I think it'll definitely last in the top ten for another one to three weeks because of her VMA performance. Whether you consider that longevity is subjective
Honestly, I love Lady Gaga, but... No. It doesn't compare to her previous stuff and I haven't heard it on the radio once. Plus, Gaga didn't exactly make a smart move by releasing it two days after "Roar" came out. "Roar" has already proven to be the better song and more successful. I think "Applause" is a great song, but it doesn't compare to the Gaga's music from The Fame and The Fame Monster and I think it will easily be forgotten. I think it received more hype than what it's worth.
I think it all bases on the VMA performance now, that could put it on another level, but there really won't be many chances after that to make the song memorable.
it's one of her best singles, and it's an earworm like no other, but i doubt it's going to have much longevity. i imagine after the vma's it'll pick up a little bit, but :/
It's no Bad Romance or Paparazzi or Poker Face, but I could see it being one of the gems in Gaga's singles discography, and maybe being on some compilation album of Gaga's best songs like fifteen years from now.