On February 10, 2015, Lady Gaga took the stage at the “Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life — An All-Star GRAMMY Salute”, a special concert honoring the music legend himself. The event was filmed at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live (now the Peacock Theater) in Los Angeles and later broadcast on CBS, featuring an incredible lineup of artists performing Stevie Wonder’s greatest hits. But among all those performances, Lady Gaga’s version of “I Wish” stood out for its power, soul, and pure energy.
As the band struck up the unmistakable funky intro of “I Wish,” Gaga appeared in a sparkling silver suit, with her blonde hair styled in glamorous waves. Backed by a live band and horn section, she immediately set the tone with her electric stage presence. The crowd erupted as she started to sing, perfectly capturing the joyful, danceable spirit of Wonder’s 1976 classic from Songs in the Key of Life.
Gaga didn’t just sing the song — she lived it. Her voice moved effortlessly between soulful belts and playful riffs, giving the song her signature theatrical flair while still honoring Stevie’s original groove. Her enthusiasm was contagious; you could see audience members clapping and dancing along. Even the other artists on stage couldn’t resist smiling and moving to her performance.
What made it even more special was Gaga’s deep respect for Stevie Wonder. Between performances that night, she called him one of her biggest inspirations, saying his music had shaped her understanding of soul and creativity. You could feel that admiration in every note she sang.
As the performance built toward its final chorus, Gaga’s energy soared higher. She hit every note with confidence and passion, ending the song with a powerful shout and a huge smile. The audience gave her a standing ovation, and Stevie Wonder himself looked visibly moved, clapping along with pride.
Lady Gaga’s performance of “I Wish” wasn’t just a tribute — it was a celebration. It showed her versatility as an artist, her love for classic soul, and her ability to light up any stage she steps on. That night, surrounded by musical legends, Gaga proved she was one too.
Fun fact: The same event also featured performances by artists like Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, John Legend, and Pharrell Williams — but Lady Gaga’s funky, fearless version of “I Wish” remains one of the most talked-about moments from the show.
