MTV VMAs 2013: Lady Gaga 'Applause' Performance Explained by Mother Monster on Twitter, Outfit Changes Represented Different Eras for 'Artpop' Singer [VIDEO]

Last night (Aug. 25) was full of big moments at the MTV Video Music Awards in Brooklyn. From the Miley twerk-fest to the 'NSYNC reunion, everyone was talking about the VMAs. The whole thing started off, however, with Lady Gaga performing her new "Artpop" single "Applause." The artistic performance featured several costume changes to represent each era of the Mother Monster's career. The morning after the VMAs, Gaga has taken to her Twitter to clear up the meaning behind her performance.

Gaga opened by wearing a white outfit, with a foam rectangle strapped to her head. Though seemingly odd, a watchful Twitter fan pointed out the symbolism in the outfit, and it was inspired by one of her outfits from the Born This Way Ball.

@Jed_Fraser The opening showtime outfit! It was inspired by the 'bloody mary' floating dress from the born this way ball!

— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 26, 2013

Other outfit changes and portions of Gaga's performance were a bit more obvious and made sense. Her sparkly blue, heavily shoulder-padded jacket and skirt ensemble was a reflection of her The Fame days. Meanwhile, her bright yellow wig reflected her "Telephone" music video with Beyoncé and "Born This Way." The final outfit and face paint seemed to officially usher in the "Artpop" era for Gaga. Other aspects of Gaga's performance got some clarity on Twitter today, too. The "bowling balls" referenced Jeef Koons gazing ball, a bright blue object from an art display.

Yes! Ding ding ding! RT @tez_xo90: ahh yes and the bowling ball ?? Jeff koons glazing ball ?? — Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 26, 2013

The opening few lines, which Gaga nailed a cappella, were a special song, not from "Artpop," but just for the VMAs.

@LiamCalderone I wrote it special for this performance! — Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 26, 2013

Finally, of course, the boos and shouts of "Lady Gaga is over!" were canned for the performance. That was obvious, however, to viewers at home who could barely hear the sound effects over the roaring "Applause" of the audience.

Relive Lady Gaga's "Applause" performance below.

And remember all of the 2013 MTV VMAs with MStars' live blog with minute-by-minute updates from the show.