Lifestyle Style Who Did Lady Gaga Leave the Oscars to Hang Out With? (Hint: She's Fashion Royalty!) The singer leaves the Oscars early to hang out with Donatella Versace By Brittany Talarico Brittany Talarico Brittany Talarico is PEOPLE's Deputy Style Director, where she oversees the brand's digital Style and Beauty coverage. This includes running lead on the Met Gala, which is among PEOPLE.com's top-trafficked red carpet events every year, interviewing the industry's top influencers (including all the Kardashian-Jenners), and breaking A-list celeb news (a New Jersey shore native, it is no surprise that her favorite interview ever was with Bruce Springsteen). Brittany is a style contributor to People Every Day Podcast and has represented the brand on national TV programs including Good Morning America and The CW's two TV specials on the British Royals. She joined PEOPLE from Cosmopolitan in 2013, where she was an Associate Editor. People Editorial Guidelines Published on March 3, 2014 06:02 AM Share Tweet Pin Email Kevin Winter/Getty; Jason Merritt/Getty Lady Gaga’s appearance at the Oscars was short-lived. Why? The singer had a hot date to get to. Gaga, 27, left the awards show about halfway through, choosing to party with pal Donatella Versace at Elton John’s bash instead of waiting around to see who nabbed the Best Picture statue and other big awards of the evening. Gaga was snapped alongside Versace in an Instagram by supermodel Heidi Klum at about 11 p.m. ET — an hour before the ceremony ended. RELATED PHOTOS: The Oscars biggest fashion risk-takers The Academy surprised fans Sunday morning by announcing Gaga was set to attend the Oscars, and many speculated that the “Do What U Want” singer would perform or present. Despite the buzz, she remained in the audience before slipping out. Still, Gaga did wow on the red carpet — and nabbed a spot in our risk-takers gallery — in a form-fitting lavender gown. The choice was considerably safe for the usually eccentric celebrity, who joined Penelope Cruz and Camila McConaughey in the pastel trend. — Michele Corriston