Earl Gibson III/WireImageRichy Jackson, the star-making secret weapon behind pop music's biggest artists, has seen and done it all. As Lady Gaga's visual director and choreographer, Jackson has traveled the world and performed everywhere from Coachella to the Grammys—not to mention the Super Bowl.
Here are Jackson's Top 5 backstage moments of all time:
1. Lady Gaga's Performance of "Poker Face" on American Idol
"I was set to enter the stage from the audience standing area. Nervously awaiting and mentally trying to focus before going on stage and free-styling for my life, this guy keeps tapping me on my shoulder saying, 'What is she gonna do? Tell me. Tell me!' This line of questioning and "tapping" proceeded for a good minute and a half until I finally said, 'I have a cold. I don't want to get you sick.' Suddenly all troubles came to an immediate end."
2. Meghan Trainor and Charlie Puth at the 2015 AMAs
"As the duo was performing during the American Music Awards, 'the Kiss' seen 'round the world happened and I was jumping up and down and screaming, 'Keep going! Keep going! Keep going!' Everyone backstage looked at me like I was crazy, but eventually when the applause came, they understood what was happening."
3. Lady Gaga Sings Paparazzi at 2009 MTV VMAs
"'Richy Laced-Panty Mask' is born! I was looking for that last piece of wardrobe to top off my performance outfit. And out of a bag of material, what I thought would make a good glove, was a pair of lace panties. I raised them up in front of my face and a vision appeared: 'I should wear these on my face!' And that's just what I did."
4. Katy Perry Performs "California Gurls" on Good Morning America
"I tested out the gummy bear outfit that some our dancers were going to wear. I love gummy bears so much and being able to try on the head of a gummy was amazing, only it smelled nothing like the delicious taste and it definitely wasn't that 'gummy.'
5. Lady Gaga and R. Kelly's Sing "Do What U Want" at the 2013 AMAs
"I had to sing along with R. Kelly for his monologue. Love it. We had such a great time. Yesss!!!"