AceShowbiz - Lady Gaga has captivated audiences with her commanding stage presence and powerful voice, earning her 13 Grammy Awards and an illustrious career in music. Yet, for her role as Harley Quinn in the upcoming film "Joker: Folie a Deux," she had to leave her signature vibrato behind.

In a move that would challenge any seasoned performer, Gaga was coached by her co-star Joaquin Phoenix to "sing poorly," shedding her polished vocal techniques to unlock the rawness of her character.

According to Phoenix, the highly technical and beautiful vibrato that Gaga is known for had to be stripped away. "I encouraged her to sing poorly," he told Vogue. "I remember asking her to sing without her vibrato. She has a beautiful vibrato - too beautiful. I think she felt naked without it. But as soon as she moved away from technique she unlocked her character's voice."

Gaga echoed this sentiment, noting the stark difference in her approach compared to her role in "A Star Is Born." "I worked really hard on that, kind of trying to undo all my technique. I mean, Ally Maine in 'A Star Is Born' is a singer and it's a movie about people who make music. That is not what this film is about at all," she explained to Vogue.

Reviews for the film have been mixed, but Lady Gaga's performance has been widely praised. TheWrap reviewer William Bibbiani noted that despite mixed reactions, Gaga stood out. "What's most impressive about 'Joker: Folie a Deux' is the way Phillips willingly undercuts his own billion-dollar blockbuster. He's looking inward. Arthur is looking inward. Hopefully the audience will too, and question why they care so much about Arthur Fleck in the first place," Bibbiani wrote.

Beyond vocal modifications, Gaga delved deep into Harley Quinn's chaotic psyche. Speaking to Vogue, she revealed how she drew from personal experiences of mania and chaos to shape her portrayal.

"I had a different experience creating her, namely my experience with mania and chaos inside - for me, it creates a quietness. Sometimes women are labeled as these overly emotional creatures and when we are overwhelmed we are erratic or unhinged. But I wonder if when things become so broken from reality, when we get pushed too far in life, what if it makes you … quiet?" she said.

The film also boasts an atypical musical approach, with Gaga insisting on live singing during shoots. Phoenix revealed, "We didn't sing to completed tracks or a click track. We were working with a pianist on set, so each take was a different version of the song and of singing the song, so that felt really exciting and created an energy that was necessary."

"Joker: Folie a Deux" hit theaters on October 4 and promises a unique cinematic experience, pushed further by Gaga's dedicated and transformative performance.