Not so long ago, an unknown teenager was waitressing and singing in New York clubs, trying to get
recognition. That young woman was Lady Gaga, and she’s currently one of the biggest superstars around.
She has sold millions of records and won the world’s most prestigious music awards. She is followed on
Twitter and Facebook by more fans than any other celebrity. Even people who dislike her have to admit:
Lady Gaga is a phenomenon.
Lady Gaga was born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta in 1986 in New York City. She’s always been a
musician – she began playing the piano at the age of four, and before turning 20, she was hired to write
songs for Britney Spears and other well-known singers. Today she writes all her own songs. But musical
talent isn’t enough to become a superstar almost overnight. So what is it that makes her such a huge hit?
For one thing, her style is original and unique. Dazzling sets and weird special effects make her
performances and videos an intense and often shocking entertainment experience. Most of all, her
spectacular costumes and bizarre make-up and hairdos are always fascinating to see. They’re all designed by
her, together with a team of her closest friends called the Haus of Gaga.
Lady Gaga has been criticised for being too outrageous. The fact is, she celebrates being strange – and
directly appeals to kids who don’t fit in. Calling her fans her Little Monsters, she encourages them to stand
up for themselves. At a recent concert, she asked kids not to leave the performance loving her more, but
loving themselves more.
Lady Gaga believes in giving. After the terrible earthquake and tsunami in Japan in 2011, she was quick to
take action. She posted adverts for a bracelet that she had designed and she had all money from the sales
sent to Japan. She also supports causes such as helping the homeless and preventing AIDS.
Some disturbing questions may be raised by Lady Gaga’s popularity. Why do we want to be shocked? Are
such bizarre techniques really needed in order to hold our attention? What effect does she have on young
fans who look up to her? Like other superstars, Lady Gaga may