Lady Gaga opened the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards in full character as her male alter ego, Jo Calderone. Lady Gaga’s character performance was impressive.

Jo, like Gaga, enjoys pushing the envelope. Calderone’s opening monologue was laced with profanity and shocking commentary. After Jo stopped, uh, ranting?, Gaga then performed “You and I” on the piano before she stood on top of it and fell right off. Adele looked shocked.

Gaga’s performances continue to live up to the hype simply because she puts her heart into it.

Photos: MTV and Wenn