"Do What U Want" is a song recorded by American singer Lady Gaga for her third studio album, Artpop. Released as a single in 2013, the track originally featured vocals by R&B singer R. Kelly and was promoted through live performances and radio airplay. The song blends electropop and R&B influences and attracted attention for both its catchy chorus and the public controversy that later surrounded the featured contributor.
Background and composition
Written in collaboration with several producers and songwriters, the track reflects mainstream pop production of the early 2010s: layered synthesizers, programmed beats and a midtempo groove that supports a hook-driven chorus. Contributors on the recording and in the songwriting process included collaborators such as DJ Snake, Tchami and DJ White Shadow, with production credited to Lady Gaga and DJ White Shadow. Lyrically, the song addresses themes of personal autonomy and defiance, framed in the first person and anchored by a repetitive chorus that emphasizes individual choice.
Recording, release and reception
Issued as the second single from Artpop, the song received promotional support including televised performances. It performed well commercially in several territories, reaching the top ten in some national charts and entering the upper portion of the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, while charting more modestly elsewhere. Critical response was mixed to positive: reviewers commonly praised the production and Gaga's vocal delivery while noting the prominence of the featured guest vocal as a distinguishing element.
Versions, remixes and live performances
Multiple versions of the track circulated following the single release. A high‑profile remix duet featuring pop singer Christina Aguilera was released after the pair performed the song together on the television competition The Voice. That version attracted radio support and further attention, and several official remixes were issued to accompany the single for club and radio play. Gaga included the song in some live set lists during the album cycle, often emphasizing its hook and pop sensibility.
Music video
A visual accompaniment was produced for the single; however, public availability of that video has been limited. The song's visual presentation and promotional materials received attention at the time of the single's release, consistent with the high-profile rollout of material from the Artpop era.
Controversy, reassessment and withdrawal
In 2019 the broadcast documentary series "Surviving R. Kelly" renewed public scrutiny of allegations against R. Kelly. In response to the renewed attention and accompanying public debate, Lady Gaga publicly expressed regret for collaborating with him. She announced steps to remove the original album version that included his vocals from many digital retailers and streaming services and offered support for survivors of abuse. The Christina Aguilera duet and some remixes remained available, while the presence of the original recording on music platforms was reduced or withdrawn in multiple territories.
Legacy and discussion
Beyond its musical attributes, "Do What U Want" is frequently cited in discussions about accountability and the ethics of creative collaboration when allegations emerge about contributing artists. The single's trajectory—from charting release and a prominent remix to reevaluation and partial removal—illustrates how commercial releases can be affected by developments outside the music itself. The recording continues to be referenced in commentary on industry responses to allegations and on decisions artists make regarding their back catalogs.
For more information about the people and works discussed, see related pages for Lady Gaga, Artpop, R. Kelly, DJ Snake, Tchami, DJ White Shadow, Billboard, Christina Aguilera and the television program The Voice.