Bradley Cooper's Story About Jay-Z Watching "Judge Judy" When He Was Pitching "A Star Is Born" To Beyoncé Is Going Viral

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Let me give you a little history lesson.

Woman in a sleeveless top gesturing toward a chalkboard with "Gay history 101" on it
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Way back in the yonder years of 2012, Beyoncé was rumored to be the female lead in the A Star Is Born remake.

Close-up of Beyoncé smiling, wearing a black top with pink details and a gold chain necklace
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That role obviously went to Lady Gaga, but now we're finally hearing about what actually happened.

Lady Gaga in a black dress holding an Oscar trophy, smiling, with a necklace
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Bradley Cooper shed new light on the situation at a SAG-AFTRA Foundation talk, telling a funny story about meeting Beyoncé and Jay at their home.

Bradley smiling in a classic black suit with a tie at a media event
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"I went to Beyoncé's house, and Jay-Z was watching Judge Judy, I still remember. I'm not kidding. And I was freaking out," he said.

"I remember I had this weird cough when I was pitching it to her, and it was crazy," he continued.

Man in a formal suit and bow tie looking over his shoulder next to a car
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"She was incredible, and so was he, and we developed it for like a year together. I mean, she's one of the greatest people of all time. Then that fell through, and I'm like, maybe it's Adele [then]?"

Bradley, in a patterned tie and blue suit jacket, smiling at a celebrity event
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"I think she texted me back once, but she was busy."

Adele seated at an event, smiling in a black top
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Eventually, Bradley heard Gaga singing at a cancer benefit and instantly knew he'd found the woman for the role.

Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga onstage holding hands; he's in a tuxedo, she's in a black gown with a prominent necklace
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And that, my friends, is Oscar history!

Bradley, in a bow tie and suit, helps Gaga in a black gown up the stairs to the stage
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Bye!

Judge Judy Sheindlin sitting at her bench in courtroom attire with gavel and American flag behind
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