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Lady Gaga

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Lady Gaga
Born
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta

(1986-03-28) March 28, 1986 (age 40)
Manhattan, New York City, U.S.
Occupation(s)Vocalist, songwriter, actress
Years active2005–present
Known forMusic career with albums such as The Fame, The Fame Monster, Born This Way; acting roles in American Horror Story: Hotel, A Star Is Born, House of Gucci

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta (born March 28, 1986), widely recognized by her stage name Lady Gaga, is an American vocalist, songwriter, and actress. Celebrated for her continual reinvention and artistic adaptability, she stands as a prominent figure in contemporary music, with estimated record sales reaching 124 million, placing her among the top-selling musicians ever. Esteemed outlets such as Billboard and Rolling Stone have honored her as one of the most influential artists in music history.

Gaga secured a contract with Interscope Records in 2007 and quickly rose to international fame with her debut album, The Fame (2008), along with its follow-up reissue The Fame Monster (2009). This era yielded chart-topping tracks like "Just Dance", "Poker Face", "Bad Romance", "Telephone", and "Alejandro". Her sophomore album, Born This Way (2011), which merged elements of electronic rock and techno-pop, surpassed one million units sold in its opening week. The lead single set a record on the iTunes Store as the fastest-selling track, achieving over one million downloads within seven days. The third studio effort, Artpop (2013), showcased electronic dance influences, succeeded by a jazz partnership with Tony Bennett on Cheek to Cheek (2014) and then a soft rock-oriented release, Joanne (2016).

Branching into acting, Gaga earned critical acclaim for performances in American Horror Story: Hotel (2015–2016), A Star Is Born (2018), and House of Gucci (2021). Her contributions to the A Star Is Born soundtrack, particularly the hit single "Shallow", made her the first woman to earn an Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Grammy all within the same year. Returning to dance-pop with Chromatica (2020), she delivered the number-one hit "Rain on Me". She reunited with Bennett for their concluding album, Love for Sale (2021), and revisited her earlier pop sound on Mayhem (2025), which includes the chart-topping single "Die with a Smile".

Gaga boasts six albums that reached number one on the US Billboard 200 and six singles topping the Hot 100 chart. She remains the sole female artist to have four singles each surpassing 10 million copies sold worldwide. In 2011, Forbes named her the highest-earning female musician globally and one of the most influential celebrities; meanwhile, Time magazine included her twice in their list of the 100 most impactful individuals in 2010 and 2019. Her accolades encompass 14 Grammy Awards, a Sports Emmy, two Golden Globes, 18 MTV Video Music Awards, and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Beyond music, Gaga has launched ventures such as Haus Labs, a cruelty-free cosmetics line, and founded the Born This Way Foundation dedicated to promoting mental health among youth.

1986–2004: Early life

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta entered the world on March 28, 1986, in Manhattan, New York City, into an upper-middle-class Catholic household with Italian roots. Her mother is Cynthia Louise (née Bissett), known for philanthropy and business leadership; her father Joseph Germanotta is an entrepreneur specializing in Internet ventures. She has a younger sister named Natali. Growing up on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Gaga described her parents as having humble origins but who achieved success through hard work. Beginning at age eleven, she attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart—a private Roman Catholic all-girls school—where she viewed herself as diligent yet often feeling like an outsider.

Encouraged by her mother to cultivate cultural refinement, Gaga started learning piano at four years old. She developed an ability to play by ear rather than relying on sheet music and frequently performed at open mic events during adolescence. In high school theater productions she took leading roles and pursued method acting training over ten years at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. Her earliest screen appearance was a background role in AC/DC’s 2000 video for "Stiff Upper Lip," followed by a minor part in a 2001 episode of The Sopranos.

In 2003, Gaga gained early admission to Collaborative Arts Project 21 at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. There she honed songwriting skills while studying subjects including art history, religion, social issues, and politics. She departed NYU during her second year in 2005 to dedicate herself fully to music pursuits. That same year she appeared on MTV’s prank show Boiling Points.

In a 2014 interview, Gaga disclosed that at nineteen she was sexually assaulted by a producer—an experience that led to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She credits therapy along with support from family and friends as pivotal in her healing process. She later revealed that this trauma resulted in pregnancy and deeply impacted her early professional life.

2005–2007: Early Career Development

In 2005, Gaga collaborated with rapper Melle Mel on two tracks for an audio book linked to Cricket Casey's children's novel The Portal in the Park. She established a band named the SGBand alongside friends from NYU, performing within New York City's Lower East Side club circuit. Following her appearance at the 2006 Songwriters Hall of Fame New Songwriters Showcase, talent scout Wendy Starland connected her with producer Rob Fusari. Together, they worked on new material and compositions. Fusari claimed to have created her stage name "Lady Gaga," drawing inspiration from Queen's song "Radio Ga Ga." Their professional relationship continued until January 2007.

Fusari and Gaga launched Team Lovechild, LLC as a platform to advance her career. They crafted electropop tracks that were circulated among industry professionals. In September 2006, Joshua Sarubin, head of A&R at Def Jam Recordings, signed Gaga after receiving approval from Antonio "L.A." Reid. However, she was dropped three months later and returned home for the holidays. Subsequently, Gaga performed in neo-burlesque venues, exploring artistic freedom and met performance artist Lady Starlight, who played a pivotal role in developing her stage persona. Together, they performed at locations such as Mercury Lounge and the Bitter End, branding their show as "The Ultimate Pop Burlesque Rockshow," an homage to 1970s variety performances. They also appeared at the 2007 Lollapalooza festival.

Shifting away from avant-garde electronic dance music, Gaga began integrating pop hooks and glam rock elements influenced by David Bowie and Queen. While collaborating with Starlight onstage, Fusari continued songwriting efforts with her, submitting demos to record executive Vincent Herbert. In November 2007, Herbert signed Gaga to Streamline Records, an imprint under Interscope Records. Gaga later acknowledged Herbert as the individual who discovered her. After completing an internship at Famous Music Publishing, she secured a publishing contract with Sony/ATV Music Publishing, contributing songs for artists such as Britney Spears, New Kids on the Block, Fergie, and the Pussycat Dolls.

At Interscope, musician Akon was impressed by her vocal abilities during a studio session and persuaded CEO Jimmy Iovine to sign her jointly to his label KonLive Distribution, designating her as his "franchise player."

Toward the end of 2007, Gaga started working closely with songwriter and producer RedOne, dedicating significant time to crafting her debut album. She also signed with Cherrytree Records, an Interscope subsidiary headed by producer Martin Kierszenbaum, co-writing four tracks alongside him. Despite securing a recording contract, some radio stations deemed her music too provocative, dance-centric, and underground for mainstream airplay; she confidently responded: "My name is Lady Gaga... this is what's next."

2008–2010: Breakthrough with The Fame and The Fame Monster

By 2008, Gaga relocated to Los Angeles to complete her debut album The Fame and assemble her creative collective known as the Haus of Gaga, inspired by Andy Warhol’s The Factory. Released on August 19, 2008, The Fame achieved number one positions in Austria, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom while reaching the top five in Australia and the United States. Its singles "Just Dance" and "Poker Face" topped charts across the US, Australia, Canada, and the UK; notably, "Poker Face" became the best-selling single worldwide in 2009 with 9.8 million units sold and set a record on Billboard’s Digital Songs chart. Other singles included "Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)", "LoveGame", and "Paparazzi," with the latter reaching number one in Germany. Remixes of these singles (excluding "Eh, Eh") were compiled on Hitmixes released in August 2009. At the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, The Fame earned Best Dance/Electronica Album while "Poker Face" secured Best Dance Recording.

Following her role as opening act for the Pussycat Dolls’ 2009 Doll Domination Tour across Europe and Oceania, Gaga embarked on a global The Fame Ball Tour running from March through September 2009. During this timeframe, she composed eight songs for The Fame Monster, a reissue unveiled on November 18, 2009. The lead single "Bad Romance" preceded the EP by one month and reached number one in Canada and the UK while peaking at number two in the US, Australia, and New Zealand. The second single "Telephone," featuring Beyoncé, became Gaga’s fourth UK chart-topper. The third single "Alejandro" topped Finland’s charts but generated controversy due to its music video content. Both "Telephone" and "Alejandro" reached the US top five positions. The video for "Bad Romance" became YouTube’s most viewed clip by April 2010; by October of that year she was recognized as the first artist with over one billion combined views across videos.

At the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, Gaga garnered eight wins from thirteen nominations—including Video of the Year for "Bad Romance"—making her that year’s most nominated artist and the first woman ever nominated twice simultaneously for Video of the Year. The Fame Monster received Best Pop Vocal Album at the 53rd Grammy Awards; additionally, "Bad Romance" won Best Female Pop Vocal Performance along with Best Short Form Music Video. In 2021, Rolling Stone ranked "Bad Romance" among its list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and its video within the top 100 Greatest Music Videos.

In 2009 alone, Gaga set a record by accumulating 150 total weeks on the UK Singles Chart and became America’s most downloaded female artist within a single year with 11.1 million downloads—earning recognition from Guinness World Records. Combined sales of The Fame and The Fame Monster surpass 15 million copies worldwide; notably The Fame Monster was the second highest-selling album globally in 2010. This success paved way for her second global concert series—the Monster Ball Tour (November 2009–May 2011)—which grossed $227.4 million—the highest revenue generated by a debut headlining tour. Performances at Madison Square Garden were recorded for an HBO special broadcast. Additionally, Gaga appeared at major events including the Royal Variety Performance (2009), Grammy Awards (52nd), and Brit Awards (2010). She had been slated to open Michael Jackson’s canceled This Is It concerts prior to his passing.

During this period, Gaga diversified into business ventures: partnering with Monster Cable Products to release Heartbeats by Lady Gaga jewel-embellished headphones and assuming creative director responsibilities at Polaroid starting January 2010 to develop Grey Label photo-capture devices. Concurrently she encountered legal disputes involving former producer Rob Fusari regarding financial claims; both lawsuits were dismissed by New York Supreme Court in 2010. Gaga also revealed borderline positive lupus test results but maintained focus on managing her health through lifestyle adjustments.

2011–2014: Born This Way, Artpop, and Cheek to Cheek

In February 2011, Gaga unveiled "Born This Way," the lead single from her album sharing the same title. Within five days, the track surpassed one million sales, setting a Guinness World Record as the fastest-selling single on iTunes. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the 1,000th chart-topping single in history. Following singles "Judas" and "The Edge of Glory" both secured top 10 positions in the US and UK, with the latter’s video showcasing Gaga dancing solo without choreographed routines.

The album Born This Way was released on May 23, 2011, entering the Billboard 200 at number one with first-week sales of 1.1 million copies. Globally, it sold eight million units and earned three Grammy nominations, including Gaga’s third straight nod for Album of the Year. In 2020, Rolling Stone ranked it among "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time." Subsequent singles such as "You and I" and "Marry the Night" reached numbers 6 and 29 on US charts respectively. Notably, "Bloody Mary" saw renewed popularity and was issued as a single in 2022. During the shooting of the "You and I" music video, Gaga began a relationship with actor Taylor Kinney. The Born This Way Ball tour launched in April 2012, grossing $183.9 million worldwide; however, it was cut short due to a hip injury requiring surgery, resulting in approximately $25 million in refund cancellations.

Throughout 2011, Gaga collaborated with Tony Bennett on a jazz rendition of "The Lady Is a Tramp," teamed up with Elton John for "Hello Hello" from Gnomeo & Juliet, and worked alongside The Lonely Island and Justin Timberlake on "3-Way (The Golden Rule)." She performed at Sydney Town Hall to promote Born This Way and honor Bill Clinton’s 65th birthday. Her Thanksgiving television special, A Very Gaga Thanksgiving, aired to an audience of 5.7 million viewers coinciding with her fourth EP release, A Very Gaga Holiday. In 2012, she guest-starred as an animated version of herself on The Simpsons episode "Lisa Goes Gaga," and introduced her first fragrance, Lady Gaga Fame; this was followed by Eau de Gaga in 2014, both developed with Coty.

Gaga commenced work on her third studio album, Artpop, early in 2012 during the Born This Way Ball tour, intending to evoke the atmosphere of “a night at the club.” The lead single "Applause," released in August 2013, topped charts in Hungary and reached the top five in both the US and UK. The lyric video for "Aura" accompanied her role in Robert Rodriguez’s film Machete Kills, which underperformed commercially. The album’s second single, "Do What U Want," featuring R. Kelly, claimed number one in Hungary and peaked at number 13 in the US. Released on November 6, 2013, Artpop garnered mixed critical reception but debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and had sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide by mid-2014. The third single "G.U.Y." peaked at number 76 on US charts.

In November 2013, Gaga hosted Saturday Night Live and presented her second Thanksgiving special titled Lady Gaga and the Muppets Holiday Spectacular. She also performed "Do What U Want" alongside Christina Aguilera on The Voice. In March 2014, Gaga held a week-long concert residency at New York’s Roseland Ballroom prior to its closure. She then launched the ArtRave: The Artpop Ball tour, which earned $83 million and included dates originally canceled from the Born This Way Ball.

During this timeframe, Gaga ended her professional relationship with longtime manager Troy Carter due to creative disagreements; by June 2014 she signed with Live Nation’s Artist Nation management under Bobby Campbell. She made a cameo appearance in Rodriguez’s film Sin City: A Dame to Kill For and was appointed Versace’s ambassador for their spring-summer 2014 collection.

In September 2014, Gaga issued a jazz collaboration album with Tony Bennett entitled Cheek to Cheek, inspired by their friendship and her enduring passion for jazz music. Bennett described her as “the most talented artist I have ever met.” Pre-release singles included "Anything Goes" and "I Can't Give You Anything but Love." The album received positive reviews and became Gaga’s third consecutive number-one entry on the Billboard 200. It earned the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. They also recorded a concert special called Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga: Cheek to Cheek Live! and toured together from December 2014 through August 2015.

2015–2017: American Horror Story, Joanne, and Super Bowl Highlights

In February 2015, Gaga announced her engagement to Taylor Kinney. After the modest reception of Artpop, she embarked on a transformation of her public persona, starting with the release of Cheek to Cheek and delivering a highly praised medley from The Sound of Music at the 87th Academy Awards. This Oscar performance sparked over 214,000 global Facebook interactions per minute. Collaborating with Diane Warren, she co-wrote "Til It Happens to You" for the documentary The Hunting Ground, which earned her both a Satellite Award and an Oscar nomination. That year, Billboard honored her as Woman of the Year.

Achieving her longtime goal in acting, Gaga starred as Elizabeth, the proprietor of a hotel, in American Horror Story: Hotel (October 2015–January 2016). This role garnered her the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film. In 2015, she also featured in Nick Knight’s fashion film for Tom Ford’s spring 2016 campaign and served as guest editor for the 99th issue of V magazine, receiving Editor of the Year recognition at the Fashion Los Angeles Awards.

In February 2016, Gaga performed the US national anthem at Super Bowl 50 and collaborated with Intel and Nile Rodgers on a David Bowie tribute during the Grammys. She also delivered "Til It Happens to You" at the Oscars alongside survivors of sexual assault. Her engagement ended in July, reportedly due to conflicts with her career commitments.

She took on the role of witch Scathach in American Horror Story: Roanoke (September–November 2016), which influenced her musical direction toward exploring "the art of darkness." In September 2016, she released "Perfect Illusion," which topped French charts and peaked at number 15 in the US. Her fifth studio album, Joanne, named in honor of her late aunt and released on October 21, 2016, marked her fourth number-one on the US Billboard 200, making her the first female artist with four chart-toppers during the 2010s. The album’s second single, "Million Reasons," reached number four on US charts. A stripped-down piano rendition of "Joanne," unveiled in 2018, won a Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance. To support the album, Gaga embarked on an intimate three-show Dive Bar Tour.

On February 5, 2017, Gaga headlined the Super Bowl LI halftime show, incorporating hundreds of illuminated drones—the first robotic aircraft deployment in Super Bowl history. The broadcast attracted 117.5 million viewers across the United States, exceeding the game’s audience and ranking as the third most-watched halftime show at that time. The performance triggered a surge of 410,000 song downloads and earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Special Class Program. CBS Sports ranked this show as the second-best Super Bowl halftime act ever. In April, she was a headliner at Coachella and released "The Cure," which entered Australia’s top ten.

Following this, Gaga launched the Joanne World Tour four months later after announcing it post-Super Bowl LI. The Netflix documentary Gaga: Five Foot Two chronicled her creative process behind Joanne and preparations for the halftime show while revealing her battle with fibromyalgia-related chronic pain. In February 2018, she canceled the last ten shows due to intense pain; overall, the tour grossed $95 million from ticket sales totaling 842,000 attendees.

2018–2019: A Star Is Born and Las Vegas Residency

In March 2018, Gaga contributed a rendition of Elton John's "Your Song" to his tribute compilation Revamp. Later that year, she took on the role of Ally in Bradley Cooper's musical romantic drama A Star Is Born, a remake of the classic 1937 film. The plot centers on Ally's ascent to fame amid the deteriorating relationship with singer Jackson Maine (Cooper). The film was met with critical acclaim, particularly praising its leads, direction, and poignant storyline. Cooper invited Gaga to participate after witnessing her performance at a cancer benefit; she accepted due to the film’s exploration of themes like addiction and depression. Gaga and Cooper collaborated on writing and producing most of the soundtrack’s songs, which they also performed live within the movie. Debuting at the 2018 Venice Film Festival, Gaga’s portrayal received widespread commendation for its sincerity and emotional depth. Critics such as Peter Bradshaw from The Guardian described it as "outrageously watchable," while Time magazine emphasized her "knockout performance." Her work earned her the National Board of Review and Critics' Choice Best Actress awards, alongside nominations for the Academy, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and BAFTA awards.

The soundtrack’s lead single, "Shallow", launched on September 27, 2018, achieved number one positions on charts worldwide including Australia, the UK, and the US. The album comprises 34 tracks with 17 original compositions and received favorable reviews upon release. It debuted atop the US Billboard 200, further extending Gaga’s record for the most number-one albums by a female artist in the 2010s. It also reached number one in countries such as Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the UK. By June 2019, global sales surpassed six million copies. This commercial success was matched by critical acclaim. The album earned Gaga four Grammy Awards—including Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media—and a BAFTA for Best Film Music. Additionally, "Shallow" brought her numerous accolades such as the Academy Award, Golden Globe, Critics' Choice, and Satellite Awards for Best Original Song. Gaga delivered live performances of "Shallow" at both the 61st Grammy Awards and the 91st Academy Awards ceremonies.

In October 2018, Gaga revealed her engagement to talent agent Christian Carino; however, they called off their engagement in February 2019. Around this period, she inaugurated a concert residency at MGM Park Theater in Las Vegas titled Lady Gaga Enigma + Jazz & Piano. This residency featured two distinct show formats: Enigma focused on theatrical presentations featuring her greatest hits, while Jazz & Piano highlighted selections from the Great American Songbook alongside stripped-down renditions of her own music. Enigma premiered in December 2018 with Jazz & Piano following in January 2019.

September 2019 marked Gaga’s launch of Haus Laboratories, her vegan makeup brand exclusively available through Amazon. The product line includes 40 items such as liquid eyeliners and lip glosses; it quickly rose to become Amazon’s top-selling lipstick brand.

2020–2023: Chromatica, Love for Sale, and House of Gucci

Lady Gaga's sixth studio release, Chromatica, arrived on May 29, 2020, to widespread acclaim and debuted at number one on the US Billboard charts, marking her sixth album in a row to achieve this feat domestically. It also secured the top position in more than twelve countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The album’s lead single, "Stupid Love", was unveiled on February 28, 2020, reaching the fifth spot on both US and UK charts. Its successor, "Rain on Me", a collaboration with Ariana Grande released on May 22, entered the US chart at number one and earned the award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards. At the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards, Gaga secured five accolades, including the inaugural Tricon Award recognizing her multifaceted achievements. Additionally, in September 2020, she appeared in Valentino’s campaign for their Voce Viva fragrance.

During the 2020 US presidential election cycle, Gaga publicly supported Joe Biden and performed the national anthem at his inauguration ceremony in January 2021. In an unfortunate incident in February 2021, her French Bulldogs were stolen during which her dog walker was shot; Gaga promptly offered a $500,000 reward for their safe return. The dogs were found unharmed two days afterward; subsequently, five individuals faced charges related to the crime. The shooter received a 21-year prison sentence in December 2022.

In April 2021, Gaga collaborated with Champagne house Dom Pérignon for an advertising campaign. Later that year, she released her third remix project titled Dawn of Chromatica on September 3. This was followed by her second joint album with Tony Bennett, Love for Sale, which debuted at number eight in the US and garnered positive critical reception. Promotional efforts included a CBS special called One Last Time: An Evening with Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga and an MTV Unplugged session released in December. The album earned the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards.

After appearing on Friends: The Reunion, Gaga took on the role of Patrizia Reggiani in Ridley Scott’s biographical crime drama House of Gucci (2021). She adopted an Italian accent and maintained her character immersion over a prolonged period during filming, which affected her mental well-being. While critical responses to the film were mixed overall, Gaga's performance received significant praise. Her portrayal led to nominations from BAFTA, Critics' Choice, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild awards; she also won the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress.

Gaga co-wrote and performed "Hold My Hand" for the soundtrack of the 2022 motion picture Top Gun: Maverick, additionally co-composing its score alongside Hans Zimmer and Harold Faltermeyer. The track earned a nomination for Best Original Song at the 95th Academy Awards and won a Satellite Award.

In July 2022, Gaga embarked on The Chromatica Ball stadium tour which concluded in September after twenty performances, grossing $112.4 million from ticket sales totaling 834,000 attendees. This tour was captured in an HBO concert special titled Gaga Chromatica Ball. By the end of that year, she held the distinction of being the highest-earning female touring artist globally.

In April 2023, President Joe Biden appointed Gaga as co-chair of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities. That same year she collaborated with the Rolling Stones on "Sweet Sounds of Heaven," featuring Stevie Wonder from their album Hackney Diamonds.

2024–present: Joker: Folie à Deux and Mayhem

Between February and April 2024, Gaga was the headline performer for the second season of the online video game Fortnite spin-off event, Fortnite Festival. In April, after four years of dating, she became engaged to venture capitalist Michael Polansky. She took part in the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremony in Paris during July. On August 16, 2024, Gaga released a duet with Bruno Mars titled "Die with a Smile". This single dominated the Billboard Global 200 chart for 18 weeks, making her the first artist to achieve multiple U.S. number-one hits across the 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s. The song earned the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance award at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, marking Gaga as the first to win this category three times.

In Todd Phillips' musical psychological thriller Joker: Folie à Deux, Gaga portrayed Harleen "Lee" Quinzel. The film premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival and was released in October 2024. Although it received mixed reviews and did not perform well commercially, Gaga's portrayal was praised despite being seen as underutilized. The soundtrack featured songs performed by both Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix. Additionally, she produced a related jazz album called Harlequin, which debuted on September 27, 2024; she co-wrote four tracks alongside Polansky.

Her pop album Mayhem, inspired by Polansky's input, launched on March 7, 2025, garnering critical acclaim and debuting at number one in the United States. Both Gaga and Polansky served as executive producers and co-wrote seven songs on the album. The lead single "Disease", released on October 25, 2024, reached number seven on the UK charts. The follow-up single "Abracadabra" came out on February 3, 2025, achieving top-five positions in Germany, the UK, and on the Global 200 charts. Later, "Die with a Smile" was incorporated into the album's tracklist.

At Super Bowl LIX, Gaga performed "Hold My Hand" during the pregame as a tribute to victims of the 2025 New Orleans truck attack. This performance earned her Outstanding Music Direction at the 46th Sports Emmy Awards. She returned as host for Saturday Night Live in March and was honored with the Innovator Award at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards.

From April to May 2025, Gaga conducted promotional concerts supporting Mayhem, including a free performance at Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana Beach as part of "Todo Mundo no Rio". This event attracted an estimated crowd exceeding 2.5 million attendees, setting a record for the largest free concert audience by a female artist. Following this milestone, she commenced The Mayhem Ball tour in July.

Gaga is also scheduled to appear as Rosaline Rotwood, a teacher at Nevermore Academy, in season two of Netflix's series Wednesday.

Influences

Lady Gaga's artistic development was shaped by a wide range of musicians, including Michael Jackson, the Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Queen, Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Whitney Houston, Elton John, Prince, En Vogue, TLC, Christina Aguilera, Janet Jackson, and Blondie. Her creative inspirations encompass dance-pop legends such as Madonna and Michael Jackson, alongside glam rock icons like David Bowie and Freddie Mercury. This blend is further enriched by the theatrical flair of pop artist Andy Warhol and her roots in musical theater. Comparisons to Madonna have been frequent, with Madonna herself recognizing similarities and Gaga aspiring to transform pop music in a comparable manner. Her style has also been influenced by heavy metal bands including Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, and Marilyn Manson. Beyoncé is often cited as a pivotal figure motivating her career path. Additional influences include Grace Jones, Duke Ellington, and Carole King.

Fashion holds a crucial place in Gaga’s creative expression, inspired significantly by her mother’s passion for style. Her fashion sense has drawn parallels to figures such as Leigh Bowery, Isabella Blow, and Cher—whose aesthetic she admired during childhood. Gaga formed a close bond with British designer Alexander McQueen prior to his passing and gained recognition for donning his signature pieces like the armadillo heels. Donatella Versace serves as one of her muses; Versace herself has referred to Gaga as "the fresh Donatella." Furthermore, Gaga expresses admiration for Princess Diana.

In addition to music and fashion, Gaga finds inspiration in Indian alternative medicine advocate Deepak Chopra, whom she regards as a "true inspiration." She has also drawn on the philosophies of Indian thinker Osho, particularly his perspectives on creativity and equality, which have influenced her views on rebellion expressed through artistic innovation.

Musical style and themes

Critics have extensively analyzed Gaga’s musical approach and stagecraft, emphasizing her constant evolution—a process she describes as "liberating" and one she has embraced since her youth. Her synesthesia—the ability to perceive colors when composing music—plays a significant role in her creative workflow: "Every song is a different shade." She merges various genres, notably infusing rock elements into pop and dance music while also experimenting with jazz and other non-mainstream styles. Classified as a contralto vocalist, her range extends from B♭2 to B5. She frequently varies her vocal delivery; for example, Born This Way showcases the full breadth of her vocal capabilities. Entertainment Weekly commended her for subtle vocal artistry rather than mere vocal power.

Evan Sawdey from PopMatters observed that The Fame naturally energizes listeners. Gaga maintains that "all good music can be played on a piano and still sound like a hit." Simon Reynolds characterized her sound as relentlessly catchy early-2000s pop infused with electroclash elements.

Her discography explores a variety of themes: The Fame delves into the desire for celebrity; The Fame Monster exposes fame’s darker aspects through metaphorical monsters; Born This Way incorporates multilingual lyrics addressing topics such as sexuality, love, faith, wealth, identity, freedom, and individuality while exploring electronic rock and techno influences. Artpop conveys personal reflections on fame, feminism, empowerment, addiction recovery, and media scrutiny through R&B, techno, disco, and rock styles. With Cheek to Cheek, she ventured into jazz; Joanne blends country, funk, pop, dance, rock, electronic sounds, and folk inspired by intimate experiences. The soundtrack for A Star Is Born combines blues rock, country music, and bubblegum pop with themes of transformation and emotional hardship.

Returning to dance-pop on Chromatica, Gaga addressed mental health challenges through her music. Love for Sale serves as a tribute to Cole Porter while expanding her jazz repertoire; Harlequin draws creative influence from her role in Joker: Folie à Deux. With Mayhem, she revisits the pop sound cherished by early followers. Described by Billboard as a "chaotic blur of genres," this album incorporates synth-pop fused with industrial dance alongside electro, disco, industrial pop, rock, and pop rock elements. Its lyrics explore love, disorder, fame, identity, and desire using metaphors related to transformation and excess.

Videos and stage

Lady Gaga's music videos are frequently characterized as short cinematic pieces, distinguished by frequent costume transformations and striking imagery. Her video for "Telephone" set a Guinness World Record for the highest number of product placements in a single music video. Scholar Curtis Fogel observes that Gaga delves into themes of bondage and sadomasochism while underscoring feminist messages. Recurring motifs in her work include sexuality, aggression, and authority; Gaga has described herself as somewhat feminist and as an advocate for female sexual empowerment. In 2020, Billboard placed her sixth on its list of "The 100 Greatest Music Video Artists of All Time," noting that "Lady Gaga" has become synonymous with transformative visual music storytelling.

Described by Rolling Stone as "one of the greatest living musical performers," Gaga is renowned for her meticulous attention to detail in elaborate productions. Her live shows are praised for being both innovative and highly engaging; particularly notable was her blood-spurting rendition of "Paparazzi" at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, widely regarded as one of the best performances in VMA history. This thematic intensity carried over into The Monster Ball Tour, which faced protests in England following the Cumbria shootings.

At the 2011 MTV VMAs, Gaga took on her male alter ego Jo Calderone, appearing in drag and delivering a monologue prior to performing "You and I." She developed this persona to embody qualities she admired in men and traits she felt were missing within herself; by 2025, she confirmed that Calderone was "no longer with us." Laurieann Gibson worked as Gaga's choreographer and creative director for four years before Richard Jackson assumed the role in 2014.

A 2018 feature by Billboard traced Gaga’s visual evolution from "Just Dance" through to her film work in A Star Is Born, noting a stylistic shift after the Artpop period toward a more pared-down aesthetic evident in singles from Joanne, such as "Perfect Illusion," which showcased simpler visuals and wardrobe choices. This progression persisted into her cinematic roles and stage identity. In its review of The Chromatica Ball (2022), Variety emphasized Gaga’s decision to retain her signature avant-garde persona rather than fully adopting the raw authenticity presented during Joanne and A Star Is Born.

Public image

Public opinion regarding Gaga’s music, fashion sense, and overall persona remains divided. Her eccentric fashion choices have been integral to her branding. Early comparisons by the media likened her style to that of Christina Aguilera. When she met then-president Barack Obama at a Human Rights Campaign event, he described her as "intimidating," largely due to her towering 16-inch heels, which made her the tallest woman present. In a 2009 interview with Barbara Walters, she dismissed intersex rumors as mere urban legends while expressing a strong connection to androgyny.

At the 2011 Grammy Awards, a gathering of 121 women dressed like Gaga set the Guinness World Record for the Largest Assembly of Lady Gaga Impersonators. The Global Language Monitor recognized "Lady Gaga" as the Top Fashion Buzzword, with her distinctive "no pants" look ranking third. Entertainment Weekly included her ensembles among the decade’s best for bringing performance art into mainstream fashion. People named her the Best Dressed Star of 2021, praising her sophisticated streetwear style.

Included in Time’s All-Time 100 Fashion Icons list, Gaga is noted for wearing outfits crafted from unconventional materials such as plastic bubbles, Kermit the Frog dolls, and raw meat. Her infamous raw beef dress at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards—accompanied by matching boots, purse, and hat—attracted global media attention. The ensemble earned accolades from Vogue as one of the Best Dressed individuals of 2010 and was designated Time’s Fashion Statement of the Year. It also sparked controversy from animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The dress was subsequently exhibited at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in 2012 and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.

Gaga’s fanbase is affectionately known as "Little Monsters," a phrase she has tattooed on herself. In an article for Vice, Jake Hall credited Gaga with pioneering online fandom culture that influenced fan communities for artists such as Taylor Swift, Rihanna, and Justin Bieber. In July 2012, she launched LittleMonsters.com, a dedicated social platform for her fans. Scott Hardy, CEO of Polaroid, commended Gaga for inspiring her followers and maintaining close engagement through social media channels.

Censorship

In 2011, Malaysian broadcaster AMP Radio Networks edited out lyrics from Gaga's "Born This Way" that referenced LGBTQ topics, adhering to government regulations on content considered inappropriate. That same year, China's Ministry of Culture prohibited six tracks from the album across all Chinese music platforms, citing concerns over "poor taste and vulgar content."

When releasing her album Artpop in China in 2014, modifications were made to the cover art to obscure her nearly nude image, and the song "Sexxx Dreams" was retitled "X Dreams." In 2016, after Gaga met with the Dalai Lama, Chinese authorities branded her as a hostile foreign entity, instructing state media and online outlets to halt distribution of her work. Additionally, the Publicity Department of the Chinese Communist Party directed media to publicly denounce the meeting.

Chinese streaming services like Mango TV censored or removed Gaga’s appearances during the 91st Academy Awards in 2019 and Friends: The Reunion in 2021, which led to dissatisfaction among fans in China.

Philanthropy

Although she was unable to participate in "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" due to tour rehearsals, Gaga contributed proceeds from her January 2010 concert at Radio City Music Hall and all earnings from her online merchandise sales toward Haiti’s reconstruction, raising $500,000. After the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, she created a Japan Prayer Bracelet, donating all profits and accumulating $1.5 million for relief efforts. In June 2011, Gaga took part in an MTV Japan charity event supporting the Japanese Red Cross.

In 2012, she became involved with Artists Against Fracking and was awarded the LennonOno Grant for Peace by Yoko Ono. Following Hurricane Sandy, she pledged $1 million to the American Red Cross. Gaga also contributed significantly to HIV/AIDS awareness through her partnership with MAC Cosmetics on their Viva Glam lipstick campaign, which has generated over $202 million in funds.

Gaga endorsed Vice President Joe Biden’s It's On Us initiative against sexual assault on college campuses in April 2016. Two months later, she joined the Dalai Lama at the 84th Annual US Conference of Mayors to discuss themes of compassion and kindness.

In April 2020, Gaga co-curated the televised benefit event One World: Together at Home alongside Global Citizen, raising $127 million for the World Health Organization's COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund—making it one of the most lucrative charity concerts ever held. For her activism during the 2020 George Floyd protests, she was honored with the Yolanda Denise King High Ground Award by the King Center in January 2021; during her acceptance speech, she denounced racism and white supremacy while underscoring her responsibility as a leading artist.

Born This Way Foundation

Gaga established the Born This Way Foundation (BTWF) in 2012 to empower young people, naming it after her 2011 single and album. The foundation’s launch event at Harvard University featured prominent figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Deepak Chopra, and US Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius. Initial funding included $1.2 million from Gaga herself, $500,000 from the MacArthur Foundation, and $850,000 contributed by Barneys New York.<ref> In July 2012, BTWF collaborated with Office Depot on exclusive back-to-school merchandise, donating 25% of sales—guaranteeing a $1 million contribution.<ref> Among its initiatives is the "Born Brave Bus," a mobile youth drop-in center that travels with Gaga to raise awareness against bullying.<ref>

In October 2015, Gaga participated with policymakers and scholars at Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence to discuss fostering emotional awareness for constructive outcomes.<ref> By 2016, BTWF had partnered with Intel, Vox Media, and Recode to combat online harassment.<ref> Proceeds from the 99th issue of V magazine featuring Gaga and Kinney were donated to BTWF.<ref> In May that year, Gaga and Elton John launched a Love Bravery clothing collection at Macy's, allocating 25% of sales to both their foundations.<ref> In June 2017, BTWF joined Starbucks’ "Cups of Kindness" campaign where 25 cents per beverage sold supported the foundation.<ref> Additionally, Gaga appeared in a video for Staples Inc. endorsing BTWF alongside DonorsChoose.org.<ref>

On World Kindness Day in 2018, BTWF aided California wildfire evacuees through partnerships with Starbucks and SoulCycle, supporting firefighters; Gaga herself was evacuated during the Woolsey Fire.<ref> In March 2019, she announced a pilot program on teen mental health first aid developed with the National Council for Behavioral Health, sharing insights from her own mental health journey.<ref><ref>

September 2020 saw Gaga release Channel Kindness: Stories of Kindness and Community, an anthology compiling 51 narratives collected by BTWF; she promoted it via a "BeKind21" social media initiative.<ref> In 2021, she teamed up with Dom Pérignon on a limited edition Rosé Vintage 2005 paired with a sculpture; sales generated $570,000 for BTWF.<ref><ref> On World Kindness Day that year, Gaga unveiled The Power of Kindness, a special exploring kindness and mental health featuring experts and youth participants.<ref>

LGBTQ advocacy

As a woman who identifies as bisexual, Gaga attributes a significant portion of her initial mainstream breakthrough to her enthusiastic LGBTQ supporters and is widely acknowledged as a gay icon. Early in her career, she encountered challenges securing radio play and recognized the LGBTQ community as pivotal to her success. In the liner notes of The Fame, she expressed gratitude to FlyLife, an LGBTQ-focused marketing agency based in Manhattan that partnered with her label, Interscope. One of her earliest televised appearances took place at the 2008 NewNowNext Awards, broadcast on the LGBTQ network Logo TV.

Gaga delivered a speech at the 2009 National Equality March and, at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, she appeared alongside four former LGBTQ military personnel impacted by the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. She encouraged her audience to advocate for the policy’s repeal by contacting senators and spoke at a Servicemembers Legal Defense Network demonstration in Portland, Maine, earning accolades from The Advocate as a "fierce advocate."

During Europride 2011 in Rome, Gaga openly criticized Europe's insufficient protections for gay rights and described LGBTQ individuals as "revolutionaries of love." After the suicide of teenager Jamey Rodemeyer—who cited Gaga as an inspiration—she met with President Barack Obama to discuss combating anti-gay bullying and subsequently endorsed him in the 2012 US presidential race. That same year, she was ordained by the Universal Life Church to officiate marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples.

In June 2016, Gaga took part in a vigil held in Los Angeles honoring victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting, where she read aloud the names of those lost and appeared in tribute videos produced by the Human Rights Campaign. She was among nearly 200 music industry leaders who signed Billboard's Open Letter on Gun Violence advocating for universal background checks and supported the 2018 March for Our Lives demonstration.

Gaga publicly opposed President Donald Trump’s administration, particularly denouncing his ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, and endorsed Hillary Clinton during the 2016 election. In 2018, she criticized Trump's efforts to legally redefine sex in ways that excluded transgender Americans and actively promoted the #WontBeErased campaign.

In January 2019, during her Enigma residency show, Gaga condemned Vice President Mike Pence due to his wife's involvement with an evangelical school known for excluding LGBTQ people, labeling him "the worst representation of what it means to be a Christian." She also honored the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots at WorldPride NYC 2019 with events outside the Stonewall Inn.

Following the 2024 US presidential election—where Gaga supported Kamala Harris—she reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for transgender rights after setbacks experienced during Trump’s tenure.

Legacy

In 2011, Rolling Stone dubbed Gaga the "Queen of Pop" based on her record sales and social media influence. The following year, she placed fourth on VH1’s list of Greatest Women in Music and was featured in the exhibit The Elevated. From the Pharaoh to Lady Gaga at Warsaw’s National Museum.

Renowned for using controversy as a platform to spotlight issues, Gaga’s infamous meat dress served as a protest against the US military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy and helped shape red carpet protest fashion. Billboard honored her as "Greatest Pop Star of 2009," recognizing both her swift ascent and transformative reinvention. Her debut album The Fame is included among Rolling Stone’’’s 100 Greatest Debut Albums and credited with popularizing synth-pop and electronic dance music (EDM) throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s.

According to The New Yorker, Gaga revolutionized celebrity culture by treating fame as an evolving artistic endeavor. Rolling Stone ranked Born This Way among the top 50 female albums ever recorded, highlighting her profound cultural influence. Time magazine described her as a pioneer of contemporary pop spectacle. By 2025, Variety recognized her impact on emerging artists who incorporate elements of her theatrical approach.

A 2017 analysis identified Gaga’s tracks "Bad Romance," "Alejandro," and "Poker Face" as some of the most infectious melodies. NPR named her the second most influential female artist of this century, while Billboard ranked her fifth on its 2024 list of Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century and sixth on its 2025 compilation of Top Women Artists. Her artistic influence extends across performers such as Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Ellie Goulding, Halsey, Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Sam Smith, Cardi B, Blackpink, Doja Cat, Kanye West, among many others.

Academic institutions have incorporated studies focusing on Gaga’s cultural significance and fame into their curricula. The University of South Carolina offers a course titled "Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame," while the University of Virginia examines themes of gender and identity through her work. Additional universities including Arizona State University and Tufts University have conducted research into various aspects of her phenomenon.

Beyond music recognition, a genus of ferns named Gaga, along with species such as G. germanotta and G. monstraparva, were named after her fans’ "monster claw" emblem. Furthermore, an extinct mammal called Gagadon minimonstrum, a parasitic wasp known as Aleiodes gaga, and a treehopper species named Kaikaia gaga also bear names honoring her.

In Taichung, Taiwan, July 3 is celebrated annually as "Lady Gaga Day" commemorating her inaugural visit in 2011. In May 2021, West Hollywood proclaimed May 23 as "Born This Way Day" marking the tenth anniversary of that album’s release and its significance within the LGBTQ community; this occasion was marked by unveiling a street mural featuring a pride flag alongside the album title on Robertson Boulevard as a tribute.

Achievements

Lady Gaga has earned an impressive array of accolades, including fourteen Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Sports Emmy, two Golden Globes, a BAFTA, eighteen MTV Video Music Awards (featuring the first-ever Tricon Award), three Brit Awards, and eighteen Guinness World Records. She was honored with the first-ever Contemporary Icon Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Young Artist Award from the National Arts Awards, the Grammy Museum Jane Ortner Artist Award, and the Fashion Icon award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. In 2019, she made history as the first woman to secure an Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Grammy all within the same year for her contributions to the A Star Is Born soundtrack. Rolling Stone recognized her as one of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time in 2023.

With estimated record sales reaching 124 million worldwide, Gaga ranks among the best-selling music artists globally and has delivered some of the highest-selling singles ever recorded. She stands as the only female artist to have four singles—"Just Dance," "Poker Face," "Bad Romance," and "Shallow"—each surpassing 10 million copies sold internationally. By 2022, her live performances—including tours and residencies—had generated over $689.5 million in revenue from an audience totaling 6.3 million, placing her fifth among female artists in total tour earnings according to Billboard Boxscore. She was awarded Pollstar's Pop Touring Artist of the Decade for the 2010s. Gaga is also among the leading digital singles artists in the United States with 87.5 million equivalent units certified by RIAA and was the first female recipient of their Digital Diamond Award. Furthermore, she is one of a select group of artists with three Diamond-certified tracks ("Bad Romance," "Poker Face," "Just Dance") and holds the distinction of being the first artist to have two songs exceed seven million downloads.

Billboard named Gaga its Artist of the Year in 2010, features her on its Greatest of All Time Artists list, and credits her with a record-breaking 211 weeks at number one on its Dance/Electronic Albums chart. Six of her singles have appeared on IFPI's annual Top 10 Global Singles list, setting a record for the most entries by any female artist.

Guinness World Records acknowledged Gaga as Twitter’s most followed individual from 2011 to 2013, declared her the most famous celebrity in 2013, and recognized her as the most influential popstar in 2014. Forbes included her on their Celebrity 100 list between 2010–2015 and again from 2018–2020, crowning her at number one in 2011. She appeared on Forbes' World's Most Powerful Women list consecutively from 2010 to 2014 and was titled Most Powerful Musician in 2013. Time magazine featured Gaga among its 100 Most Influential People worldwide in both 2010 and 2019; additionally, she placed second in a readers’ poll ranking influential figures of the past decade.

As of October 2020, Forbes estimated Lady Gaga’s net worth at $150 million (down from $275 million in 2016). The publication named her the highest-paid female musician globally in 2011 with earnings of $90 million and ranked her fourth among top-earning female musicians for the entire decade of the 2010s with $500 million. In 2012, Billboard reported her as fourth among top earners with $25 million generated through album sales and touring.

Discography

Solo studio albums

Collaborative studio albums

Tours and residencies

Major headlining tours

Joint headlining tours

Residency performances

Filmography

Cinema

Television appearances

See also

Literary sources

External links

CategoryInterscope Records artists CategoryLee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute alumni CategoryLiving people CategoryMTV Europe Music Award winners CategoryMTV Video Music Award winners CategoryMusicians from Manhattan CategoryNME Awards winners Obscenity controversies in music People from the Upper West Side People with fibromyalgia People with post-traumatic stress disorder Philanthropists from New York (state) American Music Awards winners Record producers from New York (state) 'Shorty Award winners' 'Singer-songwriters from New York (state)' 'Singers from New York City' 'Sony Music Publishing artists' 'Sports Emmy' award winners' 'Webby' award winners' 'American women founders' 'American founders' 'Writers from Manhattan'

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