Lady Gaga Addresses Bradley Cooper Romance Rumors: 'Yes, People Saw Love'

Lady Gaga knows that her Oscars performance with Bradley Cooper was intimate — and she says that’s what the pair was going for.

Days after the actors took to the Oscars stage to perform “Shallow” from their hit film A Star Is Born (which clinched the award for Best Original Song), Gaga opened up about the memorable performance with her costar on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

During their conversation on Wednesday, Kimmel pointed out that the pair raised eyebrows when their intense connection appeared to come across as an actual romance. Gaga, however, shut down those rumors and claimed it was all for show.

“Yes, people saw love and guess what? That’s what we wanted you to see,” the actress-singer, 32, told Kimmel.

“[Shallow] is a love song, A Star Is Born is a love story,” she explained. “It was so important to both of us that we were connected the entire time… When you’re singing love songs, that’s what you want people to feel.”

Gaga even pointed out that her connection with Cooper was no different than when she had her “arms wrapped around” duet partner Tony Bennett over the past few years — whom she also clarified never having a romantic relationship with.

“I’m an artist and I guess [Bradley and I] did a good job… fooled ya!” she said with a laugh.

RELATED GALLERY: “I Made a Friend for Life” and More of Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga’s Sweetest Quotes About Each Other

Gaga also highlighted Cooper’s hard work — in addition to directing and producing the film, he also organized every detail of Sunday’s performance — and said she was thrilled to watch the Hollywood community react to him singing live.

“Bradley is a musician,” she said. “My favorite thing about the whole experience — I was so excited for everyone to see him sing live.”

“In that moment when we started and he said ‘Tell me something, girl,’ the audience started cheering and I was like, ‘Yes Bradley! Keep going!'” Gaga supportively added.

While on the Oscars stage Sunday, the on-screen lovers shared a piano bench, singing a stripped-down take on the track cheek-to-cheek before affectionately gazing into each other’s eyes, with Cooper wrapping his arm around Gaga’s waist.

Fans have long been enamored by Gaga and Cooper’s on-and off-screen electrifying chemistry, to the point where some online wanted their passionate performance to end with a kiss.

Instead, Gaga and Cooper smiled and hugged as they walked off the stage. Their embrace continued backstage as the two were met with a swarm of claps from production staff.

“Did I nail it?” asked Gaga. Taking in the congratulations, she looked at Cooper and said, “I’m so f—ing proud of you!”

During the commercial break following their duet, the pair came out arm-in-arm to huge cheers and another standing ovation from the entire house.

Cooper kissed and hugged girlfriend Irina Shayk when he got back to his seat, and the model congratulated Gaga, whom Shayk cheered on throughout the night.

After “Shallow” won the award for Best Original Song, Gaga sent love to Cooper in a teary acceptance speech.

“Bradley, there is not a single person on the planet that could’ve sung this song with me but you,” she said. “Thank you for believing in us, thank you so much.”

In the days following their performance, many have weighed in on the pair’s chemistry including Cooper’s ex-wife Jennifer Esposito, David Spade, Adam Rippon, and Mel B.

While some celebrated the showmance, others questioned whether they were in a secret relationship and felt uncomfortable for Cooper’s girlfriend.

Gaga also reiterated how remarkable the experience with her costar was in a sweet message on Twitter Monday, alongside a photo of the pair sitting at the Steinway piano during their performance.

“Nothing could be more special than sharing this moment at the Oscars with a true friend and artistic genius,” she tweeted.