Poker Face" (both 2008). The mixture of guitar and the "grumbling" synths reminded Corner of Gaga's single "Marry the Night" from her second studio album, Born This Way (2011), along with the "thumping" beat. There were also allusions to the Artpop era due to the verse and the refrain being connected in an unconventional manner. Glamour and Rolling Stone reported that some listeners found similarities between the song and Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach" (1986);{{cite web|url=http://www.glamour.com/story/lady-gaga-new-song-perfect-illusion|title=People Think Lady Gaga's New Song "Perfect Illusion" Sounds Like Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach"|last=Rosa|first=Christopher|date=September 9, 2016|work=Glamour|publisher=Condé Nast|access-date=November 25, 2016|archive-date=November 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126064510/http://www.glamour.com/story/lady-gaga-new-song-perfect-illusion|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/mark-ronson-on-lady-gagas-raw-and-exposed-joanne-w445356|title=Lady Gaga's 'Joanne': Mark Ronson on Producing 'Raw and Exposed' New Album|last=Browne|first=David|date=October 18, 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=November 25, 2016|archive-date=October 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019192054/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/mark-ronson-on-lady-gagas-raw-and-exposed-joanne-w445356|url-status=live}} in response to the comparisons, Ronson told the latter magazine, "Obviously, that was some kind of accident".

{{listen

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| title = "Perfect Illusion"

| format = Ogg

| description = An 18 second sample of "Perfect Illusion", which illustrates the chorus of the song, with the guitar-and-vocal breakdown analyzed in the article, as well as the mixture of guitar and "grumbling" synths.

}}

During an interview with Rolling Stone, BloodPop stated that "Perfect Illusion" is "a big rock song that makes you want to dance".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/fall-music-preview-2016-35-must-hear-albums-w438379/lady-gaga-title-tbd-w438542|title=Fall Music Preview 2016: 35 Must-Hear Albums|date=September 8, 2016|access-date=September 8, 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone|last=Knopper|first=Steve|archive-date=September 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909074806/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/fall-music-preview-2016-35-must-hear-albums-w438379/lady-gaga-title-tbd-w438542|url-status=live}} According to him, during recording sessions they had not discussed about the actual sound of the track, rather make it non-derivative of anything on the radio. BloodPop also detailed the track as containing traditional songwriting and influences of soul, but not in a literal way. "Perfect Illusion" is written in the key of F{{Sharp}} minor with a tempo of 125 beats per minute. The song is composed in the time signature of common time, and follows a basic chord progression of F{{Sharp}}m–E/G{{Sharp}}–Dmaj7–C{{sharp}}m7, and Gaga's vocals span from F{{sharp}}₃ to D{{sharp}}₅.{{cite web|url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0168486|title=Lady Gaga 'Perfect Illusion' Sheet Music|last=Germanotta|first=Stefani|date=September 16, 2016|publisher=Musicnotes.com|access-date=September 16, 2016|archive-date=September 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921112244/http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0168486|url-status=live}}

Lyrically, "Perfect Illusion" delves on the "highest of highs and lowest of lows" encountered in a relationship which has turned sour, hence the song's name. Gaga described it during an interview with iHeartMedia as being "about modern ecstasy [...] We found our sweet, simple, ragey way of saying it. I get this sick adrenaline rush every time I hear it".{{cite web|last=Dinh|first=James|url=http://www.iheart.com/news/lady-gaga-dances-her-pain-away-15019501/|title=Lady Gaga Shares Details About New Single 'Perfect Illusion' (Exclusive)|publisher=iHeartMedia|date=August 17, 2016|access-date=August 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916071712/http://www.iheart.com/news/lady-gaga-dances-her-pain-away-15019501/|archive-date=September 16, 2016|url-status=dead}} The singer further clarified that the lyrics ultimately was a commentary on social media and the problems one face trying to present a perfect representation of themselves. Media reports speculated that the lyrics alluded to the singer's breakup from her boyfriend, actor Taylor Kinney, around July 2016.{{cite news|url=http://www.vanityfair.com/style/2016/09/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-taylor-kinney-meaning|title=Is Lady Gaga's 'Perfect Illusion' About Her Ex-fiancé, Taylor Kinney?|last=Duboff|first=Josh|date=September 16, 2016|access-date=September 17, 2016|work=Vanity Fair|archive-date=September 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917042545/http://www.vanityfair.com/style/2016/09/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-taylor-kinney-meaning|url-status=live}} Samantha Schnurr from E! decoded the lyrics, saying that the repetition of the phrase "perfect illusion" was about their relationship.{{cite news|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/793365/decoding-the-lyrics-of-lady-gaga-s-new-song-perfect-illusion-is-taylor-kinney-the-subject|title=Decoding the Lyrics of Lady Gaga's New Song "Perfect Illusion"—Is Taylor Kinney the Subject?|last=Schurr|first=Samantha|date=September 16, 2016|access-date=September 17, 2016|publisher=E!|archive-date=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919202212/http://www.eonline.com/news/793365/decoding-the-lyrics-of-lady-gaga-s-new-song-perfect-illusion-is-taylor-kinney-the-subject|url-status=live}} Gaga retorted during an interview with SiriusXM that the song was not for Kinney, and was not a "revenge" track. "I love Taylor so, so much and this song is not a hit out against him [...] It's a record about all of us. And I would never use my song or want to use the public to hurt anyone that I love so much," the singer added.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7503714/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-not-about-taylor-kinney|title=Lady Gaga on Whether 'Perfect Illusion' Is About Ex Taylor Kinney: 'This Song is Not a Hit Out Against Taylor'|last=Kauffman|first=Gil|date=September 12, 2016|access-date=September 17, 2016|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=September 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915104703/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7503714/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-not-about-taylor-kinney|url-status=live}}

File:Alice Glass at Popped!-cropped.jpg (pictured).|alt=Alice Glass pictured from below, singing into a microphone while crouching down.]]

In May 2016, Idolator reported that Gaga had been in recording studio with Ronson, along with BloodPop and Parker. Ronson later uploaded an image of the group working together on his Instagram account, captioning it as "illusion".{{cite news|url=https://mic.com/articles/151830/lady-gaga-is-coming-back-for-real-announces-new-single-perfect-illusion|title=Lady Gaga is coming back for real, announces new single 'Perfect Illusion'|last=Riotta|first=Chris|date=August 17, 2016|access-date=August 18, 2016|work=Mic|archive-date=August 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820023259/https://mic.com/articles/151830/lady-gaga-is-coming-back-for-real-announces-new-single-perfect-illusion|url-status=live}} Following her appearance at iHeartMedia, Gaga revealed the name of the single by uploading a series of twelve images on her Instagram account, creating a mosaic which spelt out the song's name.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7476140/lady-gaga-announces-new-single-perfect-illusion|title=Lady Gaga Announces New Single, 'Perfect Illusion'|magazine=Billboard|date=August 17, 2016|access-date=August 17, 2016|archive-date=August 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819074056/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7476140/lady-gaga-announces-new-single-perfect-illusion|url-status=live}} According to Sasha Atkinson from Bustle, the bright color scheme of the announcement was pop art like Andy Warhol and alluded to Artpop.{{cite web|url=http://www.bustle.com/articles/179129-lady-gaga-announces-a-new-single-on-instagram-in-a-totally-artpop-way-photo|title=Lady Gaga Announces A New Single On Instagram In A Totally 'Artpop' Way|work=Bustle|date=August 17, 2016|access-date=August 17, 2016|last=Atkinson|first=Sasha|archive-date=September 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910142004/http://www.bustle.com/articles/179129-lady-gaga-announces-a-new-single-on-instagram-in-a-totally-artpop-way-photo|url-status=live}}

According to WKKF radio station in New York and KIIS 106.5 in Sydney, Australia, the single would be premiered on radio on September 9, 2016.{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-release-on-radio-cant-come-soon-enough-for-soccer-mom-fans-20160906-gra05b.html|title=Lady Gaga Perfect Illusion release on radio can't come soon enough for 'soccer mom' fans|last=Styles|first=Aja|date=September 6, 2016|access-date=September 6, 2016|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|archive-date=September 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906184023/http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-release-on-radio-cant-come-soon-enough-for-soccer-mom-fans-20160906-gra05b.html|url-status=live}} The date was mistakenly revealed through the source code of Gaga's official website, which also listed the URL of four snippets of the track.{{cite news|url=http://www.nme.com/news/lady-gaga/96208|title=Lady Gaga's new single is set to be released this Friday|last=Earls|first=John|date=September 6, 2016|access-date=September 6, 2016|work=NME|archive-date=September 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907030722/http://www.nme.com/news/lady-gaga/96208|url-status=live}} Following this, Gaga confirmed the release date through her social media accounts.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7496138/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-single-release-date|title=Lady Gaga's New Single 'Perfect Illusion' Has a Release Date|last=Havens|first=Lyndsey|date=September 6, 2016|access-date=September 6, 2016|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=September 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907021050/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7496138/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-single-release-date|url-status=live}} She also unveiled the single's artwork—showing Gaga on the side of a cliff singing into a microphone—along with lyrics of the song through a collage of images.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2928816/lady-gaga-leaks-perfect-illusion-lyrics/|title=Lady Gaga Leaks 'Perfect Illusion' Lyrics (And Teases Her New Video)|last=Geffen|first=Sasha|date=September 7, 2016|access-date=September 7, 2016|publisher=MTV News|archive-date=September 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160908200444/http://www.mtv.com/news/2928816/lady-gaga-leaks-perfect-illusion-lyrics/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://www.nme.com/news/lady-gaga/96236|title=Lady Gaga shares Perfect Illusion lyrics and sleeve, and confirms its release date|last=Earls|first=John|date=September 7, 2016|access-date=September 7, 2016|work=NME|archive-date=September 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916205630/http://www.nme.com/news/lady-gaga/96236|url-status=live}} Another photo was a shot from the music video, showing Gaga sitting on someone's shoulder and swerving her microphone over a crowd.{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/worth-the-wait-lady-gagas-perfect-illusion-to-release-on-friday/articleshow/54043146.cms|title=Worth the wait! Lady Gaga's 'Perfect Illusion' to release on Friday|date=September 7, 2016|access-date=September 7, 2016|work=The Economic Times|archive-date=September 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910132249/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/worth-the-wait-lady-gagas-perfect-illusion-to-release-on-friday/articleshow/54043146.cms|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7496173/check-out-cover-and-lyrics-for-lady-gaga-perfect-illusion|title=Check Out the Cover and Lyrics For Lady Gaga's 'Perfect Illusion'|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|date=September 6, 2016|access-date=September 6, 2016|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=September 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160908202158/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7496173/check-out-cover-and-lyrics-for-lady-gaga-perfect-illusion|url-status=live}} The artwork was photographed by Ruth Hogben and Andrea Gelardin, according to V magazine. Writing for Paper, Carey O'Donnell called the cover "iconic", comparing Gaga to Canadian singer-songwriter Alice Glass and complimenting the metal and punk look.{{cite news|url=http://www.papermag.com/lady-gaga-new-single-art-perfect-illusion-1998591707.html|title=Lady Gaga's "Perfect Illusion" Single Art Is Already Iconic|last=O'Donnell|first=Carey|date=September 7, 2016|access-date=September 7, 2016|work=Paper|archive-date=September 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160908203851/http://www.papermag.com/lady-gaga-new-single-art-perfect-illusion-1998591707.html|url-status=live}} Sophie Atkinson from Bustle also complimented the image, which she found to be unusually "straightforward for [Gaga]" but was not a traditional beauty shot. Instead Atkinson described the artwork as "incredibly personal" which excited her for being different.{{cite news|url=http://www.bustle.com/articles/182688-lady-gagas-perfect-illusion-cover-suggests-the-song-could-be-her-most-personal-one-yet-photo|title=Lady Gaga's 'Perfect Illusion' Cover Suggests The Song Could Be Her Most Personal One Yet|last=Atkinson|first=Sophie|date=September 7, 2016|access-date=September 7, 2016|work=Bustle|archive-date=September 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915132406/http://www.bustle.com/articles/182688-lady-gagas-perfect-illusion-cover-suggests-the-song-could-be-her-most-personal-one-yet-photo|url-status=live}}

A 16-second video snippet was posted on Gaga's Twitter, showing Gaga dancing in a desert with strobe lights flashing around her, with the same chord beats being repeated.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7503042/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-preview|title=Lady Gaga Shares Preview of 'Perfect Illusion' Single|last=Havens|first=Lyndsey|date=September 9, 2016|access-date=September 9, 2016|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=September 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909051637/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7503042/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-preview|url-status=live}} Gaga appeared on BBC Radio 1's Breakfast Show on September 9, 2016, alongside host Nick Grimshaw and premiered "Perfect Illusion" for the radio.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/tv-radio/lady-gaga-host-bbc-radio-8793491|title=Lady Gaga will host BBC Radio 1's Breakfast Show alongside Nick Grimshaw|last=Mapstone|first=Lucy|date=September 8, 2016|access-date=September 9, 2016|work=Daily Record|archive-date=September 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909152503/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/tv-radio/lady-gaga-host-bbc-radio-8793491|url-status=live}} The singer described the release as "overwhelming" and like a "rebirth" while adding that she had been "in the studio for months and months and now it's in the world [...] It feels like the first time. Something about this song, it feels like I'm a new artist." She also sang a few lines of the track.{{cite news|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/i-have-a-potty-mouth-lady-gaga-apologises-on-radio-1-35035162.html|title=I have a potty mouth – Lady Gaga apologises on Radio 1|date=September 9, 2016|access-date=September 9, 2016|work=The Belfast Telegraph|archive-date=September 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910225417/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/i-have-a-potty-mouth-lady-gaga-apologises-on-radio-1-35035162.html|url-status=live}}

Upon release, "Perfect Illusion" received mixed to positive reviews from music critics.{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/fans-go-gaga-over-new-single-despite-lukewarm-reception-from-critics-35035540.html|title=Fans go Gaga over new single despite lukewarm reception from critics|access-date=September 12, 2016|date=September 9, 2016|work=Irish Independent|archive-date=September 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916182948/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/fans-go-gaga-over-new-single-despite-lukewarm-reception-from-critics-35035540.html|url-status=live}} Alice Vincent of The Daily Telegraph gave the song four out of five stars, saying that it "delights me to write that this is a return to 'Just Dance'-era Gaga: a simple, infectiously catchy slice of floor-filling, stadium-cheering pop". She also complimented the "rich timbre" of Gaga's vocals on the song, and her emoting.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/lady-gagas-new-single-perfect-illusion-is-a-joyful-slice-stadium/|title=Lady Gaga's new single Perfect Illusion is a joyful slice stadium-cheering pop – review|access-date=September 9, 2016|date=September 9, 2016|work=The Daily Telegraph|first=Alice|last=Vincent|archive-date=September 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910094341/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/lady-gagas-new-single-perfect-illusion-is-a-joyful-slice-stadium/|url-status=live}} For Jess Denham from The Independent, "Perfect Illusion" sounded more rock-oriented than "Just Dance" or "Poker Face"; she also complimented the vocals, compared the verses to work by singer Bruce Springsteen, and added that the track was "as catchy as they come and sure to prove a club banger".{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/lady-gaga-new-song-perfect-illusion-album-release-date-florence-welch-comeback-single-a7233376.html|title=Lady Gaga releases catchy comeback single 'Perfect Illusion' and confirms upcoming duet with Florence Welch|access-date=September 9, 2016|date=September 9, 2016|work=The Independent|first=Denham|last=Jess|archive-date=September 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910140149/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/lady-gaga-new-song-perfect-illusion-album-release-date-florence-welch-comeback-single-a7233376.html|url-status=live}} Idolator's Robbie Daw described Gaga as a "rock goddess". The "dark and grungy" sound of the track was relegated more towards Born This Way, rather than the songs from Artpop. Daw ended the review saying that it was a departure from the dance-pop of Gaga's early career.{{cite web|url=http://www.idolator.com/7645317/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-full-song-stream|title=Lady Gaga: Perfect Illusion: Full Song Stream|access-date=September 9, 2016|date=September 9, 2016|work=Idolator|first=Daw|last=Robbie|archive-date=September 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910132231/http://www.idolator.com/7645317/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-full-song-stream|url-status=live}}

{{multiple image

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| alt1 = Kylie Minogue in a pink dress smiling.

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| alt2 = The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers sings onstage dressed in black.

| footer = The New Zealand Herald described "Perfect Illusion" as a mixture of the music of Kylie Minogue and the Killers.

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A writer for The New Zealand Herald called it a "storming pop-rock affair, with slightly less of the electro-pop sheen we've come to expect from her earlier work. Think Killers meets Kylie".{{cite web|url=http://spy.nzherald.co.nz/celebrity/listen-lady-gaga-s-comeback-single-is-here/|title=Listen: Lady Gaga's comeback single is here|access-date=September 9, 2016|date=September 9, 2016|work=The New Zealand Herald|archive-date=September 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911110556/http://spy.nzherald.co.nz/celebrity/listen-lady-gaga-s-comeback-single-is-here/|url-status=live}} Lewis Corner from Digital Spy wrote a detailed review of the track, describing its sound and associated imagery as "undressed". He also found echoes of Springsteen in the track, adding that the "disco-rock refrain pretty much blasts you at full volume from the 30-second point onward [...] It has a decent melody, and a surging, stadium-worthy build-up that echoes Bruce Springsteen."{{cite web|last=Corner|first=Lewis|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/feature/a807411/lady-gaga-new-song-2016-perfect-illusion-review/|title=Lady Gaga's new single 'Perfect Illusion' review: So is it any good?|website=Digital Spy|date=August 27, 2016|access-date=September 11, 2016|archive-date=September 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911110602/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/feature/a807411/lady-gaga-new-song-2016-perfect-illusion-review/|url-status=live}} Jake Viswanath from V gave another positive review of the track, calling it a "true return to form". He felt it was an evolution from the singer's punk days showcasing her versatility. Viswanath also commended the song for keeping Gaga's voice in the forefront.{{cite news|url=http://vmagazine.com/article/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion/|title=Lady Gaga Releases New Single 'Perfect Illusion'|last=Viswanath|first=Jake|date=September 8, 2016|access-date=September 14, 2016|work=V|archive-date=September 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915191916/http://vmagazine.com/article/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion/|url-status=live}}

Writing for The Verge, Kaitlyn Tiffany compared the song to "Bad Romance" but with an "extra adrenaline shot of a big stadium rock song and some twinkly, vaguely creepy '80s synthesizers".{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/9/9/12860452/lady-gaga-new-song-perfect-illusion-listen|title=Lady Gaga is back with a new single, Perfect Illusion|access-date=September 10, 2016|date=September 9, 2016|work=The Verge|last=Stiffany|first=Caitlyn|archive-date=September 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910091404/http://www.theverge.com/2016/9/9/12860452/lady-gaga-new-song-perfect-illusion-listen|url-status=live}} In a positive review, Billboard heralded "Perfect Illusion" as Gaga's comeback release.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7503511/lady-gaga-kings-of-leon-new-music-friday|title=Lady Gaga, Kings of Leon & More Are Spotify Editors' Picks for New Music Friday|access-date=September 10, 2016|date=September 9, 2016|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=September 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910130338/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7503511/lady-gaga-kings-of-leon-new-music-friday|url-status=live}} Rhian Daly from NME praised the singer's vocals on the track and said "its booming disco influence and sheer force make it a formidable return [for Gaga]".{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/lady-gaga-makes-a-formidable-return-with-disco-banger-perfect-illusion|title=Lady Gaga Makes A Formidable Return With Disco Banger 'Perfect Illusion'|access-date=September 10, 2016|date=September 9, 2016|work=NME|last=Daly|first=Rhian|archive-date=September 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910124102/http://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/lady-gaga-makes-a-formidable-return-with-disco-banger-perfect-illusion|url-status=live}} Mikael Wood from the Los Angeles Times called the song "a stomping disco-rock jam with a killer robot-Motown groove, buckets of scuzz-punk guitar fuzz and a key change designed to trigger Pavlovian fist-pumps".{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-20160909-snap-story.html|last=Wood|first=Mikael|title=Lady Gaga is back: 'Perfect Illusion' shows the singer has rediscovered her mojo|access-date=September 10, 2016|date=September 9, 2016|work=Los Angeles Times|archive-date=September 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909202144/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-20160909-snap-story.html|url-status=live}} In a review for The Daily Beast, Kevin Fallon was very impressed with Gaga's key change and complimented her vocals by describing it as "explosive and jagged, muddying up that tradition".{{cite news|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/09/09/lady-gaga-s-perfect-illusion-key-change-will-give-you-life.html|title=Lady Gaga's 'Perfect Illusion' Key Change Will Give You Life|access-date=September 11, 2016|date=September 9, 2016|newspaper=The Daily Beast|last=Fallon|first=Kevin|archive-date=September 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910140749/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/09/09/lady-gaga-s-perfect-illusion-key-change-will-give-you-life.html|url-status=live}} Hugh McIntyre from Forbes claimed "the track manages to simultaneously take Gaga in a different direction, while still maintaining some of the qualities that have made her so popular".{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2016/09/09/lady-gaga-kicks-off-a-new-chapter-in-her-career-with-perfect-illusion|title=Lady Gaga Kicks Off A New Chapter In Her Career With 'Perfect Illusion'|access-date=September 11, 2016|date=September 9, 2016|work=Forbes|last=McIntyre|first=Hugh|archive-date=September 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910140514/http://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2016/09/09/lady-gaga-kicks-off-a-new-chapter-in-her-career-with-perfect-illusion/|url-status=live}} Spencer Kornhaber from The Atlantic noticed that Gaga was "blubbering like Bruce Springsteen" during the song's verse, but found it lacked irony in her delivery.{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/09/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-review/499298/|title=Lady Gaga's Seriously Stomping 'Perfect Illusion'|access-date=September 11, 2016|date=September 9, 2016|work=The Atlantic|last=Kornhaber|first=Spencer|archive-date=September 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910124551/http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/09/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-review/499298/|url-status=live}}

Other critics voiced more negative opinions of the track. Richard S. He of The Guardian heard "zero pitch correction on her vocal", and criticized this decision by adding that "Gaga wants you to hear the blue notes, the cracks in her voice. Unfortunately the cracks are all you hear."{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/sep/09/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-review-underwhelming-comeback-in-search-of-a-melody|title=Lady Gaga: Perfect Illusion review – underwhelming comeback in search of a melody|access-date=September 9, 2016|date=September 9, 2016|work=The Guardian|first=Richard S.|last=He|archive-date=September 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909135018/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/sep/09/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-review-underwhelming-comeback-in-search-of-a-melody|url-status=live}} Spin referred to the single as a "swing and a miss".{{cite web|url=http://www.spin.com/2016/09/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-stream/|title=Lady Gaga Returns To Present The 'Perfect Illusion'|work=Spin|access-date=September 11, 2016|last=Josephs|first=Brian|date=September 9, 2016|archive-date=September 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910123835/http://www.spin.com/2016/09/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-stream/|url-status=live}} USA Today likened the track to Gaga's past work and said, "While not perfect, it's buoyant and fun enough, we suppose. Just not groundbreaking."{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/09/09/lady-gagas-new-single-perfect-illusion-here/90113442/|title=Lady Gaga's new single 'Perfect Illusion' is here|work=USA Today|access-date=September 11, 2016|last=Deerweather|first=Jaimie|archive-date=September 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911141709/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/09/09/lady-gagas-new-single-perfect-illusion-here/90113442/|url-status=live}} Pitchfork{{'}}s Jillian Mapes felt that "Perfect Illusion" did not live up to its significant anticipation, criticizing the song's production and Gaga's vocal performance.{{cite web|first1=Jillian|last1=Mapes|first2=Jeremy|last2=D. Larson|url=http://pitchfork.com/thepitch/1286-slacking-about-maybe-reviewing-the-new-lady-gaga-single/|title=Slacking About Maybe Reviewing Lady Gaga's 'Perfect Illusion'|work=Pitchfork Media|access-date=September 11, 2016|date=September 11, 2016|archive-date=September 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910122656/http://pitchfork.com/thepitch/1286-slacking-about-maybe-reviewing-the-new-lady-gaga-single/|url-status=live}} While ranking Lady Gaga's lead singles from worst to best, Billboard listed "Perfect Illusion" as second-worst, ahead of only "Applause" (2013).{{cite magazine|first=Chris|last=Payne|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7503578/lady-gaga-lead-singles-ranked-worst-to-best-perfect-illusion|title=Lady Gaga's Lead Singles Ranked Worst to Best: Critic's Choice|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 11, 2016|date=September 11, 2016|archive-date=September 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910025926/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7503578/lady-gaga-lead-singles-ranked-worst-to-best-perfect-illusion|url-status=live}} Rolling Stone ranked it number 28 on their Best Songs of 2016 list, stating, "Gaga fuses her neo-folkie Lilith-hippie mode with her disco roots in this Mark Ronson-produced dance-floor confession."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/50-best-songs-of-2016-w452313/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-w452840|title=50 Best Songs of 2016: Lady Gaga, "Perfect Illusion"|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=November 30, 2016|access-date=November 30, 2016|archive-date=December 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201080943/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/50-best-songs-of-2016-w452313/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-w452840|url-status=live}}

In the United States, "Perfect Illusion" debuted at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her 23rd career Hot 100 entry. It also debuted at number two on the Digital Songs chart with sales of 100,000 digital downloads, and number 25 on the Streaming Songs chart with 8.3 million first-week streaming in the US. The song accumulated 22 million audience impression in its first week, which was not enough for it to enter the Radio Songs chart.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7511323/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-debut-hot-100|title=Lady Gaga's 'Perfect Illusion' Makes Its Hot 100 Debut|magazine=Billboard|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=September 19, 2016|access-date=September 20, 2016|archive-date=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920123537/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7511323/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-debut-hot-100|url-status=live}} On the other airplay charts of Billboard, "Perfect Illusion" debuted at number 31 on the Mainstream Top 40 and number 32 on the Adult Pop Songs charts, after it was played hourly on iHeartMedia-owned radio stations. It became Gaga's 16th entry on the former chart, released for the week ending September 24, 2016.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7503676/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-debuts-on-pop-airplay-charts|title=Lady Gaga's 'Perfect Illusion' Debuts on Pop Airplay Charts|magazine=Billboard|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=September 12, 2016|access-date=September 13, 2016|archive-date=September 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913013812/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7503676/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-debuts-on-pop-airplay-charts|url-status=live}} "Perfect Illusion" ultimately peaked at numbers 17 and 22 on the Adult Pop Songs and Mainstream Top 40, respectively. It has been streamed 29.3 million times in the country.{{cite web|url=http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2017/going-gaga-on-the-gridiron.html?cid=socSprinklr-Nielsen|title=Going Gaga on the Gridiron|date=February 2, 2017|access-date=February 3, 2017|publisher=Nielsen SoundScan|archive-date=February 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207183905/http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2017/going-gaga-on-the-gridiron.html?cid=socSprinklr-Nielsen|url-status=live}} The song also charted on Dance Club Songs, but stalled at number 13, becoming her third-lowest peaking single on the chart. In Canada, "Perfect Illusion" debuted and peaked at number 17 on the Canadian Hot 100. It was certified Gold by the Music Canada (MC) for selling over 40,000 units.

The song debuted at number 14 in Australia and number 31 in New Zealand, which became its peak in both regions. It was present for just three weeks on the former nation's chart, while in New Zealand it dropped off after its debut week. "Perfect Illusion" entered the UK Singles Chart at number twelve on the week of September 23, 2016. According to Music Week the song sold a total of 30,830 equivalent units, placing it at number four on the UK Singles Downloads Chart, and number 28 on the Official Audio Streaming Chart.{{cite news|url=http://www.musicweek.com/analysis/read/official-charts-analysis-chainsmokers-won-t-quit-no-1-singles-spot/065969|title=Official Charts Analysis: Chainsmokers won't quit No.1 singles spot|last=Jones|first=Alan|date=September 16, 2016|access-date=September 16, 2016|work=Music Week|url-access=subscription|archive-date=September 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916054455/http://www.musicweek.com/analysis/read/official-charts-analysis-chainsmokers-won-t-quit-no-1-singles-spot/065969|url-status=live}} It had sharp drops down the chart and was present in the top 100 for just six weeks. In France, the track debuted at number one on the French Singles Chart, before falling at number 94, becoming Gaga's biggest dropping in her career before "Million Reasons", who peaked at number 29 and fall at number 154 one month later. Other debuts atop the charts occurred in Finland and Greece, where the track entered the top of the digital charts. The song attained top-10 positions in Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Scotland, top twenty in Lebanon, Switzerland and Portugal, top thirty in Mexico and Austria and top forty in Germany, Japan, Spain and Sweden. It achieved a top five placement on the European Digital Songs chart published by Billboard. "Perfect Illusion" reached number five on the Italian Singles Chart and obtained a Gold certification from Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana (FIMI) for selling over 25,000 units.

A music video for the song was directed by Ruth Hogben and Andrea Gelardin, who had also shot the cover artwork.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7511150/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-video-date|title=Lady Gaga's 'Perfect Illusion' Video Is Just Days Away|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|date=September 16, 2016|access-date=September 16, 2016|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=September 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917041938/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7511150/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-video-date|url-status=live}} Hogben and Gelardin has been associated for the past ten years with Gaga, working on different projects. Stylistically, collaborating on Joanne was a different experience for them. They were present in the recording studio with the singer and Ronson during conception of several tracks and the album's journey helped them understand Gaga's intent with the music. Since "Perfect Illusion" is an "energetic" track they wanted the video to reflect that. It was Gaga's idea to envision the clip as a performance, which became the starting point for Gelardin and Hogben. They wanted her to perform in between people instead on a stage, and asked Ronson, Parker and BloodPop to play cameos. While being interviewed by V magazine, the directors elaborated further:

"We wanted the video to show her without artifice, in a way that her videos may not have done in the past. There is a simplicity in the concept. For example, we love that she holds the handheld mic within the performance. The single cover was taken on the same day. We didn't want it to be a posed still or a "fashion image", we wanted it to show movement and energy and for it to be about her and her performance. Gaga drove the Bronco herself in the video and her commitment to the performance and her authentic raw energy really came across in the way she drove! For us, as directors, it was scary and exciting at the same time—the energy and emotion were purely authentic."{{cite web|url=http://vmagazine.com/article/lady-gagas-collaborators-making-joanne/|title=Lady Gaga's Collaborators Reflect on Creating 'Joanne'|last=Defebaugh|first=William|date=December 14, 2016|access-date=December 17, 2016|work=V|archive-date=December 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161217042226/http://vmagazine.com/article/lady-gagas-collaborators-making-joanne/|url-status=live}}

The world premiere occurred on September 20, 2016, during the season two premiere of Scream Queens on Fox. Gaga also shared a preview of the video, showing her swinging a microphone over her head as an ecstatic crowd cheers on. The visuals begin with her singing while driving a jeep through a desert and then finally performing in front of a crowd, aided by the producers. The video ends with Gaga rolling around alone in the desert. Jack White from the Official Charts Company noted that the editing consisted of "quick, jagged camera cuts" which made up majority of the visuals.{{cite news|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/lady-gaga-unveils-the-official-music-video-for-perfect-illusion__16406/|title=Lady Gaga unveils the official music video for Perfect Illusion|last=White|first=Jack|date=September 20, 2016|access-date=December 16, 2016|publisher=Official Charts Company|archive-date=September 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930103003/http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/lady-gaga-unveils-the-official-music-video-for-perfect-illusion__16406/|url-status=live}} In 2017, filming of the music video was included in the documentary film, Gaga: Five Foot Two.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7965926/lady-gaga-five-foot-two-netflix-documentary-things-learned|title=11 Things We Learned in Lady Gaga's 'Five Foot Two' Netflix Documentary|last=Armstrong|first=Megan|date=September 21, 2017|access-date=November 7, 2017|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=December 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212134831/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7965926/lady-gaga-five-foot-two-netflix-documentary-things-learned|url-status=live}}

File:Lady Gaga Perfect Illusion music video.gif of the song. The image illustrates Gaga's eye-rolling to the back of her head as noted by Spencer Kornhaber from The Atlantic, as well as the epilepsy-inducing editing pointed out by Lara Walsh from InStyle.|alt=A moving image of Gaga singing while rotating her head as lights flash behind her.]]

A writer for Billboard noted that Gaga waded and stomped through the desert while wearing tiny shorts and then appears in a party, and the ending signified the singer to be alone, "rolling in the desert".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7517952/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-video|title=Watch Lady Gaga Lose Herself to Dance in 'Perfect Illusion' Video|date=September 20, 2016|access-date=December 16, 2016|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=December 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161216151315/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7517952/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-video|url-status=live}} Jon Blistein from Rolling Stone described the visuals as "an eye-popping, strobe-lit bacchanal" with Gaga "[throwing] a frenetic desert rager in the euphoric new video".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/watch-lady-gagas-exhilarating-perfect-illusion-video-w441308|title=Watch Lady Gaga's Exhilarating 'Perfect Illusion' Video|last=Blistein|first=Jon|date=September 20, 2016|access-date=December 16, 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-date=December 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221053807/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/watch-lady-gagas-exhilarating-perfect-illusion-video-w441308|url-status=live}} Joey Nolfi from Entertainment Weekly gave a positive review, saying that it consisted of "simple production design, emphasis on Gaga's unbridled choreography, and the noticeable absence of eccentric costumes and wigs" which made it a "radical departure" from Gaga's videography. He noticed that the video was heavy on "rock star energy" and did not have any particular narrative just focusing on "Gaga, the music, and the moves".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2016/09/20/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-music-video|title=Watch Lady Gaga's high-energy 'Perfect Illusion' music video|last=Nolfi|first=Joey|date=September 20, 2016|access-date=December 16, 2016|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|archive-date=November 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119054100/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/09/20/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-music-video|url-status=live}} Chelsea Stone from Teen Vogue complimented the dance nature of the clip and noted that Gaga had posted images from the video previously, as well as wore the same outfit from the video while announcing its premiere on Twitter.{{cite news|url=http://www.teenvogue.com/story/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-music-video|title=Lady Gaga Just Debuted Her "Perfect Illusion" Music Video|last=Stone|first=Chelsea|date=September 20, 2016|work=Teen Vogue|access-date=December 16, 2016|archive-date=December 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221031818/http://www.teenvogue.com/story/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-music-video|url-status=live}} Bianca Gracie from Fuse commented that Gaga "exudes fearlessness while she kicks up dust, drives around in a jeep and throws a wild party" in the video.{{cite news|url=http://www.fuse.tv/2016/09/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-music-video|title=Lady Gaga's 'Perfect Illusion' Video: Watch Her Throw a Party in the Desert|last=Gracie|first=Bianca|date=September 20, 2016|access-date=December 16, 2016|publisher=Fuse|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220135644/http://www.fuse.tv/2016/09/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-music-video|url-status=live}} Carey O'Donnell from Paper felt that the video "enhanced" the song with a "sort of a 'Ohhhhh this is what we're doing' moment" and it pointed to an unplugged era for Gaga.{{cite news|url=http://www.papermag.com/watch-lady-gagas-high-energy-new-video-for-perfect-illusion-2010894117.html|title=Watch Lady Gaga's New Music Video For "Perfect Illusion"|last=O'Donnell|first=Carey|date=September 20, 2016|access-date=December 16, 2016|work=Papermag|archive-date=December 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222051834/http://www.papermag.com/watch-lady-gagas-high-energy-new-video-for-perfect-illusion-2010894117.html|url-status=live}}

Sasha Geffen from MTV News noted Gaga's eyes rolling back in her head as she moshes with the crowd in the clip and "at one point she almost rips the head off of [Parker]".{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2934560/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-video/|title=Lady Gaga Starts A Demonic Mosh Pit In The 'Perfect Illusion' Video|last=Geffen|first=Sasha|date=September 20, 2016|access-date=December 16, 2016|publisher=MTV News|archive-date=December 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161218075307/http://www.mtv.com/news/2934560/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-video/|url-status=dead}} Similar thoughts were echoed in Lara Walsh's review of the clip for InStyle, where she fawned about being a "big fan" of Gaga's "raw appearance" in the video.{{cite news|url=http://www.instyle.com/news/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-music-video|title=Watch Lady Gaga Get Down in the 'Perfect Illusion' Music Video|last=Walsh|first=Lara|date=September 20, 2016|access-date=December 16, 2016|work=InStyle|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220191216/http://www.instyle.com/news/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-music-video|url-status=live}} Writing for the Idolator, Mike Wass noted that the cover artwork gives one a clear idea regarding what to expect from the video, seeing that it "reinvents Gaga as a rockstar" and the "epilepsy induced editing brings the whole thing to life". However he missed the theatricality associated with the singer's previous videos.{{cite news|url=http://www.idolator.com/7646485/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-video|title=Lady Gaga Rocks Out In "Perfect Illusion" Video|last=Wass|first=Mike|date=September 20, 2016|access-date=December 16, 2016|publisher=Idolator}}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Caitlyn Callegari from Bustle compared the clip with that of experiencing a Gaga concert from the front row and called it "appealing" since it had the singer's "patented stylistic melodrama while also maintaining an air of realness to it". Callegari complimented the visuals for bringing out Gaga as both a performer and singer, "and this video invites us to enjoy her in her purest form".{{cite news|url=https://www.bustle.com/articles/185224-lady-gagas-perfect-illusion-music-video-is-like-getting-a-front-row-seat-to-one-of|title=Lady Gaga's 'Perfect Illusion' Music Video Is Like Getting A Front Row Seat To One Of Her Concerts|last=Callegari|first=Caitlyn|date=September 20, 2016|access-date=December 16, 2016|work=Bustle|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220211949/https://www.bustle.com/articles/185224-lady-gagas-perfect-illusion-music-video-is-like-getting-a-front-row-seat-to-one-of|url-status=live}}

Spencer Kornhaber from The Atlantic had hoped that after the Cheek to Cheek era, Gaga would return to make her music video releases as events, like her previous albums, however he was disappointed that the video for "Perfect Illusion" was toned down. He felt the editing to be "excellently chaotic", and noted that Gaga's shots were filmed at a sped up rate than the others. Other observations included "something strange" with Gaga's eyes, which he theorized was either due to the makeup or her contact lenses "to make the whites bigger", or the directors wanted her to "roll her pupils back". He found Gaga's "fierce, hungry, and perhaps coked out" look fitted with the song's drug references. Kornhaber finished the review saying that the although the clip was "not a work of provocation", it still appeared a brave step since none of the singer's contemporaries would have attempted "something so raw and low-concept".{{cite news|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/09/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-video/500927/|title=Will Rock and Roll Save Lady Gaga?|last=Kornhaber|first=Spencer|date=September 20, 2016|access-date=December 16, 2016|work=The Atlantic|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220174319/http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/09/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-video/500927/|url-status=live}} HuffPost{{'}}s Daniel Welsh felt disappointed watching "Perfect Illusion", since according to him Gaga has an "impressive track record when it comes to videos".{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-video_uk_57e26d73e4b0db20a6e7c86f|title=Lady Gaga's 'Perfect Illusion' Music Video Is Here... And We Can't Help But Feel A Bit Underwhelmed|last=Welsh|first=Daniel|date=September 20, 2016|access-date=December 16, 2016|work=HuffPost|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220130843/http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-video_uk_57e26d73e4b0db20a6e7c86f|url-status=live}}

File:Lady Gaga Perfect Illusion Tacoma (cropped).jpg]]

"Perfect Illusion" was performed live for the first time at Moth Club in London, on September 10, 2016. Gaga was wearing a crop top tee and silver shorts, alongside a microphone, which she twirled above her head while dancing.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7503608/watch-lady-gaga-first-performance-of-perfect-illusion-at-london-club|title=Watch Lady Gaga's First Performance of 'Perfect Illusion' at London Club|date=September 10, 2016|access-date=September 16, 2016|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=September 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913014646/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7503608/watch-lady-gaga-first-performance-of-perfect-illusion-at-london-club|url-status=live}} Daniel Kreps from Rolling Stone noted that Gaga sang "her energetic, driving dance-rock single with a head-banging performance that mirrored the single's cover art". Gaga also performed a stripped-down version of "Bad Romance" at the same venue following "Perfect Illusion".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/see-lady-gagas-energetic-live-debut-of-perfect-illusion-w438972|title=See Lady Gaga's Energetic Live Debut of 'Perfect Illusion' in London|date=September 10, 2016|access-date=September 16, 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|archive-date=September 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913014717/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/see-lady-gagas-energetic-live-debut-of-perfect-illusion-w438972|url-status=live}} It was also performed on Gaga's three date long Dive Bar Tour where it was the closing song of the setlist on two occasions.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2016/10/05/lady-gaga-million-reasons-preview|title=Hear the chorus of Lady Gaga's 'Million Reasons' in new Dive Bar Tour trailer|date=October 5, 2016|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=October 5, 2016|archive-date=October 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006152903/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/10/05/lady-gaga-million-reasons-preview|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/4548848/lady-gagas-dive-bar-tour-trayvon-martin-joanne/|title=Watch Lady Gaga's Final Dive Bar Tour Performance in Los Angeles|date=October 27, 2016|magazine=Time|access-date=December 16, 2016|last=Nolf|first=Joey|archive-date=December 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161218042207/http://time.com/4548848/lady-gagas-dive-bar-tour-trayvon-martin-joanne/|url-status=live}}

While promoting Joanne in Japan, Gaga performed a piano-only version of "Perfect Illusion" on morning television program Sukkiri!, and sang the song accompanied by the Japanese boy band on SMAP×SMAP. The performances were aired on November 1 and December 12, 2016, respectively.{{cite news|url=http://www.nme.com/news/music/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-piano-ballad-1819854|title=Watch Lady Gaga turn 'Perfect Illusion' into a piano ballad on Japanese TV|date=November 3, 2016|access-date=November 6, 2016|work=NME|archive-date=November 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105032058/http://www.nme.com/news/music/lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-piano-ballad-1819854|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.idolator.com/7653327/lady-gaga-smap-joanne-million-reasons-video-japan|title=Watch Lady Gaga Perform 'Million Reasons' Inside A Giant Lotus Flower|first=Carl|last=Williot|date=December 12, 2016|publisher=Idolator|access-date=December 14, 2016|archive-date=December 15, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20161215130520/http://www.idolator.com/7653327/lady-gaga-smap-joanne-million-reasons-video-japan|url-status=live}} During the Carpool Karaoke segment of The Late Late Show with James Corden, "Perfect Illusion" was the first song Gaga sang in the vehicle.{{cite news|url=http://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|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220122351/http://edition.cnn.com/2016/10/26/entertainment/lady-gaga-carpool-karaoke/|url-status=live}} The track was also performed as part of the Joanne World Tour (2017–2018).{{cite news|title=Lady Gaga makes a powerful statement at Fenway|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/music/2017/09/02/lady-gaga-makes-powerful-statement-fenway/1UEKRBhn048rpCZiNsV8FL/story.html|last=Johnston|first=Maura|author-link=Maura Johnston |date=September 2, 2017|newspaper=Boston Globe|access-date=September 8, 2017|archive-date=September 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908000511/https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/music/2017/09/02/lady-gaga-makes-powerful-statement-fenway/1UEKRBhn048rpCZiNsV8FL/story.html|url-status=live}} Gaga wore an Alexander Wang-designed leather leotard for the performance, with heavy embroidery and long, leather fringe.{{cite web|url=https://www.vogue.com/article/lady-gaga-joanne-tour-alexander-wang|title=Lady Gaga's Joanne Tour Kicks Off With Custom Alexander Wang|date=August 2, 2017|access-date=September 16, 2017|work=Vogue|first=Steff|last=Yotka|archive-date=September 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909004845/https://www.vogue.com/article/lady-gaga-joanne-tour-alexander-wang|url-status=live}}

"Perfect Illusion" was featured in a trailer for US horror show, American Horror Story: Roanoke, speaking to the anonymity of the season, as the theme was kept a mystery until the premiere.{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/american-horror-story-lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-1201856164-1201856164/|title='American Horror Story' Teaser Features Lady Gaga's 'Perfect Illusion'|last=Roshanian|first=Arya|date=September 9, 2016|access-date=September 16, 2016|work=Variety|archive-date=September 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916012410/http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/american-horror-story-lady-gaga-perfect-illusion-1201856164-1201856164/|url-status=live}}

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Joanne.{{cite AV media notes|title=Joanne|others=Lady Gaga|year=2016|type=CD|publisher=Streamline/Interscope Records|id=2580102|location=United States|page=15}}

• Recorded at Shangri-La Studios (Malibu, California), Pink Duck Studios (Burbank, California and Electric Lady Studios (New York City, New York)
• Mixed at MixStar Studios (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
• Mastered at Sterling Sound (New York City, New York)
• Kiff's Bonza Songs/Sony/ATV Music Publishing Australia for Australia/New Zealand and Kiff's Bonza Songs/BMG Rights Management (UK) Limited for ROW ex-ANZ, Sony/ATV Songs LLC, House of Gaga Publishing (BMI), Imagem CV/Songs of Zelig (BMI) (Songs of Zelig administered worldwide by Imagem CV), OWSLA Music Publishing, LLC/Check Your Pulse, LLC (ASCAP)
• Kevin Parker appears courtesy of Modular Recordings Pty Ltd.

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• Lady Gaga – songwriting, vocals, production
• Mark Ronson – songwriting, guitar, synthesizer, production
• Kevin Parker – songwriting, production, drum, guitar, synthesizer, bass
• BloodPop – songwriting, production, guitar, synthesizer, rhythm track for GenPop Corp.
• Josh Homme – guitar
• Joshua Blair – recording
• David "Squirrel" Covell – recording assistant
• Justin Smith – recording assistant
• Barry McCready – recording assistant
• Serban Ghenea – mixing
• John Hanes – mixing engineering
• Tom Coyne – mastering
• Randy Merrill – mastering

{{div col end}}

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{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Perfect Illusion"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2016|certyear=2024|access-date=March 8, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Lady Gaga|title=Perfect Illusion|award=Platinum|number=2|type=single|relyear=2016|certyear=2024|access-date=April 19, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|artist=Lady Gaga|title=Perfect Illusion|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2016|certyear=2016|certmonth=12|access-date=November 21, 2016|refname="mc"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|artist=Lady Gaga|title=Perfect Illusion|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2016|certyear=2016|access-date=November 21, 2016|refname="fimi"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Lady Gaga|title=Perfect Illusion|award=Silver|type=single|relyear=2016|certyear=2019|id=15981-2312-1|access-date=October 25, 2019}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=Lady Gaga|title=Perfect Illusion|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2016|certyear=2017|access-date=October 25, 2017}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|noshipments=true|nosales=true|streaming=true}}

• List of number-one singles of 2016 (Finland)
• List of number-one hits of 2016 (France)

{{Reflist}}

{{Lady Gaga songs}}

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