Julie Andrews gushes over Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga and Julie Andrews embrace at the Oscars. Photo / AP

Dame Julie Andrews has sung the praises of her "new friend" Lady Gaga after the pop star performed a The Sound of Music medley at the Oscars.

Gaga sang a string of songs from the Oscar-winning movie musical in honour of its 50th anniversary during the prizegiving, taking on tracks such as Edelweiss and Climb Ev'ry Mountain.

Not only was Gaga's performance well-received at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre, the show-stopping scene was the Oscars' most-shared moment on social media, and Andrews is one of the many who were left impressed with the singer's talents.

"I was deeply honoured by the Academy's lovely tribute to The Sound of Music, and especially touched by Lady Gaga's wonderful performance," Andrews has told People magazine.

Lady Gaga and Julie Andrews speak at the Oscars. Photo / AP

"I have always been a fan, but last night we bonded and now I have a new friend," she added.

Oscars producers Neil Meron and Craig Zadan also praised the pop star's hard work, telling Entertainment Tonight that they asked her six months ago if she would take the stage.

They revealed that Gaga, who graduated from New York University's acclaimed a musical theatre training conservatory, had been working with a vocal coach every day to prepare for the big moment.

"She said that if she pulls it off, it's going to change the focus of her career - and she pulled it off," Meron said.

- WENN